Qualcomm introduced XPAN in 2023, and the first products that will utilize this new standard were initially anticipated to arrive in 2024. However, there have been no visible signs of Wi-Fi headphones as of now. This is set to change, as Qualcomm has announced that the first wireless XPAN earbuds will be available “very soon.”
Launch Details Yet to be Revealed
While specific information about the initial headphones and their launch timing remains unclear, Qualcomm appears optimistic that its new audio technology will soon be accessible to consumers. For XPAN to function, headphones and earbuds need to have a Snapdragon S7+ Gen 1 chip, and the smartphone or tablet they connect to must also possess a Qualcomm chipset with XPAN capability. When these specifications are satisfied, high-fidelity music can be transmitted losslessly at up to 24-bit and 192 kHz with a bandwidth reaching up to 29 Mbps. This figure is around 29 times greater than what Qualcomm aptX Lossless can offer through Bluetooth.
Low Latency and Extended Range
XPAN is said to provide very low latency, even at this high data transfer rate, making it a great choice for gamers too. The wireless range is reportedly much longer than that of Bluetooth, with Qualcomm highlighting that headphones can maintain their connection throughout an entire building. Although XPAN is designed to be more energy-efficient than traditional Wi-Fi, it’s expected to use more power than Bluetooth. Nevertheless, the chip can automatically switch from XPAN to Bluetooth when streaming lossy content. Additionally, XPAN supports spatial audio and allows for simultaneous playback from multiple devices, much like Bluetooth Multipoint does.
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