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Breaking the sound barrier: How Upbeat Technology is paving the way for crystal-clear wireless audio
Upbeat Technology, a Taiwan-based tech startup, has successfully raised an accumulation of US$ 11 million in funding, to develop its audio technology. Their primary breakthrough revolves around the integration of "bone conduction technology" into earphone microphones.
This technology, known as the "MEMS Bone-Conduction Microphone UPM01", effectively discerns between ambient noise and the user's voice, enhancing the clarity of sound transmission in wireless earbuds and even hearing aids. As tech giant Qualcomm has identified the potential of the startup, they stroke the collaboration that will allow Upbeat Technology’s products to be sold on Qualcomm's platform.
Veterans at Silicon Valley together build earphones that “Apple would want”
The minds behind Upbeat Technology bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, which may explain the startup's edge. Co-founders Jerry Chen and Da-Ming Chiang are former Silicon Valley engineers who have worked at major tech companies for several years. Jerry Chen, the CEO, graduated from the Department of Electrical Engineering at National Cheng Kung University and moved to the United States in 1993, where he worked at Intel for approximately 5 years. Daming Chiang, an expert in AI, also spent a significant amount of time at Intel in the United States, clocking in 20 years at the company.
Their background in IC design has given them a mature perspective on the opportunities that MEMS technology offers. Taiwan’s robust IC design ecosystem provided an additional advantage, enabling thorough testing and validation of their product. From previous work experience, Jerry believes that when launching a new product, it's essential to engage with top-tier customers globally. This business acumen has influenced Upbeat Technology's approach;
Jerry was initially "forced" to find innovative ways to connect with potential customers and share the company's future vision. This proactive strategy of reaching out to industry leaders and discussing long-term goals has been instrumental in positioning Upbeat Technology as a serious contender in the international marketplace.
Making earphones excel than all, Upbeat Technology plays a “game changer” in an audio device
The popularity of wireless earphones, led by products like Apple's AirPods, has revolutionized how we experience audio on the go. However, the technology isn't without its challenges; the placement of the microphone in wireless earphones is farther from the mouth, making it prone to capture environmental noise. This has led to a pressing question: how can voice transmission be improved for clarity in such devices? It's a technical conundrum that has yet to find a perfect solution.
Upbeat Technology is stepping up to address this issue of wearable technology. Their product, termed MEMS, is currently in the sampling phase and features low power consumption, suitable for small devices like earbuds and even smartwatches. What sets MEMS apart is its enhanced frequency response, capable of capturing signals from 5,000 Hz, while most earphones on the market now have a frequency range between 20 Hz and 2,500 Hz. A wider range of signals indicates more room for computational audio adjustments. The result is a more efficient noise-cancellation technology, making Upbeat Technology a competitive player in the quest for flawless audio.
"I believe this is the feature even Apple would want," says Chen, with the most ambitious goal in mind since day one. The company has set its sights high, aiming to integrate its technology into Apple's supply chain, making it a part of popular products like AirPods.
While most conventional earphones rely on air microphones that indiscriminately capture all sounds, including background noise, Upbeat Technology employs bone-conduction technology to deliver a more tailored audio experience. This advanced approach focuses solely on vibrations generated by the user's vocal cords, ensuring that only the vibrations translating to voice are transmitted. While this doesn't eliminate background noise, it does make the user's voice substantially clearer to the listener. Additionally, Upbeat's technology is adept at filtering out high frequencies, further enhancing voice clarity and making it a standout solution in the crowded field of audio technology.
In addition to its application in wireless earphones, Upbeat Technology's technology UPM01 can also help with the hearing aid. Traditional hearing aids sometimes amplify the wearer's voice, causing discomfort. Upbeat's UPM01 technology accurately differentiates the wearer's voice from others, reducing potential discomfort. This innovation has led to their inclusion in the "National Team for Hearing Aids" by Compal Electronics, marking their entry into a high-precision international supply chain.
Upbeat Technology also emphasizes the low power consumption of the UPM01, achieved through Near Threshold Computing (NTC) technology. This allows the device to operate at just one-sixth of the power requirements of comparable products in the market. Given the trend in wearables towards smaller devices and longer battery life, low power consumption is an essential feature. Upbeat plans to continue focusing on low-power solutions in their technology development roadmap.
As of now, Upbeat Technology has secured partnerships with major manufacturers Qualcomm, Dafa, and Realtek, targeting the high-end market. These collaborations have allowed Upbeat's products to be sold on multiple platforms, emphasizing their focus on premium market segments.
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