# Space-Scanning Smart Speakers The HiddenHUB Uses Infrared Sensors to Optimize Its Audio Levels By Cadhla Gray | Published 2015-09-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-speakers References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2015/09/14/hiddenhub-bluetooth-wifi-speaker/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2107726947/hiddenhub-wireless-hd-audio-meets-timeless-design) In order to enhance its audio output levels, Hidden's new smart speakers scan the room to determine its size and shape using infrared sensors. The HiddenHUB also uses an accelerometer to determine whether it is mounted sideways or right side up on a table. With this information, the smart speakers are able to distribute frequencies evenly throughout the room, across various Hubs or other [Bluetooth speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/immersive-audio-system). As if adding infrared sensors to a sound system wasn't enough, the [sleek design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aura-speaker) also boasts other benefits. Its simple circular top is touch-sensitive, with one tap starting or stopping the song and two taps skipping songs. To lower and raise the volume, the user can swipe the top of the Hub in a circle. Finally, there's an AutoPlay feature that senses when a person has left the house, turns the system off and plays the song from the place it left off upon return. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Multimedia](https://www.trendhunter.com/multimedia) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Room-scanning Smart Speakers:** The use of infrared sensors and accelerometers to determine the size and shape of a room allows for optimized audio distribution. - **Touch-sensitive Sound Systems:** Touch-responsive circular tops and swipe-based volume controls create a more intuitive user experience. - **Autoplay Sound Features:** Automatic song resumption when returning to the room and automatic system shut off when leaving the room simplify the user experience. ### Where This Applies - **Smart Home Technology:** Integrating room-scanning and touch-sensitive features into smart home sound systems presents a disruptive innovation opportunity. - **Consumer Electronics:** Developing more intuitive and user-friendly sound systems presents an opportunity in the consumer electronics industry. - **Audio Equipment:** Incorporating infrared sensors and accelerometers into audio equipment allows for optimized audio distribution and presents an opportunity for innovation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Acousto-Optic Smart Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-wireless-speaker-design.md) - [Smart Beaming Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noveto-n1.md) - [Immersive Multi-Room Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multiroom-speaker.md) - [Auto-Adjusting Smart Home Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-amazon-echo-show-8.md) - [AI-Powered Speaker Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/turningai-speaker.md) - [Drop-Shaped Smart Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pantheone-audio-obsidian.md) - [Shell-Inspired Speaker Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shell-intelligent.md) - [User-Following Speaker Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solros-speaker.md) - [See-Through Private Listening Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-directional-speaker.md)