Qualcomm Rolls Out Reference Design For Bluetooth Headset With Alexa

Qualcomm Technologies, a unit of chipmaker Qualcomm, announced Tuesday (October 23) the launch of a Bluetooth smart headset reference design featuring push-button activation support for Alexa users of Android phones with the Alexa app installed.

In a press release, Qualcomm Technologies said the reference design includes all the hardware and software needed for manufacturers to develop advanced Bluetooth headsets that support Alexa. The reference design also supports ultra-low power consumption so that the headsets will have extended playback and battery life. It also comes with Qualcomm’s noise reduction technology.

The chipmaker’s Qualcomm Technologies unit said this marks the first Bluetooth smart headset reference design built with support for the Alexa Mobile Accessory Kit. “Our consumer research shows that four out of five consumers have embraced voice services, but the vast majority are also looking for superb audio quality. The Qualcomm Smart Headset reference design brings this and more together, helping consumers to take advantage of Alexa on-the-go, without the need to interact with their phone,” Anthony Murray, senior vice president and general manager, voice and music, Qualcomm Technologies International, said in the press release. “With this solution, we expect to support companies big and small to develop innovative and exciting headsets covering a range of styles featuring Alexa.”

Qualcomm said the QCC5100-series SoC architecture is designed to deliver low power consumption and optimized to ensure longer audio playback time for both voice calls and music streaming. A dedicated application processor sub-system, dual DSP architecture and next-generation audio development kit software provide a  foundation for the development of highly differentiated audio products, the company said in the press release. The reference design is available now, noted Qualcomm Technologies.

“Qualcomm Technologies International’s headset reference design provides manufacturers with a simple way to build rich, voice-forward experiences into wearable devices,” said Priya Abani, director of the Alexa Voice Service, in the same press release. “We’re excited to have a solution that will help our customers to bring Alexa with them wherever they go.”