The company launches a new integrated technology that re-architects the audio path of a mobile device to enhance how consumers interact with
voice-activated interfaces and provide significant power savings
ITASCA, Ill.
– November 19, 2015 – Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN) announces the release of VoiceIQ™, the world’s first "always listening" smart
microphone capable of automatically adapting its performance to the acoustic environment and enabling voice interfaces on a mobile handset with significant
power savings.
There is strong consumer demand for devices with advanced always-on capabilities, such as a voice-enabled digital assistant and hands-free interface.
However, always-on capabilities traditionally require constant power, which either drains the battery of a mobile device or requires an electrical outlet.
With VoiceIQ, manufacturers are free to provide these capabilities with a significantly lower impact on the battery life or tethering consumers to an
electrical outlet.
To develop the industry’s first smart microphone for mobile devices and wearables, Knowles’ engineers developed a new architecture of the audio system
pathways. The new architecture integrates an audio processing algorithm with acoustic activity detection directly into a multi-mode digital microphone. By
embedding an algorithm directly into the microphone, the intelligent solution recognizes when the audio chain should be awakened and when it should remain
in sleep mode. This adaptive process creates a positive impact on the battery life.
Recognizing the growing trend of voice-enabled digital assistants and hands-free interfaces, VoiceIQ recognizes when the audio chain should be awakened and
when it should remain in sleep mode. Consumers will soon be able to wake-up a portable device and launch specific commands from across a room with a single
phrase, rather than touching a button or the screen to activate a digital assistant or interface. VoiceIQ also adapts to environmental noise, predicts the
surroundings, such as a crowded restaurant versus a library, and dynamically adjusts its thresholds to detect the user’s voice.
"Our knowledge of the industry and close collaboration with our customers allows us to bring new innovations like VoiceIQ to market," said Thibault Kassir,
Vice President of Product Management, Mobile Consumer Electronics. "This is another milestone in our transformation from an acoustics company to an audio
solutions provider."
To extend the reach of voice-activated interfaces and ease the product design process, Knowles worked with Qualcomm Technologies International,
Ltd., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, to pair VoiceIQ with the
CSR8670 and CSR8675 Bluetooth® audio system-on-chip solutions. The CSR8670 and CSR8675, products of Qualcomm
Technologies International, Ltd., include an advanced audio DSP, an application processor with embedded flash memory, a high-performance stereo codec, a
power management subsystem, and up to six digital microphone inputs that support manufacturers in the delivery of enhanced quality audio output and create
feature rich devices.
"For consumers to buy in and connect to the Internet of Things the experience needs to be seamless and intuitive," said Anthony Murray, senior vice
president and general manager, IoE, Qualcomm Technologies International Ltd. "By combining our world leading expertise in Bluetooth audio with the Knowles
Smart microphone solution, we are able to provide our customers with a unique platform to create truly always-on devices including smart headphones, smart
speakers and smartwatches."
This solution changes how consumers interact with their devices; rather than interacting with a smartphone to activate a voice-interface or digital
assistant, consumers can simply speak to their Bluetooth connected devices for seamless hands-free control.
"Enabling adaptive processing and always listening technology with VoiceIQ is another key contribution from Knowles to advance technologies and redefine
the system architecture of mobile consumer electronic devices," said Bertrand Renaud, Product Line Manager, Mobile Consumer Electronics. "Knowles is
redefining how consumers interact with their devices and we are enthusiastic to share that VoiceIQ with product designers and application engineers."
The VoiceIQ smart microphone solution is now available. For more information, please contact a Knowles representative.
Product Details
· Product: VoiceIQ
· Part Number: IA200; IA201
· Measurements: 3.50 x 2.65 x 0.98 mm
Product Features
· Multi-mode architecture to meet portable design use cases: voice call, video recording, voice trigger, etc.
· Ultra low power consumption in "always listening" mode of 0.4 milliwatts (mW) at 1.8V
· Built-in adaptive Acoustic Activity Detect (AAD) engine to detect acoustic signature of voice with best in class performance in noisy environments
· Design with interrupt management to wake up downstream audio system pathways
About Knowles Corporation
Knowles Corporation (NYSE: KN) is a market leader and global supplier of advanced micro-acoustic, audio processing, and specialty component solutions,
serving the mobile consumer electronics, communications, medical, military, aerospace, and industrial markets. Knowles uses its leading position in MEMS
(micro-electro-mechanical systems) microphones and strong capabilities in speaker, receiver, and audio processing technologies to optimize audio systems
and improve the user experience in smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Knowles is also the leader in acoustics components used in hearing aids and has a
strong position in high end oscillators (timing devices) and capacitors. Knowles’ focus on the customer, combined with unique technology, proprietary
manufacturing techniques, rigorous testing and global scale, enables it to deliver innovative solutions that optimize the user experience. Founded in 1946
and headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, Knowles has nearly than 13,000 employees in 16 countries around the world. For more information, visit
www.knowles.com
.
CSR is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries. Bluetooth is a registered trademark
of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Other product and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Contacts:
Media
Melissa York
Knowles Communications
630-238-5242
Melissa.York@Knowles.com
Investors
Mike Knapp
Knowles Investor Relations
630-238-5236
Mike.Knapp@Knowles.com