Qualcomm Launches New Wireless Earbud Chips

AirPods are a very good product, partially thanks to Apple creating its own audio processor.

Qualcomm wants AirPods competitors to also be very good. Yesterday, the California chipmaker announced new audio tech that bundles all the features audiophiles know and love.

The entry-level and premium bluetooth chips support stronger connections, active noise cancelations, voice assistants, and a longer battery life.

• The premium chip, the QCC514x, supports "always-on" voice assistant compatibility, which only Apple and Amazon buds currently have.

Bottom line: Tim Cook's doctrine states that Apple should own and control the primary technologies behind its products. Samsung's approach is similar. For wireless earbud manufacturers without doctrines, Qualcomm's new chip lineup could be a blessing.

P.S. If you're wondering how the photo relates to the story, it doesn't. It just looks cool.