A hands-free voice communication apparatus with integrated speakerphone
and earpiece is described. The speakerphone includes a loudspeaker and
zero, one or multiple microphones. The earpiece includes a small
loudspeaker, one or more microphones, a wireless module, and a digital
signal processing (DSP) module. The hands-free device support hands-free
voice communication via the speakerphone or the earpiece. The earpiece is
functional when removed from the speakerphone case and may be used for
voice communication with privacy. When the earpiece is placed back in the
speakerphone case, the speakerphone is functional and may be used for
voice communication with convenience. The DSP module performs digital
signal processing for both the earpiece and the speakerphone, e.g., using
different sets of parameters. The speakerphone may be a standalone device
or may be part of a communication device. The wireless module
communicates with the communication device, which provide end-to-end
communication with a far-end user.