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Forward-looking: Samsung is expected to unveil its next-generation foldables at its Unpacked event in July. A new rumor suggests that the event could also mark the debut of the South Korean tech giant’s first bone conduction headphones, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7.
The information comes from prolific tipster Ice Universe, who claims that the rumored device will feature an Open Wireless Stereo design, unlike the Galaxy Buds. This means the headphones will rest outside the ear canal and transmit sound around the ear rather than inside it. He also states that the headphones are internally codenamed “Able,” but other details, including specifications, pricing, and availability, remain unclear.
A report from the South Korean outlet Sedaily adds that Samsung aims to ship around 1.7 million units of the new earphones this year. This figure represents approximately 15 percent of the annual earphone shipments from the company’s MX (Mobile Experience) division.
Bone-conducting earphones have been around for several years, but the technology has yet to catch on with mainstream consumers. However, proponents swear by them, believing they offer a safer and more comfortable audio experience.
Unlike traditional audio devices, bone conduction headphones bypass the eardrums, transmitting sound through the skull and cheekbones directly to the cochlea, where it is processed by the auditory nerve. This eliminates the risk of hearing loss or ear infections, even after extended periods of use.
Another notable benefit of this technology is that it allows users to hear ambient noise without compromising sound quality or blocking the ear canals. While it may reduce the immersive experience to some extent, it significantly improves safety – especially when listening to music while jogging or cycling on public roads – by allowing users to better hear trains, car horns, and other warning sounds.
Bone conduction devices remain somewhat niche, so it will be interesting to see who Samsung targets as the primary audience for its upcoming earphones. The market is already filled with bone conduction products from brands like Shokz, Phillips, H2O, Mojawa, and others, so Samsung’s success may depend on how it positions its product to attract loyal customers.
Existing companies in the segment will likely hope that Samsung’s entry will bring more mainstream media attention to the technology, thus expanding the overall market. It remains to be seen whether this will happen, and whether bone conduction earphones will become more mainstream in the coming years.
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