US Patent 11368775 Control handoff and power handling audio device

Wireless, wearable audio devices and methods for assigning position and operational controls. Wireless audio devices or earbuds are described that are provided as a pair in which both audio devices are physically substantially identical. In use, the audio devices are assigned a right or left position associated with the respective ear of the user in which they are to be disposed. Control surfaces are similarly assigned to provide particular control functionalities on a particular side of the user. Master and slave designations are provided and may be swapped based on a battery status of the respective audio devices. Battery usage and the duration of available use of the pair of audio devices may thus be maximized.