Audio Engineering Society recently announced the creation of The Audio Product Education Institute (APEI), a new initiative focusing on promoting methodologies, practices and technologies involved in developing and bringing audio products to market.
With the announcement of this new education-focused entity, the AES also confirms the promotion of a free introductory webinar focused on Successful Smart Speakers and Voice-Enabled Products, and intended to share real world experiences in voice integrated product development.
"Even a brand new organization like APEI has to change when the world changes. Our original vision of putting on three day intense training sessions containing labs and lectures as well as sponsor’s exhibit events has been postponed because of COVID-19. We are planning online webinars and online classes for each of our pillars. Each of our six pillars will be launching a series of online educational events starting with the first Interactive Voice Con event on July 9," explains Scott Leslie, Managing Director of APEI, founder and chairman of the AES Product Development Track, and Chief Architect at PD Squared, a product development consulting organization.
APEI’s webinar series directly appeals to all professionals involved in audio product development, as well as all those integral in product lead, design, production, and supply chain processes. The presenters of this first event, both industry veterans and founding-members of APEI, will discuss a series of real-world challenges they have faced in developing sophisticated interactive smart speaker products. Topics addressed will cover the disciplines in voice integrated products, from acoustics to microphones, electronics, DSP and output transducers.
Paul Beckmann, CTO, DSP Concepts, will be presenting on the theory and practice of building voice enabled products. "I'll describe system architecture, design recommendations, expected performance, how to select a processor, and pitfalls to avoid in development and production. Attendees will be equipped to add voice to a wide variety of products including smart speakers, appliances, soundbars, TVs, and set-top boxes."
"Today, some of the most sophisticated voice processing is already in our pockets. Smartphone production numbers are hard to beat in the consumer electronics industry. This fiercely competitive market is driving continuous product design improvements, but many companies are also repeating many painful mistakes and are forced to (re)learn audio fundamentals long recognized by the audio industry. I'm faced with highly instructive examples of that in my consultancy business," says Mike Klasco, CEO, Menlo Scientific, the other presenter in this webinar.
"As voice interfaces expand to new product categories and the smart home, there's a lot to be considered in the audio chain. In my presentation I'll be addressing some examples of companies that supply key components for successful voice products, illustrated with some examples of vendors that might not be in everyone's radar," adds Klasco, also APEI's Sourcing and Supply Chain Pillar Director.
Interactive Voice Con Free Webinar
When: July 9, 4:00PM — 6:00PM Eastern Daylight Time
Format: Online streaming from Santa Clara, CA.
Two 45-minute sessions, plus Q&A after each session.
Registration: Visit https://tinyurl.com/AES-APEI.
APEI Presenters:
Paul Beckman, CTO, DSP Concepts, Santa Clara, California
Mike Klasco, APEI Committee Member and CEO of Menlo Scientific, Richmond, California
www.audioproducteducationinstitute.org
