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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
Apple Announces $500 Million Partnership to Produce Recycled Rare Earth Magnets in the United States
July 15, 2025 by Joao Martins

Apple Announces $500 Million Partnership to Produce Recycled Rare Earth Magnets in the United States

MP Materials announced a definitive, long-term agreement with Apple. A $500 million commitment will enable Apple to domestically source rare earth magnets for its products, supporting manufacturing and circular supply chains in the United States. In the first-of-its-kind deal, Apple and MP Materials will launch an all-new recycling facility for processing recycled rare earth elements, which will be located in Mountain Pass, California.
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Status Audio Unveils Advanced Wireless Earbuds Featuring Knowles Triple Driver System
July 15, 2025 by Joao Martins

Status Audio Unveils Advanced Wireless Earbuds Featuring Knowles Triple Driver System

Lifestyle brand Status Audio, founded by NY-based James Bertuzzi, unveiled the Pro X true wireless earbuds, scheduled for retail launch in early September 2025. These advanced earbuds are an interesting product with a unique design and an interesting triple-driver hybrid configuration, featuring two Knowles balanced armature drivers and one dynamic driver in each earbud. The Status Pro X TWS earbuds are also specified to support Bluetooth LE Audio, while supporting hi-res audio wireless streaming via Bluetooth classic using the LDAC codec.
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SOtM Launches sMS-2000 High-Performance Music Computer and Streamer
July 14, 2025 by Joao Martins

SOtM Launches sMS-2000 High-Performance Music Computer and Streamer

SOtM Audio is now shipping its sMS-2000 network server and streamer “for true audiophiles”. The ultimate “music computer” with a Linux foundation and a web server interface, the sMS-2000 combines all the greatest components the Korean company has ever developed in a single integrated system. Reflecting over a decade of developments by SOtM, the sMS-2000 runs the company’s Eunhasu OS tailored specifically for high-end audio, and supporting a range of audio playback software, including Roon, MPD, and DLNA, complemented by all the connectivity options anyone can dream of.
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Deepgram Launches Saga Voice OS for Developers
July 11, 2025 by Joao Martins

Deepgram Launches Saga Voice OS for Developers

Deepgram, the San Francisco, CA-based voice AI platform for enterprise use cases, announced the launch of Deepgram Saga, a Voice Operating System (OS) designed specifically for developers. Deepgram’s new Saga Voice OS turns natural speech into cross-tool workflow execution, boosting productivity for those who are able to interact with voice. Saga OS also signals a broader trend toward voice-first computing by turning natural speech into actionable, multi-step workflows across dev stacks.
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beyerdynamic Launches AVENTHO 100 On-Ear Wireless Headphones with ANC
July 10, 2025 by Joao Martins

beyerdynamic Launches AVENTHO 100 On-Ear Wireless Headphones with ANC

Blending modern technology with a 1970s-inspired design, beyerdynamic’s latest wireless on-ear headphones offer a fresh take on lifestyle products. The new AVENTHO 100 headphones feature ANC, enhanced speech clarity, and premium materials in a foldable design with plenty of travel-ready features. The new product arrives fresh from the news of the acquisition of the century-old brand and inventor of the dynamic headphones by manufacturing powerhouse Cosonic.
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New Focal Diva Mezza Utopia Reinforces Wireless High-End All-In-One Concept
July 8, 2025 by Joao Martins

New Focal Diva Mezza Utopia Reinforces Wireless High-End All-In-One Concept

Focal introduced the new Diva Mezza Utopia, an evolution of its prestigious Diva Utopia line, now with a larger and even more powerful design. Wireless, active, and seamlessly connected, the design embodies the pinnacle of Focal’s craftsmanship and technological expertise, touted as a significant leap forward in the French company’s pursuit to redefine home hifi. The Diva Mezza Utopia loudspeakers are once again a complete, all-in-one product, with the power to fill rooms of up to 100m² / 1076 sq ft.
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Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 TWS Earbuds: Bet on Features
July 7, 2025 by Joao Martins

Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 TWS Earbuds: Bet on Features

Over a period of six years, starting with the Melomania 1, Cambridge Audio offered a combination of great and unique designs and strong features. In fact, the 2020 Melomania Touch are still among the most elegant earbuds ever available. In 2025, the category is now becoming ever more competitive, and the British brand decided to drop the unique design, embrace the AirPods form factor like almost everyone else, and go for differentiation based on features and remain price-competitive thanks to a Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound core.
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Gibson Refreshes Budget Studio Monitors with New KRK Kreate Series
July 7, 2025 by Joao Martins

Gibson Refreshes Budget Studio Monitors with New KRK Kreate Series

Intended to serve as a “versatile solution for producers, podcasters, and content creators alike,” the new two-way studio reference monitors from KRK feature new transducer designs, along with tuning EQs, and Class D amplification in elegant cabinets designed for close-nearfield use. Available in 3.5”, 5”, and 8” woofer models, the KRK Kreate Series offers standard Bluetooth Classic 5.3 streaming capabilities, while the two larger models have XLR inputs.
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Soundtheory Introduces Kraftur Focus Plugin for Parallel Processing
July 4, 2025 by Joao Martins

Soundtheory Introduces Kraftur Focus Plugin for Parallel Processing

Soundtheory announced the release of a new updated plugin called Kraftur Focus, as well as an upgrade to the original Kraftur with new features. Kraftur adds clarity, punch or pleasant warmth to almost any audio material while preserving dynamics, using new, proprietary DSP methods and algorithms to avoid artifacts. Kraftur Focus involves a hybrid approach which realigns the phase of the signal after the saturation stage. This means that Kraftur Focus can be engaged for parallel processing, thus allowing it to be used as a send effect.
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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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