ST launches voice-over-Bluetooth for wearables
12 August 2015
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
News
Voice control that can make wearable technology simpler and more battery-friendly just became easier to add with software-based innovations from STMicroelectronics.
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 135 million units by 2019 and will see 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.
With ST’s new BlueVoice software, designers get all the drivers and libraries they need to implement voice transmission over a Bluetooth Low Energy connection in systems built around the company’s STM32 microcontrollers, BlueNRG ultra-low-power network processors, and digital MEMS microphones. All these are available in stackable development boards for easy prototyping.
Bluetooth Low Energy also offers advantages alongside Wi-Fi and ZigBee in remote-control units (RCU) for home automation systems. ST’s development platform with BlueVoice software is ideal 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 new osxBlueVoice middleware and BlueVoiceLink software development kit (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 microcontrollers in embedded projects.
The BlueVoiceLink SDK can be downloaded free of charge for evaluation and development at www.st.com/bluevoicelink-nb. Activation is easy using the licensing wizard tool included in the distribution package, and volume-licence terms are straightforward and business-friendly for use in competitively priced end products.
Further reading:
Mobile satellite connectivity available in SA
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Space42 has commercially launched its next generation mobile satellite service, Thuraya 4 NGS, available in South Africa as of February 2026.
Read more...
Next-gen Wi Fi 6E connectivity for embedded systems
iCorp Technologies
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Espressif Systems has expanded its connectivity portfolio with the introduction of the ESP32-E22, the company’s first Wi-Fi 6E connectivity co-processor.
Read more...
Quectel redefines connectivity with RG660Qx 5G Series
iCorp Technologies
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Purpose-built to meet the demands of next-generation IoT and wireless broadband, these modules leverage the cutting-edge Qualcomm X85 and X82 5G Modem-RF systems to deliver enterprise-grade performance.
Read more...
Contactless IO-Link couplers
IOT Electronics
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The IO-Link couplers from Phoenix Contact are industrial contactless couplers designed to transmit power and IO-Link data across a small air gap without physical connectors.
Read more...
Quectel’s RG255C-NA and RM255C-GL accelerate 5G RedCap adoption
iCorp Technologies
Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Quectel’s RG255C-NA and RM255C-GL modules represent a strategic move into this fast-growing segment, delivering Sub-6 GHz 5G connectivity optimised for mid-tier IoT applications.
Read more...
SDRs – Which RF architecture should you choose?
RFiber Solutions
Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
There are several common methods of implementing SDR architectures. This paper discusses which is best when meeting a specific need.
Read more...
Multi-band GNSS patch antenna
RF Design
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The Taoglas AHP2356A is a compact, high-performance active GNSS patch antenna designed for next-generation positioning systems requiring precision, reliability, and multi-constellation support.
Read more...
Cellular routers for explosive areas
Phoenix Contact
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Updated versions of the Cellulink outdoor cellular router product range from Phoenix Contact are now available; they have been specially developed for use in Zone 2 potentially explosive areas.
Read more...
Power the next wave of IoT innovation
Links Field Networks
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Links Field Networks’ portfolio includes connectivity platforms, edge devices, and network management tools designed to support secure, resilient IoT deployments across a range of use cases.
Read more...
Move to smart agriculture
Otto Wireless Solutions
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Designed for precision agriculture, the RAKwireless SensorHub is a modular, industrial-grade IoT platform that collects real-time environmental and soil data across farming operations.
Read more...
printer friendly version