Audio device charging case with data connectivity

Abstract

An electronic device for charging a headset includes a housing, a processor, a power source, a wireless communication device, and a hardware storage device in data communication with the processor. The housing is configured to couple with the headset. The power source is in electrical communication with the processor and electrical contacts to provide electrical communication with the headset. The wireless communication device is in data communication with the processor and is configured to be in wireless data communication with the headset. The hardware storage device is in data communication with the processor.

Description

[0001] Public background

[0002] Portable electronic devices are often used in public spaces and may be carried around 24 / 7. The ability to privately interact with the audio of a personal device 24 / 7 is important. Providing an additional charge for a personal audio headset allows the user to continue to use a small, convenient device 24 / 7 without the need to introduce a large battery for the headset.

[0003] However, maintaining a small form factor for a convenient headset requires pairing the headset with yet another electronic device, thereby increasing the number of electronic devices. In addition, a user may desire to use the headset with a variety of devices and provide audio commands to a variety of devices, thereby complicating the user experience and limiting the convenience of the headset.

[0004] Overview

[0005] In some embodiments, an electronic device for charging a headset includes a housing, a processor, a power source, a wireless communication device, and a hardware storage device in data communication with the processor. The housing is configured to couple with the headset. The power source is in electrical communication with the processor and the electrical contacts to provide electrical communication with the headset. The wireless communication device is in data communication with the processor and is configured to be in wireless data communication with the headset. The hardware storage device is in data communication with the processor.

[0006] In some embodiments, an electronic communication system includes a headset and an electronic device for charging the headset. The headset includes a microphone, a first wireless communication device, and a speaker. The electronic device for charging the headset includes a housing, a processor, a battery, a second wireless communication device, and a hardware storage device. The housing has a port into which the headset can be docked. The battery is in electrical communication with the processor and electrical contacts to provide electrical communication with the headset when the headset is docked. The second wireless communication device is in data communication with the processor and is configured to be in wireless data communication with the headset. The hardware storage device is in data communication with the processor.

[0007] In some embodiments, an electronic device for charging a headset includes a housing, a processor, a battery, a first wireless communication device, a second wireless communication device, and a hardware storage device in data communication with the processor. The housing is configured to couple with the headset. The battery is in electrical communication with the processor and the electrical contacts to provide electrical communication with the headset. The first wireless communication device is in data communication with the processor and is configured to be in wireless data communication with the headset. The second wireless communication device is in data communication with the processor and is configured to provide data communication between the electronic device and a data network. The hardware storage device is in data communication with the processor.

[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] Additional features and advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in the following description, and some of them will be apparent from this description, or can be learned by practicing such embodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments can be realized and obtained by means of the tools and combinations specifically pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or can be learned by practicing such embodiments as set forth below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order to describe the manner in which the above-listed and other features of the present disclosure can be obtained, a more specific description will be presented by reference to specific embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For better understanding, the same elements have been designated by the same reference numerals throughout the various drawings. Although some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. It will be understood that the drawings depict some example embodiments, which will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1-1 is a perspective view of a system including an earphone and a charging case according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 1-2 yes Figure 1-1 A perspective view of the system with the earphones docked in a charging case;

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of another system including an earphone and a charging case according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a system with data communication between an earphone and a charging case according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 4 is a schematic system diagram of a charging housing according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 5 is a schematic system diagram of another charging housing according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a system including earphones and a charging case, wherein a microphone is available when docked, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 7-1 is a top perspective view of another system including earphones and a charging case, wherein a microphone and a speaker are available when docked, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 7-2 yes Figure 7-1 A bottom perspective view of the system;

[0021] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another system including earphones and a charging case according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a microphone and a speaker are in the charging case;

[0022] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of communicating between an earphone and a charging case according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig.10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing a task using audio commands according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig.11 is a system diagram illustrating a charging case communicating with an external computing device via a data network according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Detailed Description

[0026] The present disclosure generally relates to devices, systems and methods for providing audio communications in portable devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the use of headphones with a complementary charging case having data connectivity. The charging case provides a data connection through wired or wireless communication with another electronic device or a data network. The data connection allows the headphones to provide audio notifications or communications without the need for another computing device. In some embodiments, the charging case has a data connection with the headphones to provide information. In other embodiments, the microphone and / or speaker of the headphones are usable when the headphones are docked to the charging case.

[0027] Figure 1-1 and 1-2 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system 100 including an earphone 102 and a charging case 104. The earphone 102 includes a speaker 106 and a microphone 108 that allow a user to receive and send audio information through the earphone 102. The charging case 104 has a housing 110 with one or more ports 112 on an outer surface of the housing 110. The size and shape of the port 112 are designed to accommodate the earphone 102 into the housing 110.

[0028] The housing 110 may include housing electrical contacts 114. The housing electrical contacts 114 may contact and provide electrical communication with the headphone electrical contacts 116 positioned on the headphone 102. Electrical communication through the housing electrical contacts 114 and the headphone electrical contacts 116 may allow the housing 104 to provide electrical power to the headphone 102. In some embodiments, the housing 104 may include a power source to power the headphone 102 when the headphone 102 is docked in the port 112 of the housing 104. In other embodiments, the housing 104 includes a power source to charge the battery of the headphone 102 so that the headphone 102 can operate when not docked in the port 112 of the housing 104. In some embodiments, the power source is a battery. In other embodiments, the power source is a wired power source that draws power from other sources (such as an electrical outlet).

[0029] exist Figure 1-1 In the illustrated embodiment, the housing electrical contacts 114 and the earphone electrical contacts 116 are positioned at discrete locations on the edge of the port 112 and / or the earphone 102, respectively. The housing 104 can be coupled (e.g., docked) with the earphone 102. In other words, the housing 104 can physically accommodate at least a portion of the earphone 102. In such embodiments, the earphone 102 and the port 112 can have complementary keying features to facilitate alignment of the housing electrical contacts 114 with the earphone electrical contacts 116. In some examples, the complementary keying features can be complementary magnets, interlocking notches, protrusions, grooves, splines, or other features that allow the earphone 102 to be inserted into and removed from the housing 104 while rotationally fixing the earphone 102 and the port 112 of the housing 104 relative to each other. In other examples, the keying feature may be a non-circular earpiece 102 and port 112 that allows the earpiece 102 to dock in the port 112 in only one orientation or at a set of discrete orientations, such as a 180° rotation of an oval earpiece 102 and a complementary oval port 112. Various computing components (e.g., a processor, power supply, wireless communication devices, and hardware storage devices) may be at least partially stored within the housing 110.

[0030] Figure 1-2 Explained about Figure 1-1 An embodiment of the system 100 is described in which the earphone 102 is docked in the housing 104. In some embodiments, the earphone 102 can be docked in the port 112, wherein the surface of the earphone 102 is flush with the top surface of the housing 110 of the housing 104. In other embodiments, the earphone 102 can be docked in the port 112, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the earphone 102 is recessed in the port 112 to be below the top surface 118 of the housing 110. In still other embodiments, the earphone 102 can be docked in the port 112, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the earphone 102 protrudes from or is above the top surface 118 of the housing 110.

[0031] Figure 2 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system 200 including a plurality of earphones 202-1, 202-2 and a housing 204. A first earphone 202-1 is docked in the housing 204. A second earphone 202-2 is being inserted into the port 212 to dock the second earphone 202-2. In some embodiments, the earphones 202-1, 202-2 are held in the housing 204 while being docked by a friction fit. For example, removing the earphones 202-1, 202-2 from the friction fit may include prying the earphones 202-1, 202-2 out of the housing 204. In other embodiments, the earphones 202-1, 202-2 are held in the housing 204 while being docked by a fastening mechanism. For example, removal of the earphones 202-1, 202-2 may include using a push-push or click mechanism. When the earphones 202-1, 202-2 are pushed into the port 212, the push-push mechanism engages the fastening member. When the earphones 202-1, 202-2 have been docked, the push-push mechanism then disengages the fastening member upon a second push of the earphones 202-1, 202-2.

[0032] In some embodiments, the system 300 includes data communication between the headset 302 and the housing 304, such as Figure 3 As shown. The earphone 302 and the housing 304 may be in Bluetooth communication. In other examples, the earphone 302 and the housing 304 may be in other wireless communications. The earphone 302 may have an earphone wireless communication device 320, and the housing 304 may have a housing wireless communication device 322. The earphone wireless communication device 320 and the housing wireless communication device 322 may allow data communication and / or audio communication between the earphone 302 and the housing 304. For example, the housing 304 may include a processor, a memory, or other electronic components that allow the housing 304 to convey information or instructions to the earphone 302 to play audio to the user.

[0033] Figure 4 4 is a schematic system diagram of a housing 404 according to the present disclosure. The housing 404 has a housing 410 that contains or supports a plurality of electronic components, including a processor 424, a power source (such as a battery 426), and a hardware storage device 428. Figure 3 As depicted, housing 404 may contain or support housing communication device 422. Processor 424 is in data communication with housing communication device 422 and hardware storage device 428. The power supply provides electrical power to the electronic components and, in particular, to electrical contacts 414 of housing 404 to power associated earphones (such as those related to Figure 3 The described earphone 302) is charged.

[0034] The hardware storage device 428 may be any platen-based storage device, solid-state storage device, or other non-transient or long-term storage device. The hardware storage device 428 may have instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor 424, cause the processor 424 to perform any of the methods or techniques described herein.

[0035] Figure 5 is compatible with headphones (such as Figure 3 Schematic system diagram of another embodiment of a housing 504 for use in conjunction with the headset 302 described above. The housing 504 includes a housing 510 that contains or supports multiple electrical components, including a processor 524, a power source (such as a battery 526), ​​a first housing communication device 522-1, and a hardware storage device 528.

[0036] In some embodiments, the housing 504 includes a second housing communication device 522-2. For example, the first housing communication device 522-1 can be paired with a headset or otherwise provide communication with the headset, such as with respect to Figure 3 The second housing communication device 522-2 can be paired with or otherwise provide data communication to an external electronic device 530 or a data network (such as the Internet, a private network, a cellular network (e.g., an LTE network), or other data network). For example, the second housing communication device 522-2 can provide a cellular connection, a Wi-Fi connection, a Bluetooth connection, or a wired data connection.

[0037] In some embodiments, external electronic device 530 may additionally connect to the Internet or another data network and relay information from the data network to housing 504 through external electronic device 530. In some examples, external electronic device 530 may be a smartphone; a tablet personal computer (PC); a laptop PC; a desktop PC; a network server; a network router; a wearable electronic device, such as a smart watch, a head-mounted device, a wrist-mounted device, or other wearable device; or other electronic device that includes at least one communication device with which housing 504 can communicate.

[0038] In some embodiments, the housing 504 may optionally have one or more audio components 532 for supplementing the audio components of the headset. For example, when the headset is worn by a user, the housing 504 may relay information to the headset via the first housing communication device 522-1. However, when the headset is docked with the housing 504 and is being charged via the electrical contacts 514 in the housing 510, the user may not be able to receive audio information from the headset or provide audio information to the headset.

[0039] One or more audio components 532 in housing 504 allow housing 504 to provide or receive audio information without relaying information through earphones. For example, audio components 532 in housing 504 may include microphones, speakers, or both. Therefore, when a user receives a text message (e.g., an MMS message, an SMS message, or other text-based messaging services), a voice call (e.g., a cellular voice call or an IP voice or "VOIP" call), an email, or other communications from an external computing device 530 or a data network, the user may have the option of receiving audio information from the speaker in housing 504. However, in some cases, the user may desire to receive audio information privately. The user may detach the earphone from housing 504 and use the speaker of the earphone to listen to the audio information without worrying about other people listening. In such examples, housing 504 may include a microphone, but does not include a speaker.

[0040] In yet other embodiments, when the headset 602 is docked, the system 600 utilizes the audio components of the headset 602, such as Figure 6 As shown. This can save space, cost, and system resources of the housing 604. For example, the earphone 602 can be docked in the port 612 of the housing 604, wherein the microphone 608 of the earphone 602 is positioned above the top surface 618 of the housing 610. In other examples, the microphone 608 can be positioned on a surface of the earphone 602 that is flush with the top surface 618 of the housing 610. In still other examples, the microphone 608 is positioned close to or flush with the side wall 634 of the housing 610, so that when the earphone 602 is flush with the top surface 618 of the housing 610, the microphone can receive sound through the side wall of the housing 610.

[0041] In such embodiments, the data connection between the earphone 602 and the housing 604 allows the microphone 608 to transmit audio information or audio commands to the housing 604. In some embodiments, the housing 604 may then transmit the audio information or audio commands to an external computing device or data network.

[0042] Figure 7-1 and 7-2700 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a system 700 according to the present disclosure. The system includes an earphone 702 and a housing 704. The size and shape of the housing 710 of the housing 704 are designed to allow a user to access and use a speaker 706 of the earphone 702 when the earphone 702 is docked in a port 712 of the housing 704. In some embodiments, both the earphone 702 and the microphone 708 are accessible. For example, the earphone 702 may be docked in the port 712 of the housing 704, wherein the microphone 708 of the earphone 702 is positioned above the top surface 718 of the housing 710. In other examples, the microphone 708 may be positioned on a surface of the earphone 702 that is flush with the top surface 718 of the housing 710. In yet other examples, the microphone 708 is positioned proximate to or flush with the side wall 734 of the housing 710 such that the microphone 708 can receive sound through the side wall 734 of the housing 710 when the earphone 702 is flush with the top surface 718 of the housing 710.

[0043] Figure 7-2 yes Figure 7-1 736 of the housing 710; in some embodiments, the earphone 702 can be docked in the port 712 of the housing 704, wherein the speaker 706 of the earphone 702 is positioned to protrude from or exceed the bottom surface 736 of the housing 710. In other examples, the speaker 706 can be positioned on a surface of the earphone 702 that is flush with the bottom surface 736 of the housing 710. In still other examples, the speaker 706 is positioned close to or flush with the side wall 734 of the housing 710, so that when the earphone 702 is flush with the top surface or bottom surface 736 of the housing 710, the speaker 706 can play sound through the side wall 734 of the housing 710.

[0044] In some embodiments, when docked in housing 704, speaker 706 and microphone 708 of headset 702 are positioned on opposite sides of housing 704, such as Figure 7-1 and Figure 7-2718. In other embodiments, the earphone 702 may be configured such that the speaker 706 and the microphone 708 are positioned on the same side of the housing 704. For example, both the speaker 706 and the microphone 708 may be positioned near the top surface 718. In still other embodiments, one of the speaker 706 and the microphone 708 is positioned near the side wall 734 of the housing 710, while the other of the speaker 706 and the microphone 708 is positioned near the top surface 718 or the bottom surface 736. In further embodiments, both the speaker 706 and the microphone 708 are positioned near the side wall 734 of the housing 710. In still further embodiments, the earphones 702 may be docked in the port 712 of the housing 704 in opposite orientations, such that one earphone 702 has the speaker 706 near the top surface 718, while the other earphone 702 has the microphone 708 near the top surface 718.

[0045] Still other embodiments of the system 800 have a housing speaker 838 and / or a housing microphone 840 positioned in the housing 804 (such as with respect to Figure 5 described), such as Figure 8 . The housing speaker 838 and / or the housing microphone 840 may be positioned on the top surface 818, the sidewall 834, or the bottom surface 836 of the housing 804. When the headset 802 is docked in the housing 804, the housing 804 may use the housing speaker 838 and / or the housing microphone 840 to play and / or receive audio information. In other examples, when there is no data communication between the headset 802 and the housing 804, the housing 804 may use the housing speaker 838 and / or the housing microphone 840 to play and / or receive audio information.

[0046] For example, if the battery in the earphone 802 is exhausted, the housing speaker 838 and / or the housing microphone 840 can be used as a backup audio component. In another example, the user can move the earphone 802 and the housing 804 away from each other beyond the earphone communication device and the housing communication device (e.g., about Figure 3 The user may pair the headset 802 with a different device, thereby terminating data communication between the headset 802 and the housing 804.

[0047] In some embodiments, the earphone 802 has buttons, switches, touch-sensing surfaces, or other input devices 841 positioned on the earphone surface. The input devices 841 may be exposed when the earphone 802 is docked in the housing 804, allowing the user to provide physical commands to the system 800 by touching, moving, or clicking the input devices 841.

[0048] Fig. 9942 is a flow chart illustrating a method 942 of transmitting data between an earphone and a charging case of a system. The method 942 includes, at 944, connecting the charging case to the earphone via a data connection. The data connection may be a wired or wireless data connection. In at least one example, the data connection is a Bluetooth connection. In at least another example, the data connection is physical contact between the charging case and electrical contacts of the earphone.

[0049] The method further includes directing data from the earphones to a processor of the charging case via a data connection at 946. For example, a user may speak into a microphone of the earphones, and the earphones may transmit the audio information from the earphones to the charging case via a data connection. The case communication device may then transmit the data to a processor located in the charging case. In some embodiments, the processor stores the audio information in a hardware storage device. In other embodiments, the processor further transmits the audio information to an external computing device. In yet other embodiments, the processor evaluates the audio information to search for any recognized audio commands that may instruct the processor to perform additional tasks.

[0050] For example, Fig.10 1048 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1048 of performing a task on a computer via a charging case. The method 1048 includes, at 1050, receiving audio information from a microphone in data communication with the headset charging case. In some embodiments, the microphone is integrated into the charging case, such as with respect to Figure 8 In other embodiments, the microphone is part of the headset that is docked in the charging housing, such as Figure 6 to Figure 7-2 In still other embodiments, the microphone is part of the headset that is in data connection with the charging case, such as with respect to Figure 3 described.

[0051] The audio information is transmitted from the microphone to a processor of the charging housing. Method 1048 further includes identifying at least one audio command in the audio information at 1052. For example, the audio information may include an initialization command that is recognized by the processor. The initialization command may then be followed by additional audio commands for instructing the processor to perform a task. An example initialization command may be "Hey [device]," which prompts the processor to accept the next audio information as an audio command, and the audio command may be "Send text message." Such an audio command may allow for the dictation of a text message. Other example audio commands include instructing the processor to make a voice call, send an email, read an email, read a text message, record a voice memo, or create a calendar event.

[0052] After identifying at least one audio command, the method further includes accessing an external computing device at 1054 and performing at least one task on the external computing device at 1056. In some embodiments, accessing the external computing device and performing the task on the external computing device includes communicating with a paired smartphone, wherein the smartphone performs the task (such as sending a text message, email, or voice call). In other embodiments, accessing the external computing device and performing the task on the external computing device includes communicating with a data network and sending instructions over the data network to perform the task associated with the audio command on the external computing device.

[0053] Fig.11 1 is a schematic diagram of a charging housing 1104 communicating over a data network. Although the system 1100 including the charging housing 1104 and the earphone 1102 is illustrated as being similar to the system 1100 described with reference to FIG. Figure 8 The system 800 described herein, however, it should be understood that any system or charging housing described herein can communicate with a data network in the manner described. The charging housing 1104 is in data communication with the data network 1158. The data network 1158 is then in data communication with the external computing device 1130. The charging housing 1104 can provide instructions to the external computing device 1130 via the data network 1158.

[0054] In some embodiments, the charging housing 1104 may convert audio commands from the user into instructions recognized by the external computing device 1130. For example, the charging housing 1104 may receive an audio command for sending an email. The same audio command may not be recognized by the external computing device 1130. The charging housing 1104 may process the audio command and transmit the instruction in a format recognized by the external computing device 1130. This may allow the user to provide audio commands to the external computing device 1130 that would not otherwise be controlled by the audio commands provided directly (or through the headset 1102) to the external computing device 1130. In at least one example, the cloud-based computer may not recognize the audio command of "Hey [device], send an email", and the charging housing 1104 may interpret the audio command for the cloud-based computer and send the instruction to the cloud-based computer.

[0055] In another example, the data network 1158 may provide data communications to multiple external computing devices with different functionalities. The charging housing 1104 may recognize a set of known audio commands, thereby simplifying the user's experience, and may direct the instructions to various external computing devices based on the nature of the instructions. In a specific example, the charging housing 1104 may be in data communication with a smart phone. A first audio command may instruct the smart phone to make a voice call. A second audio command may instruct a cloud-based computer to create a calendar event on a calendar stored on cloud-based storage. In both cases, the user only needs to interact with the system 1100 of the headset 1102 and / or the charging housing 1104.

[0056] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. These described embodiments are examples of the disclosed technology. Additionally, in order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual embodiments are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiments, as in any engineering or design project, many decisions that vary from embodiment to embodiment will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from embodiment to embodiment. In addition, it should be appreciated that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but will still be a routine task of design, manufacturing, and processing for those of ordinary skill who benefit from the present disclosure.

[0057] The articles "one", "an" and "the" are intended to indicate that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding description. The terms "including", "comprising", and "having" are intended to be inclusive, and mean that there may be additional elements in addition to the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that the reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the features. For example, any element described with respect to the embodiments herein may be combined with any element of any other embodiment described herein. The numerals, percentages, ratios or other values ​​set forth herein are intended to include the value, as well as other values ​​of the values ​​set forth "about" or "approximately", as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art as encompassed by the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the values ​​set forth should be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values ​​that are at least close enough to the values ​​set forth to perform the desired function or achieve the desired result. The values ​​set forth include at least the changes that will be expected in a suitable processing or production process, and may include values ​​within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of the values ​​set forth.

[0058] In view of this disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions including functional "means plus function" clauses are intended to cover structures described herein as performing the functions described, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner and equivalent structures that provide the same functions. It is the express intent of the applicant not to invoke means plus function or other functional claims in any claim, except for claims in which the term "means for..." appears together with the associated function. Every addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments that falls within the meaning and scope of the claims will be encompassed by the claims.

[0059] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" represent an amount close to the amount described that still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. For example, the terms "approximately," "about," and "substantially" may refer to an amount within less than 5% of the amount described, within less than 1% of the amount described, within less than 0.1% of the amount described, and within less than 0.01% of the amount described. In addition, it should be understood that any direction or reference frame in the foregoing description is merely a relative direction or movement. For example, any reference to "upward" and "downward" or "above" or "below" merely describes the relative position or movement of the relevant elements.

[0060] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Thus, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Changes within the meaning and scope of the equivalent schemes of the claims should be covered by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device for charging headphones, the device comprising: a housing configured to couple with the earphone, wherein the housing has a port into which the earphone can be docked, the housing being sized and shaped to allow access to and use of a speaker of the earphone when the earphone is docked in the port; a processor at least partially contained within the housing; a power source at least partially contained within the housing and in electrical communication with the processor and with electrical contacts to provide electrical communication with the headset; a wireless communication device at least partially contained within the housing and in data communication with the processor and configured to be in wireless data communication with the headset; as well as A hardware storage device is contained at least partially within the housing and is in data communication with the processor.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The wireless communication device includes a Bluetooth connection.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The hardware storage device has instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: connecting the wireless communication device to the headset; as well as Data is directed from the headset to the processor.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The instructions further include: At least one voice command is identified in the data from the headset.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that The at least one voice command causes the processor to begin recording a voice memo.

6. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that The at least one voice command causes the processor to initiate receipt of dictation of a text message.

7. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that The at least one voice command causes the processor to relay instructions to an external computing device.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The external computing device is a smartphone.

9. An electronic communication system, the system comprising: A headset, comprising: microphone, a first wireless communication device, and Speakers; and An electronic device for charging the headset, the device comprising: a housing having a port into which the earphone can be docked, wherein the housing is sized and shaped to allow access to and use of the speaker of the earphone when the earphone is docked in the port; a processor at least partially contained within the housing, a battery at least partially contained within the housing and in electrical communication with the processor and with electrical contacts to provide electrical communication with the headset, a second wireless communication device at least partially contained within the housing and in data communication with the processor and configured to be in wireless data communication with the headset, and A hardware storage device is contained at least partially within the housing and is in data communication with the processor.

10. The electronic communication system of claim 9, wherein: The electronic device further includes a data communication device configured to provide data communication between the processor and a data network.

11. The electronic communication system of claim 10, wherein: The data communications device provides a cellular data connection.

12. The electronic communication system of claim 10, wherein: The data communication device provides a WiFi data connection.

13. The electronic communication system of claim 10, wherein: The data communication device provides a wired data connection.

14. The electronic communication system of claim 9, wherein: The housing is configured to couple with the headset to be in a docked state, and when the headset is in the docked state, the microphone is outside the housing.

15. The electronic communication system of claim 14, wherein: The microphone is positioned on a first side of the housing and the speaker is positioned on an opposing second side of the housing.

16. An electronic device for charging headphones, the device comprising: a housing configured to couple with the earphone in a docked state, wherein the housing has a port into which the earphone can be docked, the housing being sized and shaped to allow access to and use of a speaker of the earphone when the earphone is docked in the port; a processor at least partially contained within the housing, a battery at least partially contained within the housing and in electrical communication with the processor and with electrical contacts to provide electrical communication with the headset, a first wireless communication device at least partially contained within the housing and in data communication with the processor and configured to be in wireless data communication with the headset, a second wireless communication device at least partially contained within the housing and in data communication with the processor and configured to provide data communication between the electronic device and a data network; as well as A hardware storage device is contained at least partially within the housing and is in data communication with the processor.

17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The hardware storage device has instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: Receive audio information from the microphone, identifying at least one audio command from the audio information, accessing an external computing device via the data network, and At least one task is performed on the external computing device based on the audio command.

18. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that The external computing device is a cloud-based computing device.

19. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that The at least one task includes conducting a voice call.

20. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that The at least one task includes sending an email.

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