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About Joao Martins
Since 2013, Joao Martins leads audioXpress as editor-in-chief of the US-based magazine and website, the leading audio electronics, audio product development and design publication, working also as international editor for Voice Coil, the leading periodical for the loudspeaker industry. Covering Audio and Video technology for more than 30 years - Broadcast, Film, Computer Graphics, and Music - as founder and editor of several leading publications in Portuguese and Spanish languages, (he's also fluent in French!), he benefits from a broad and rich perspective of those sectors and its multiple verticals. Marketing and Communication Specialist working at the intersection of media and technology for over three decades, Joao Martins started as a musician and studied visual arts and cinema before founding its own (short-lived) advertising agency. After a career in marketing and sales in film, television, radio and pro audio systems, transitioned full time to magazine publishing.

All items written by Joao Martins
H&S HighTech Invests in AONDevices and Becomes Preferred Distributor in Korea and Key Global Markets
July 4, 2025 by Joao Martins

H&S HighTech Invests in AONDevices and Becomes Preferred Distributor in Korea and Key Global Markets

AONDevices received a strategic investment from H&S HighTech Corp., a semiconductor manufacturer and electronics distribution company from South Korea. H&S HighTech will also serve as AONDevices' preferred distributor and strategic partner across Korea and select international markets. The two companies want to accelerate adoption of next-gen AI with smarter, ultra-efficient devices powered by AON’s tiny AI chips.
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FiiO Unveils K15 Affordable Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier Featuring Dual AKM AK4497S Converters
July 3, 2025 by Joao Martins

FiiO Unveils K15 Affordable Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier Featuring Dual AKM AK4497S Converters

FiiO (FiiO Electronics Technology Company), a Chinese manufacturer from Guangzhou established in 2007 by a team of engineers from OPPO - and one of the rare examples of a decent brand name - announces the launch of its new K15 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier. This new model, described as a "trickledown" version of the FiiO K17, was carefully engineered to hit a price point which is half the price of any rival, and leverages the latest AK4497S Velvet Sound DAC from Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) in a dual configuration.
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New Bela Gem Stereo and Multi Audio Embedded Linux Boards
July 3, 2025 by Joao Martins

New Bela Gem Stereo and Multi Audio Embedded Linux Boards

Bela announced the launch of Bela Gem, a powerful and accessible platform for real-time audio and sensor processing. Available in two versions – Stereo (2-in/2-out) and Multi (10-in/10-out) – Bela Gem transforms the PocketBeagle 2 single-board computer (SBC) into a lightning-fast embedded system for instruments, sound installations, effects units, and more. The two products are available through a Crowd Supply campaign now live, with shipping planned for October 2025.
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Ceva RealSpace Software Adds Immersive Spatial Audio to Nothing Headphones and Earbuds
July 3, 2025 by Joao Martins

Ceva RealSpace Software Adds Immersive Spatial Audio to Nothing Headphones and Earbuds

In a move that pushes the boundaries of personal audio, Ceva announced a new collaboration with London-based lifestyle consumer brand Nothing to bring Ceva's RealSpace Spatial Audio Software to its upcoming audio lineup. Ceva will power enhanced listening experiences across the Nothing and CMF sub-brand audio product lines, including the newly announced Nothing Headphone, which is the company’s first entry into the over-ear style audio device, developed in cooperation with KEF.
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Brandenburg Labs introduces Directivity Transfer Function for Okeanos Pro
July 2, 2025 by Joao Martins

Brandenburg Labs introduces Directivity Transfer Function for Okeanos Pro

Brandenburg Labs has updated its advanced headphone system, Okeanos Pro, intended for music production and scientific research. Starting in August 2025, users will have access to the Directivity Transfer Function (DTF) editor. This new tool enables Okeanos Pro users to adjust the directivity of virtual sound sources. By incorporating DTFs into their workflow, audio professionals will be able to experience a more realistic representation of their studio.
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Cambridge Audio Rebranding and New Evo 150 SE Enhanced Streaming Amplifier
July 1, 2025 by Joao Martins

Cambridge Audio Rebranding and New Evo 150 SE Enhanced Streaming Amplifier

Cambridge Audio, the British brand that has been synonymous with high-performance audio for over five decades, announced a rebranding that is intended to reinforce the connection with people and the power of music. The choice was to drop the "Audio" in the new logo, which will be introduced in the latest 2025 products. The first product to feature the single word is the Evo 150 SE, an enhanced special edition of the company's latest streaming amplifier.
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StormAudio Launches Core 16+ Compact Immersive Audio Processor
June 30, 2025 by Joao Martins

StormAudio Launches Core 16+ Compact Immersive Audio Processor

StormAudio, the manufacturer of high-performance audio processors and power amplifiers for the home theater market, has announced the release of the Core 16+, an enhanced version of its acclaimed Core 16 processor. The Core 16+ introduces expanded channel capability and includes their most powerful advanced features as standard. That includes the latest version of Dirac Live, with Active Room Treatment.
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xMEMS New µCooling Fan-on-a-Chip Solution for Smart Glasses Recognized at Sensors Converge 2025
June 27, 2025 by Joao Martins

xMEMS New µCooling Fan-on-a-Chip Solution for Smart Glasses Recognized at Sensors Converge 2025

xMEMS Labs announced the expansion of its µCooling fan-on-a-chip platform into XR smart glasses, providing the industry's first in-frame active cooling solution for AI-powered wearable displays. The XMC-2400 monolithic silicon MEMS air pump device was recognized at the Sensors Converge 2025 conference, where it received the award for the Best MEMS Solution, while xMEMS was distinguished as Startup of the Year during the event.
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HDMI Forum Releases HDMI Version 2.2 Specification Update
June 26, 2025 by Joao Martins

HDMI Forum Releases HDMI Version 2.2 Specification Update

The HDMI Forum announced the release of Version 2.2 of the HDMI Specification. The update introduces higher bandwidth up to 96Gbps, higher resolutions and refresh rates up to 12K@120 and 16K@60, and fixes critical latency issues with next-gen HDMI Fixed Rate Link technology. And end-users can be assured that their displays support a native video format in the best way possible and deliver a seamless and reliable experience, with the optimal audio and video for a wide range of applications.
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HANCE and Intel Join Forces to Deliver Advanced Audio Processing on AI PCs
June 25, 2025 by Joao Martins

HANCE and Intel Join Forces to Deliver Advanced Audio Processing on AI PCs

HANCE is a Norwegian company created by the founders of Acon Digital and Soundly with a mission to create the fastest and most adaptable audio enhancement algorithms available. The Hance Audio Engine was released in 2023, allowing machine learning-based, studio-quality audio processing technology with minimal battery consumption and ultra-low processing demands. Now, as an audio partner for Intel’s AI PC initiative, HANCE's audio processing models will run on Intel’s Neural Processing Unit (NPU), integrated in Intel’s Core Ultra Series 2 processor family.
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