What to Consider When Developing a Connected Audio product

Consumer expectations for audio products have evolved significantly. Whether developing a wireless speaker, Hi-Fi system or soundbar, manufacturers are expected to deliver seamless streaming, intuitive connectivity and high-quality audio experiences. Creating a reliable device that supports multiple radio technology is difficult and building these capabilities in-house can be complex and resource intensive. As a result, many manufacturers are turning to integrated connected audio modules that combine wireless connectivity, streaming services and audio control functionality in a single, proven solution.
In this blog, we explore the key considerations when selecting a connected audio solution and explain how choosing the right technology partner can help reduce development risk, accelerate time-to-market and support future product innovation.

Why Choose a Connected Audio Module?

A connected audio module provides a complete platform for modern audio products. Rather than integrating multiple technologies individually, manufacturers can leverage a turnkey solution that combines audio, connectivity and software features into a single module that can be added to new or existing products. This approach can significantly reduce development complexity while providing access to features consumers increasingly expect.

Modern connected audio modules typically include:

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• Integrated support for streaming services such as Spotify Connect, AirPlay and TIDAL Connect
• Internet radio capabilities
• Smartphone setup and control applications
• Secure and automated software updates

By integrating a proven connected audio platform, manufacturers can focus on product development and innovation rather than managing multiple technology integrations.

Beyond Bluetooth: Delivering Modern Audio Experiences

Bluetooth remains an important technology for wireless audio. It offers simple device pairing and local audio playback, making it a valuable feature across a wide range of products. However, today's consumers increasingly expect more than Bluetooth alone can provide:

Direct streaming from online services

• Hi-Res audio
• Multi-room audio functionality
• Remote software updates
• Control from an app

For manufacturers seeking long-term product differentiation, support for both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is increasingly becoming the preferred approach. Wi-Fi and connected audio modules can support:

• Music streaming services
• Internet radio
• Multi-room audio
• Smartphone setup and control apps

Unlike Bluetooth, Wi-Fi solutions can often operate independently once playback has started, allowing devices to stream directly from the internet without relying on a nearby smartphone. For manufacturers seeking premium user experiences, connected audio modules can provide significant competitive advantages.

Streaming Service Integration

For many audio products, connectivity extends beyond wireless technologies to include direct access to content. Consumers increasingly expect seamless access to:

• Spotify Connect
• Content via AirPlay
• Hi-Res services like TIDAL Connect
• Internet radio streams

Integrating and maintaining these services independently can require significant engineering effort, certification processes and ongoing software management.
Selecting a platform that already supports these capabilities can substantially reduce development cost and accelerate deployment.

Ease of integration and Time to Market Considerations

Ease of integration can have a significant impact on development schedules and project success.
Key factors include:

• Hardware architecture: whether the module will be the main controller host or a client.
• APIs and development tools: allowing integration to new or existing products and apps.
• Comprehensive documentation and tools to allow rapid product development.
• Technical support during development and manufacturing

Regulatory Compliance and Product Longevity

Compliance and cybersecurity requirements continue to increase. When evaluating connected audio solutions, manufacturers should consider:

• EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) readiness
• UK PSTI compliance
• Over-the-air update capabilities

A platform designed with evolving regulatory requirements in mind can help reduce future compliance challenges and minimise long-term operational risk.

Connected Audio Solutions from Frontier Smart Technologies

At Frontier Smart Technologies, we help manufacturers bring connected audio products to market quickly and efficiently through our portfolio of proven connected audio modules. Our platforms combine connectivity, streaming services, internet radio and DAB/DAB+ into solutions that reduce development complexity and accelerate time-to-market. With flexible turnkey solutions to support a wide range of audio products including soundbars, wireless speakers, adapters, all-in-one speakers and many more. By partnering with Frontier, manufacturers gain access to a trusted connected audio platform that helps reduce risk, simplify integration and create products that remain relevant as consumer expectations continue to evolve. Contact Frontier to learn how we can support you with your audio projects.