Qualcomm Introduces Smart Audio Platform and Speaker Development Kits for Multiple Voice Ecosystems

Following earlier demonstrations at CES 2018, Qualcomm introduced a series of new platforms, SoC and development kits targeting new advanced audio applications and smart speakers, including the support of key wireless technologies, voice and cloud ecosystems. Solutions include its Smart Audio Platform optimized for smart speakers, a 6-microphone far field voice platform qualified for Amazon AVS, Dolby Audio implementations for wireless speakers and much more.

Audio and voice signal processing specialists CEVA announced that the complete RivieraWaves suite of Bluetooth 5 (low energy and dual mode) and Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax intellectual property (IP) platforms are now offered with an optional integrated open-source RISC-V MCU. These integration-ready system solutions are ideal for those manufacturers seeking freedom from standard 3rd party processor architectures.

Powering the next generation of smart connected objects like digital-home products and wearable electronics, STMicroelectronics has revealed an advanced dual-processor wireless chip that supports new features and enhanced performance with extended battery life. The fusion of 32-bit ultra-low-power microcontroller and highly integrated Bluetooth 5 (BLE) and IEEE 802.15.4 radio creates a high-performing wireless platform for feature-rich smart connected objects.

Qualcomm was an early pioneer in the concept of true wireless stereo a technology that is designed to completely eliminate the need for wires, not only between the media source and the headphones, but also between the left and right earbuds, offering users a wire-free stereo audio experience and supporting new use cases like hearables. Now Qualcomm announced enhancements to its Qualcomm TrueWireless Stereo technology.

XMOS will be showcasing their portfolio of far-field voice capture solutions for voice-enabled stereo smart TVs, soundbars, set-top boxes, and digital media adapter markets at GSMA Mobile World Congress 2018, Barcelona, 26th February to 1st March. XMOS will be demonstrating commercial solutions in development, and proof of concepts that capture voice commands accurately from across the room even when the audio appliances are playing content at high volume in complex noisy acoustic environments.