Buddy Speakers and Headphones
Background
Buddy Speakers and Headphones leverage a number of software concepts and features built into the Switchboard Apps and SDK, including:
True cross-platform
The Switchboard user experience is great on mobile phones and laptops. But there are limitations.
By building Switchboard into hardware, limitations are overcome and the user experience extends to use cases and devices where they make the most sense:
Watch parties on the TV in your living room
Drop-in audio on your smart speakers
Hands-free experiences with headphones that aren’t limited by Bluetooth issues
A source separation approach for 2+ people to share media while still being able to talk through their headphones.
Speakers become social devices
Whether it’s listening to music or watching TV together (in a watch party), or playing games together, integrated VoIP functionality turns smart speakers into social devices.
When coupled with a companion app that cleverly integrates features like presence detection, connecting and synchronizing media like Spotify and Netflix, as well as positional audio to make it feel like you’re in the same room together, Buddy Speaker and Headphones take Switchboard to the next level.
Presence features
Lighting on the connected speakers/hardware lets users see who is available in the channel or room.
Concept extensions
Buddy headphones and mic array (turns any speaker into a social device).
Interested in a partnership or co‑development?
If you’re looking to collaborate or need help with a similar project, we’d love to connect.
