Amidst the boom to technology in 2017, Google quietly purchased UK startup Redux who had focused research on surface speakers. The idea of surface speakers does not mean embedded speakers in a screen, but instead means turning the surface of the displays of phones and tablets into speakers. This feature is achieved by using vibrations to produce sound from the device's screen. The technology is still fairly new and while the sound quality is decent there is still room for improvement.
This acquisition by Google is particularly interesting because of the advancements that could be made thanks to the larger resources offered by the tech giant. The use of surface speakers could free up space in devices allowing for more internal hardware. While the idea of sound-emitting screens is incredibly interesting, perhaps the true innovation exists in the ability to implement haptic feedback. Haptic feedback would allow a touch screen to give tactile feedback to the user and could mimic the feel of buttons, sliders and dials. Early tests on Redux haptic feedback were promising and the hope is that this technology will be available soon.
Surface Speaker Technology
Google's Quiet Acquisition of Redux Could Lead to Amazing Innovation
Trend Themes
1. Surface Speakers - Google's acquisition of Redux could encourage more R&D into surface speaker technology, resulting in potential advancements in sound quality and speaker placement in devices.
2. Haptic Feedback - The implementation of haptic feedback through surface speakers has the potential to revolutionize the user experience of touch screens, allowing for tactile feedback and the simulation of physical controls.
3. Vibration-based Sound Technology - As the technology behind surface speakers and haptic feedback improves, more industries could integrate vibration-based sound technology into their products, potentially disrupting traditional speaker and control designs.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - Consumer electronics companies could benefit from the integration of surface speakers and haptic feedback in their products, providing users with more innovative experiences.
2. Smartphone and Tablet Manufacturing - Manufacturers of smartphones and tablets could potentially free up space in future devices for additional hardware by incorporating surface speaker technology.
3. Automotive Industry - The automotive industry could potentially integrate surface speaker technology and haptic feedback to improve audio systems and tactile controls in cars, potentially disrupting traditional knob, button, and slider designs.