True Wireless Headphones Demand Up 182% in Q4 2018
Market research firm Futuresource Consulting released its latest Headphone Market Insights Report which highlights how consumer demand for 'true wireless' headphones was up 182% in Q4 2018. The global headphones market continued its meteoric rise in Q4 2018, with revenue growth outpacing unit shipments by a substantial margin. The firm’s latest headphones tracking quarterly report reveals worldwide Q4 headphones shipments grew by 5.5% in units and 54% in revenues year-on-year.
Dayton Audio Expands Bluetooth Convenience with New Class D Amp Boards and Integrated Amplifiers
Dayton Audio continues to expand its portfolio of wireless audio solutions with the introduction of new KAB Class D amplifier boards with Bluetooth streaming, to support any speaker build, or audio project for DIY enthusiasts or OEMs. Dayton also introduced a new updated version of one of its most popular amplifiers, with the new APA102BT Class D Stereo 60 WPC Bluetooth Amplifier, and launched the new DTA Pro, a complete amplifier with Bluetooth, USB DAC, and wireless remote control.
Studio Technologies New Model 381 Introduces Dante Connectivity on a Beltpack for On-Air Intercom Applications
Studio Technologies continues to expand its range of audio-over-Ethernet solutions, now introducing the Model 381 On-Air Beltpack featuring Dante technology. The highly-compact, lightweight unit can provide a complete on-air position for on-air talent or related personnel. The Model 381 will support broadcast environments that include traditional sports and live entertainment events, eSports, newsgathering, and streaming applications.
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EOZ Audio Launches EOZ Air Bluetooth 5 True Wireless Earphones
After two successful campaigns on Kickstarter - as usually troubled with forced specification changes, quality-control delays and shipping hurdles - EOZ Audio is now selling directly its latest EOZ Air Bluetooth 5 True Wireless Earphones. The beautiful design of the EOZ Air, features 8mm diameter graphene-coated drivers and Bluetooth 5.0 technology. The earbuds boast six hours of non-stop playback on a single charge, and up to 90 hours playback by using the 2200 mAh, USB-C charging case.
Listen Announces SoundCheck 17 Software Release
Listen announced the release of SoundCheck 17, the flagship Windows/Mac software from the Boston audio test and measurement specialists, now including many new features to simplify multi-channel and voice controlled testing, such as a new level and cross-correlation trigger, average curve/waveform post-processing functionality, the ability to easily read and work with multichannel WAV files, multiple DC Connect control, and enhanced database options - useful when processing data from a large number of channels.
Home Studio and Pro Studio Markets Exceed $1.2 Billion in Combined Revenue, On Track For Sustained Growth
The market for pro audio products in professional and home studio applications posted global revenues of more than US$1.2 billion for 2018, an increase of over 6%, according to the industry report. Covering mixers, microphones, audio interfaces, studio monitors and professional headphones, the report is the first of its kind, and describes continued growth in volume and value out to 2023, at a CAGR of 9.7% and 6.5% respectively.
MyKronoz Introduces ZePods Bluetooth 5 True Wireless Earbuds
Unveiled at MWC 2019 in Barcelona, the new ZePods range of true wireless earbuds by MyKronoz feature a familiar design, closely resembling Apple's AirPods, and are complemented by features which might be appreciated for users looking for an affordable, more stylish alternative. The ZePods and ZePods+ are available in 6 vibrant colors, support up to 5 hours playtime with an extra 10 hours in the battery case, and use embedded fast charging so they take only 15 minutes to fully charge and be ready to play.
USB Promoter Group Announces USB4 Specification Based on Thunderbolt Protocol to Extend USB Type-C Performance
In a surprising announcement, the USB Promoter Group announced the pending release of the USB4 specification, a major update to deliver the next generation USB architecture that compliments and builds on the existing USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 architectures. The USB4 architecture is based on the Thunderbolt protocol specification contributed by Intel Corporation. It doubles the bandwidth of USB and enables multiple simultaneous data and display protocols, increasing compatibility among USB Type-C connector-based products.
SEAS Announces New Excel Graphene Woofer Series
With a very discreet announcement on their own website, SEAS Fabrikker has stepped ahead of many other major loudspeaker manufacturers with the commercial introduction of a graphene-coated 5-inch woofer. And the new W16NX003 model also signals the launch of a completely new series of Excel Graphene woofers, as the company confirms. "More than a thousand engineering hours and significant investments have been put into the Excel Graphene product line, and the W16NX003 is the first one," they state.
New LG G8 ThinQ Smartphone Uses New Crystal Sound OLED Speaker Panel
Among the many iPhone-clone phones introduced at MWC 2019, some are more deserving of attention than others. Most of the brands introduce so many different models, that most of them will stay unnoticed by the market anyway. Among the Android-based phones, LG is the company that shows more restrain, focusing on improving key features that users will effectively appreciate, while exploring brand new technologies. In the audio front, the new LG G8 ThinQ model stands-out for its screen speaker and improved audio features.