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This MIRAI Speaker design, "fundamentally changes the way a sound travels from a speaker across a sphere,” says SoundFun CEO Hiroshi Yamaji. “MIRAI Speaker doesn’t require you to wear it like hearing aids – which people often opt not to use because of the discomfort they can cause. Our speaker can replace regular speakers, enabling everyone, including the elderly, to enjoy quality, easier-to-hear sounds. We are very excited to demonstrate this innovative technology at CES 2023."
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Additional benefits for the MIRAI speaker detail a stronger output in the 400 to 5,000Hz range - critical for human speech understanding - with the same relative sound setup volume. The technology also works for sound sources in the home, avoiding arguments about the overall listening volume. The speaker fidelity allows replacing conventional loudspeakers to be used by everyone. The technology also shows potential for sound reinforcement applications in public facilities including airports for general announcements, helping to keep everyone safe.
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The MIRAI speaker project was born out of SoundFun founder Kazunori Sato’s desire to help his elderly father hear better. Taking inspiration from a music therapy expert’s comment that sounds from the horns of antique record players are easier to hear for people with hearing difficulties, Sato and audio engineer Nobuhiro Miyahara began their endeavor to develop what would become the MIRAI Speaker, often taking the prototypes into the singing booths at karaoke bars to test them out. Sato’s father couldn’t believe when hearing the sound coming from the prototype clearly without using his hearing aid.
Japan's (J-Startup) Pavilion @Eureka Park’ is an initiative of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), to promote the country's innovative startups. At CES 2023, the pavilion will feature 36 companies in industries ranging from AI to robotics, space to mobility, among others. For additional info about JETRO: https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/
https://soundfun.co.jp/
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