Samsung recently filed a patent suggesting the adoption of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology for its future earbuds. This advance would make it possible to overcome the current limitations of Bluetooth, whose restricted bandwidth prevents the transmission of high-resolution audio without loss of quality.
Will UWB replace Bluetooth?
Although Bluetooth is a cornerstone for wireless connectivity, its ability to deliver high-fidelity audio is limited. Only CD-quality (16-bit) audio files can be transmitted losslessly and in the best possible conditions. UWB, with its much higher data transfer rate and low latency, could offer uncompromising sound, while consuming less energy than Bluetooth.
According to the patent spotted by 91mobiles, UWB would not replace, but complement Bluetooth initially, before gradually replacing it, ensuring a reliable connection between the source device and earbuds.
Samsung would use Bluetooth to establish the initial connection between the source device and the main earbud. Once this connection is made, a UWB connection would be created between the source device and the main earbud, then another with the second earbud. The source device would then send UWB data transfer and control instructions to the first earbud, which would receive them before transmitting them to the second. Once data transmission via UWB is established, the Bluetooth connection is deactivated.
Bluetooth will play a key role in establishing the connection and managing commands, while UWB will transmit audio data.
Advantages and disadvantages of UWB
One of the main advantages of UWB is that it supports a wider bandwidth than Bluetooth. It can therefore be used to transfer larger quantities of data quickly. In addition, it can be less sensitive to interference, offering greater stability. The standard is also very energy-efficient, which could help extend the autonomy of portable devices. Finally, it can coexist with other wireless protocols such as Bluetooth.
Despite its potential to deliver better audio quality, its range is limited compared with Bluetooth, and its adoption requires source devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) to be compatible with this technology.
Although this technology is still in the development phase, it could well be the key to a high-fidelity wireless listening experience, provided it becomes more widespread in the years to come.
