Cirrus Logic Announces Reference Platform for Lightning-Based Audio Development

With the market preparing for a major transition to digital audio connections using USB-C and Apple Lightning interfaces, audio companies are faced with a dilemma. Either they wait until the USB Implementers Forum finishes and publishes its final USB class audio specification for USB 3.1, or they start developing for Lightning-based systems, knowing that they will have an head-start and products on the market (at least for Apple’s platforms). Knowing this, Cirrus Logic just announced a new MFi Headset Development Kit that simplifies design of Lightning-based audio accessories.

Silicon Labs has introduced a comprehensive reference design that reduces the cost and complexity of developing cables and cable adapters based on the USB Type-C specification. Silicon Labs’ new USB Type-C reference design features cost-effective, ultra-low-power EFM8 microcontrollers (MCUs), USB Power Delivery (PD) protocol stacks certified by the USB Implementation Forum (USB-IF), and USB Billboard Device source code.

Sennheiser has streamlined its classic HD 25 pro headphones portfolio to make product selection easier. From March 2016, there will be one classic HD 25 with two sister models – the HD 25 LIGHT, with has slightly different features and accessories, and the HD 25 PLUS, which adds additional accessories to further enhance the classic. Exact version identification and impedance information is now provided on the headband.

Wireless audio pioneer CSR leveraged its nearly 2 decades worth of expertise in wireless connectivity and audio to launch 3 wireless soundbar platform reference designs with entry-level, mid-range, and high-end features. With these designs, CSR makes it easy and inexpensive for a manufacturer to develop consumer-friendly wireless high fidelity audio products.