Featured Image Credit: YouTube/@BreakingTaps
Topics: Technology, Weird
Emily Brown
Have you ever wondered about what's inside your earbuds?
Other than any earwax, that is.
Chances are, you've never thought twice about the technology that goes in to making earbuds unless you suddenly notice yours have stopped working - and even then we often think we can fix the issue by shaking or blowing on them.
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But in reality there's a lot of tech that goes into making music come out of the speakers, and making sure that your voice will be picked up if you take a call while wearing them.
After being left curious about the inner workings of the earbud, YouTuber @breakingtaps decided to cut into one of the devices.
The YouTuber worked with a $10 earbud to make sure he wouldn't be losing hundreds of dollars to his curiosity, but he was still impressed by what he found even on the cheaper end of the spectrum.
He knew there'd be a microphone to allow users to take calls while wearing the earbuds, but he was blown away by just how small this piece of tech was.
The YouTuber had to use a microscope to really be able to see the detail of the microphone, which is made out of silicone.
He explained: "There are two thin layers that form a capacitor. As soundwaves pass by it causes the upper layer to vibrate."
The changes to the circuit are detected by a microchip in what the YouTuber described as a 'remarkable piece of engineering'.
He isn't the only person to think so, as Reddit users shared their amazement after the video was posted online.
"So amazing how technology finds new and often seemingly impossible ways to make things work while making them much smaller," one person commented.
Another wrote: "I still try to wrap my head around how such small, such precise instruments are fabricated. Like how are those teeny tiny holes in the silicon membranes made? Are they drilled? Is the silicon poured into a mold? Printed?
"To me, it's such a bafflingly complex process that I just don't understand how such technology can be sold at Five Below."
A third viewer responded: "Micro-technology is impressive, affordable micro-technology is an almost unbelievable achievement."
Though the impressive tech starts even with cheaper earbuds, it increases with pricier options with features like touch sensors.
We might not be able to wave a wand around and cast spells like Harry Potter, but tech like this should definitely be classed as magic.