When the topic of Apple expanding into wearable computing comes up, few people are likely thinking that a logical starting point is a new hearing aid.
But according to numerous reports, that is exactly the direction Apple is heading in. The Danish-based, fourth-largest hearing aid manufacturer in the world has been collaborating with Apple to develop a device, called the LiNX, that will allow users to stream voice and music from their iOS devices without the need for an intermediary device.
The LiNX — which will use a 2.4GHz connection — is reportedly due to ship in the first quarter of 2014.
Analysts Morgan Stanley calls it the “first attempt to turn a hearing aid into more of a lifestyle product.”
Apple has been pursuing this area for some time: filing a number a patents over the course of this year according to Patently Apple.
If the idea of a next generation hearing aid device seems like small beans to you (and, thinking about it, why should it?) consider this: the market is valued at an estimated $15 billion — around one-third of the total global tablet market.
Source: ZDNet
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
One response to “Apple’s First Foray Into Wearable Computing To Be iHearing Aid?”
If it streams music as well as voice calls, this will not just be limited to people who need hearing aids, it is essentially a very usable bluetooth device for ALL… I would certainly be interested in this for snowboarding as it means no big bulky headphones, and just one ear music is much better then i can still hear what is happening around me…!!! ;)