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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, founding new

All items written by Joao Martins
GN Announces Jabra Enhance Plus will Enter OTC Hearing Aid Category
August 18, 2022 by Joao Martins

GN Announces Jabra Enhance Plus will Enter OTC Hearing Aid Category

Following the FDA release of the anticipated Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aid regulations, with intent to increase access for people with untreated hearing loss, the GN Group immediately announced its support to that ambition. The market leading group that owns hearing aid brands Resound and Beltone, together with Jabra, the communications and all-in-one hearing enhancement consumer brand, announced that it will seek to register its Jabra Enhance Plus technology as an OTC product.
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First Bluetooth LE Audio Product on the Market Is From Sennheiser and Is a TV Transmitter Solution
August 18, 2022 by Joao Martins

First Bluetooth LE Audio Product on the Market Is From Sennheiser and Is a TV Transmitter Solution

Sennheiser - or better said, Sennheiser Hearing, the consumer division of Sonova - has leveraged the latest Bluetooth LE Audio technology and LC3 codec to update its TV Listening product portfolio. The Sennheiser RS 120-W wireless on-ear headphones are therefore the first in the market to support the updated Bluetooth specifications and offer no less than three different sound modes, working with advanced LE audio transmission to enhance one of the oldest concepts in the brand's portfolio.
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US Food and Drug Administration Finalizes Rules for Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
August 18, 2022 by Joao Martins

US Food and Drug Administration Finalizes Rules for Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

Five years after the original OTC hearing aid act was signed into law on August 18, 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule establishing Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids. The FDA also issued the final Regulatory Requirements for Hearing Aid Devices and Personal Sound Amplification Products, clarifying the differences between hearing aids, which are medical devices, personal sound amplification products, and the new category of OTC hearing aids, which can be purchased directly from stores or online.
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EISA Announces 2022-2023 Awards - All The Audio Product Highlights
August 15, 2022 by Joao Martins

EISA Announces 2022-2023 Awards - All The Audio Product Highlights

The Expert Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) revealed the winners of its 2022-2023 Awards. With the consumer electronics industry still recovering from the pandemic effects, and some manufacturers emerging in the market lead after capitalizing on the changing environment, the awards show some predictability but also some surprises. This year celebrating its 40th anniversary, the EISA Awards recognize the most innovative, cutting-edge products.
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Audiocase Makes a Case for All-in-One Portable Speakers
August 12, 2022 by Joao Martins

Audiocase Makes a Case for All-in-One Portable Speakers

What is it with Denmark and innovative speaker companies? After Soundboks becoming a global sensation with ridiculously large "portable" party speakers, now there's another Danish startup ready to disrupt the home audio space with a unique approach, which in their case, makes complete sense. Launching on Kickstarter, Audiocase is promoting the ultimate all-in-one portable speaker, home audio system, practice amplifier, PA system, and karaoke machine. Actually, make that two. A big and a large(r) speaker.
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Qobuz Commissions New Exclusive Music Tracks Mixed in THX Spatial Audio
August 11, 2022 by Joao Martins

Qobuz Commissions New Exclusive Music Tracks Mixed in THX Spatial Audio

Qobuz, the Hi-Res streaming and download platform is releasing new, exclusive-to-Qobuz, 24-bit tracks mixed in THX Spatial Audio. Songs from Circuit Des Yeux, Anat Cohen, and Dinosaur Jr. are now available to anyone listening from a device of their choice over any headphones. THX Spatial Audio uses MPEG-H mixing tools and advanced signal processing to transform conventional stereo audio into unique listening experiences. THX describes it as "out of the head" sound, simulating a recording studio or an authentic acoustic environment.
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Samsung Unveils Updated Galaxy Buds2 Pro with New Hi-Res 24-bit Hi-Fi Codec
August 10, 2022 by Joao Martins

Samsung Unveils Updated Galaxy Buds2 Pro with New Hi-Res 24-bit Hi-Fi Codec

As it happens every year with the companies that attempt to follow Apple's model of promoting a large impact event to announce new products, Samsung just promoted something similar to unveil its new Galaxy foldable smartphones, and used the opportunity to also unveil the new Galaxy true wireless earbuds with all the latest features. The new Galaxy Buds2 Pro are Bluetooth 5.3 earbuds with multipoint connectivity, featuring new 2-way coaxial drivers and also introduce a new Samsung codec for 24-bit Hi-Res Audio streaming.
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Urbanista Introduces Phoenix True Wireless Earbuds Powered by Exeger Powerfoyle
August 10, 2022 by Joao Martins

Urbanista Introduces Phoenix True Wireless Earbuds Powered by Exeger Powerfoyle

Exeger has partnered once again with lifestyle audio brand Urbanista to launch true wireless earbuds powered by its Powerfoyle solar cell material technology, allowing endless playtime. The launch marks the next phase in the two companies’ partnership which was first announced following the launch of Urbanista Los Angeles, the world’s first self-charging over-ear headphones in 2021. The new Urbanista Phoenix TWS earbuds come with a self-charging case when exposed to any form of light.
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MEMS Speaker Startup SonicEdge Establishes Business Unit at Sound Hub Denmark
August 9, 2022 by Joao Martins

MEMS Speaker Startup SonicEdge Establishes Business Unit at Sound Hub Denmark

SonicEdge, an Israeli startup working in MEMS speakers has registered a Danish business unit at Sound Hub Denmark in Struer. SonicEdge has developed an ultra-compact MEMS speaker solution based on a patented design and modulated ultrasound technology that promises to be significantly smaller, more energy-efficient and more robust without compromising on sound quality. Having found investors and clients in Denmark, SonicEdge is now looking to develop its business further and hire for its Danish R&D department.
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USound Introduces Ultra-Compact MEMS Audio Module for Hearables
August 4, 2022 by Joao Martins

USound Introduces Ultra-Compact MEMS Audio Module for Hearables

USound, the Austrian pioneer of MEMS speakers, announced the release of an audio module designed to enhance the performance of true wireless earbuds and hearing aids, enabling new degrees of design freedom. As USound underscores, with this new integrated solution, manufacturers can create more ergonomic and comfortable designs, with extended battery life and audio quality, while the form factor of hearing aids and TWS earbuds can be considerably reduced.
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