Voice-over-BLE targets wearable applications

10th June 2015

Siobhan O'Gorman

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Datasheet

Voice control that can make wearable technology simpler and more battery-friendly just became easier to add with software-based innovations from STMicroelectronics. With the BlueVoice software, designers get all the drivers and libraries they need to implement voice transmission over a BLE connection in systems built around ST’s STM32 MCUs, BlueNRG ultra-low-power network processors, and digital MEMS microphones.

BLE also offers advantages alongside WiFi and ZigBee in remote-control units for home-automation systems. ST’s development platform with BlueVoice software is suitable for implementing voice and gesture control using a MEMS microphone and motion sensors, to implement a more intuitive and natural user-interface.

Based on the STM32Cube platform, the osxBlueVoice middleware and BlueVoiceLink SDK are part of the open.AUDIO licensing program, which supports designers working with ST’s MEMS digital microphones. open.AUDIO is linked to the STM32 Open Development Environment, which provides powerful support for designers using STM32 ARM Cortex 32-bit MCUs in embedded projects.

The wearables sector is taking off, with the arrival of sophisticated new products such as smart watches. Research firm IHS predicts the market will reach 135m units by 2019 and sees designs becoming smarter and more sensor-rich to support advanced functions. Ease of use and extended battery life are already important points for buyers to consider, and voice control can enhance both by minimising touchscreen usage.