In Perspective: Amazon Lossless Audio Streaming Option with Amazon Music HD
Amazon announced the launch of Amazon Music HD, a new tier of "higher quality" lossless streaming, promising "more than 50 million songs in High Definition," and "millions of songs in Ultra High Definition," a designation akin to TV services that Amazon thinks consumers will understand better than High Resolution Audio (HRA). The first tier of the service "High Definition" is in fact a CD-quality FLAC lossless streaming, while the "Ultra HD" tier defines FLAC streaming of 24-bit and a sample rate up to 192 kHz, or HRA.
Smart Speaker Market to Reach 92 Million Units Shipped in 2019
The smart speaker market will grow by 35% this year, according to SAR Insight & Consulting’s Latest Digital Assistant Platform Forecast DATAbase, with shipments reaching 92 million. Amazon remains the market leader, but its smart speaker market share has declined and now represents approximately a third (33%) of the total volume anticipated in 2019. Total voice software unit shipments are expected to increase significantly to 2024.
Blue Introduces Yeti X Professional USB Microphone with Four Capsule Condenser Array
Blue announced the new Yeti X USB microphone for gaming, streaming and podcasting, featuring a new four capsule condenser microphone array, high-res LED metering to provide visual, real-time feedback for vocal levels, and a multi-function smart knob that provides instant control over essential mic functions. The new Yeti X is also enhanced by software with built- in effects and presets that offers immediate results for creators who want to deliver professional, broadcast-quality content. A new concept that the company calls Blue VO!CE technology.
New ams TMD2635 Proximity Sensor Module Enhances Smaller True Wireless Earbud Designs
Austrian sensor specialist ams announced the world’s smallest 2-in-1 IR proximity sensor module, paving the way to smaller, lighter, and always-available True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds. The ultra-small package of the new ams TMD2635 module measures just 1mm3, and enables ear detection triggers to help extend battery life between charges. Two TMD2635 modules can be used in tandem to enable touchless gesture controls.
Bowers & Wilkins Expands Wireless Formation Suite of Products with New Formation Flex
Following the introduction of the Formation Suite of wireless home audio products, Bowers & Wilkins introduced a new full-range standalone model to the family, more in-line with the design of the rest of the series. The new Formation Flex extends the wireless capabilities of the high resolution streaming Formation series, offering what the company states to be the “highest quality sound ever found in a standalone wireless speaker of its size.”
Luxul Introduces High-Performance Networking Solutions for the Smart Home at CEDIA Expo 2019
Luxul, the IP networking solutions brand, part of Legrand's portfolio for AV integrators, announced a strong technology lineup at CEDIA Expo 2019 (September 12-14). With residential integration increasingly relying in wired and wireless networking solutions, Luxul provides a complete range of equipment that bridges the needs of home entertainment systems and the wider range of smart home technologies. At CEDIA 2019, Luxul introduced next-generation wireless solutions, a cloud remote management system, user control apps and dealer tools.
The Audio Builders Workshop Returns to AES New York Offering Hands-On DIY Product Design and Production
The Audio Builders Workshop Track at the 147th AES International Professional Audio Convention, October 16 – 19 at New York City’s Javits Center, is set to offer attendees an expanded array of opportunities to learn about hardware construction and modification, and even to try their hand at DIY projects sure to inspire and lead them to their next build.
Sound Devices Unveils 833 Portable Compact Mixer-Recorder
Sound Devices surprised the market with its new 833 Portable Compact Mixer-Recorder, unveiled at IBC 2019 in Amsterdam. This new release from Sound Devices features 6 ultra low-noise mic/line preamplifiers, 8 channels, 6 buses, 12 tracks, 6 analog outputs, a 256 GB internal SSD, two SD card slots, and dual L-Mount charging and powering. A versatile solution for any field production, the 833 features ultra-accurate timecode and Dugan Automixing for up to 8 channels.
Celestion Launches F12-X200 Guitar Loudspeaker Designed Specifically for Use with Profiling Amps and Modeling Software
Celestion, the famous British manufacturer of guitar and bass loudspeakers and professional audio drivers for sound reinforcement applications, announced the availability of the F12-X200 loudspeaker, the first guitar speaker designed specifically for use with profiling amps, modeling software, impulse responses, and all technology for emulating the tones from coveted guitar amps and speaker cabinets.
Sony WI-1000XM2 Neckband Headphones Show Best In-Ear Implementation for Noise Cancellation Technology
Neckband headphones, as a category, can be expected to gradually fade away as true wireless earbuds gain battery life and comparable features. But for now, neckbands are the form factor that allows any manufacturer to implement the features of flagship headphones, in a convenient, wireless, in-ear format that some users still favor for comfort, expanded battery life and better quality for voice calls. With the new WI-1000XM2 model, Sony show us how its leading noise cancellation technology and a neckband design are a perfect match.