Microsoft is constantly looking to expand its device portfolio with new products, and if a recently discovered patent comes to fruition, the software giant will release its own smart headphones.
The recent patent titled “Headphones with Adjustable Cable System.” describes a new headphone design that incorporates not only adjustable cables but also several sensors that enable a range of functions, such as automatically pausing music playback when the headset is removed.
Using Bluetooth to connect to a device, headphones could have batteries on the left and right sides, although the company explains in the patent that the battery module could be used in a single connector to leave room for other tech features like sensors.
Interestingly, the software giant also envisions more advanced functionality that could be enabled by these sensors.
Detected removal of at least one speaker/headphone unit from the user's ear may change a mode of operation of the headset device, e.g., causing the automatic pausing of media playback associated with at least one of the headphones to cease. This may be done by blocking the audio signal to at least one speaker/headphone or by tapping the media player connected to the speakers/headphones either via a physical auxiliary cable or via short-range wireless technology, such as Bluetooth.
Once the headphones are placed back in the ear, music playback automatically restarts, helping to save battery life when not in use.
In conclusion, let us note that a patent is in no way confirmation that a specific product is ready to enter mass production, but Microsoft certainly has every reason to do so.
