Have you ever wanted to use voice commands without letting everyone around you hear what you’re saying? A groundbreaking Japanese invention might make that possible. Meet Whisphone — an earbud device prototype that allows you to control devices and AI assistants using just a whisper.
What is Whisphone?
Developed by Japanese researcher Masaaki Fukumoto, Whisphone was unveiled in January 2025 as a research prototype. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary in-ear earbud, but it’s equipped with special microphones and bone conduction sensors that detect the tiny vibrations of your whisper through your ear canal and skull.
It also features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), allowing it to pick up whispers even in noisy environments like train stations or construction sites.
How Could It Be Used?
Whisphone is designed for situations where speaking out loud is inconvenient or private, as well as noisy conditions where regular microphones struggle. Potential use cases include:
- Taking notes via an AI assistant during a meeting or in a library
- Sending private messages on public transport without disturbing others
- Controlling translation or navigation apps in crowded, noisy places
- Giving quiet commands in healthcare or caregiving environments
- Providing discreet voice input for accessibility tools for visually impaired users
In short, it bridges the gap between privacy, convenience, and hands-free control.
About the Developer
Masaaki Fukumoto is a Principal Researcher at Microsoft’s Applied Sciences Group, specializing in human-computer interaction, wearable devices, and innovative audio interfaces. His career includes over two decades at NTT and NTT Docomo, with a long track record of developing novel interaction technologies. Whisphone is the latest in his line of forward-thinking projects.
When Will It Be Available?
Right now, Whisphone is still in the research phase and not commercially available. However, if it moves toward production, it could integrate with smartphones, smart glasses, or even metaverse devices, offering a more private and practical voice interface experience.
Final Thoughts
Whisphone represents a new way of thinking about voice control — one that values privacy as much as convenience. While it’s not yet on the market, it’s a technology worth keeping an eye on for anyone interested in the next generation of human-computer interaction.
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