More than ANC: headphones isolate individual voices thanks to AI

The headphones themselves are a normal production model, of course with integrated noise suppression. However, two glued-on microphones and an uncovered circuit board clearly show that a prototype is at work here.

Albeit, one that could be on sale in the foreseeable future in a similar - but certainly more elegant - form. Because in addition to the now familiar noise suppression, the headphones go much further.

One press of a button and eye contact is all it takes for the other person's voice alone to be transmitted directly to the ears in all clarity. The surroundings, on the other hand, fade far into the background and are almost completely blocked out.

This is made possible by artificial intelligence, which is provided with the voice recording for a few seconds after the button is pressed. This is programmed in such a way that it then only transmits the recorded voice and filters all other frequencies as well as possible.

To make this work, microphones are attached to both ear cups. Only the voice of the person with eye contact reaches both microphones at the same time, while voices from the side reach one ear a little faster and the other a little later. It doesn't work perfectly yet, but the specified error of 16 degrees corresponds to a slight head movement at best.

Basically, anyone interested can test and improve the system. The University of Washington has made all the data and software available on GitHub. It may not be long before a similar system can actually be used in practice. After all, there are plenty of suppliers of good ANC headphones.

The university's video includes some examples worth listening to: