StreamUnlimited Delivers Google Assistant Integration Into Harman Kardon Citation Speaker Range
Harman Kardon launched their Citation range of multiroom and multi-channel speakers at IFA 2018, in Berlin. All products are voice activated, featuring a Google Assistant integration and Chromecast built-in developed with StreamSDK software from StreamUnlimited. The collaboration with the Austrian wireless audio development platform specialists allowed Harman to show nine different smart products at the European consumer electronics show in a short period of time.
The Danish Loudspeaker 100-Year Anniversary Book
Over the years, audioXpress and Voice Coil magazines have published several company profiles on speaker manufacturers. In 2015, a book was published to celebrate 100 years of the loudspeaker and, in particular, the remarkable contributions of the Danish loudspeaker industry (audio and electronics industry in general is the fourth largest exporting industry in Denmark). This is a valuable book that anyone interested about the loudspeaker industry needs to read.
Qualcomm Introduces New aptX Adaptive Audio Codec for Dynamic Next-Gen Premium Wireless Audio Experiences
Qualcomm has launched Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, a next-generation audio codec designed to be dynamically adjustable. The breakthrough audio codec technology combines robustness, premium audio quality, scalability and low-latency designed to provide a single flexible solution for virtually all key wireless audio applications. Effectively, it combines the features of low-latency aptX, aptX, or aptX HD, depending on the content and the connectivity.
Netgear Debuts Orbi Voice Mesh WiFi System Combined with a Smart Speaker Designed by Harman Kardon
At IFA 2018 there have been multiple announcements of smart speakers coming from Harman, mostly involving collaborations with other brands and retailers. One of the most interesting ones is the Netgear Orbi Voice, a mesh WiFi system combined with a smart speaker with Alexa built-In and audio by Harman Kardon. The concept allows users to use voice to play music and control smart home devices while enjoying Wi-Fi everywhere with the Orbi Voice WiFi System.
Sennheiser Enters TWS Category with Bluetooth 5 Momentum True Wireless
Among the many headphone-related announcements made at IFA 2018 in Berlin, Sennheiser finally entered the true wireless stereo (TWS) category with its new Momentum True Wireless earbuds. As the company states "These exquisitely crafted Bluetooth earphones bring the uncompromised audio performance and iconic style of the Momentum headphone range to a truly wireless form for the first time." The company's entry in the TWS space uses an updated Bluetooth 5 platform in what is otherwise a refined, understated design.
Sony Improves Noise Cancellation Even Further in the New WH-1000XM3 Headphones
You've probably heard that Sony was competing successfully with Bose in the Active Noise Cancellation headphone game with some very clever tuning of its WH-1000X headphones, even if you didn't noticed that the well-praised model was actually generation 2. Well, take note because Sony has just announced the WH-1000XM3 headphones, its third model, improving noise cancellation even further thanks to a new HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1, adding quick charging capability, and introducing an improved design.
Starkey Announces New Livio AI Hearing Aid Platform with Integrated Sensors and Artificial Intelligence
The unveiling of the new Starkey Livio AI platform was a major event for Starkey Hearing Technologies, with the US-based company multiple times mentioning the market disruption caused by the iPhone on the communications market, and declaring its ambition to do the same with smart hearing. Starkey intends to reivent "both the hearing experience and the hearing aid,” markets with Livio AI, “the world’s first Healthable hearing aid to utilize integrated sensors and artificial intelligence and the first device to track physical activity and cognitive health as measured by hearing aid use in social situations.
Bang & Olufsen Announces Beosound Edge to Reimagine the Home Speaker
Among the most original of the audio products introduced at IFA 2018 in Berlin, Bang & Olufsen gets the award of the most minimalist design of what is actually a new powerful wireless speaker for the home from the luxury Danish brand. Physically, the circular shape of Beosound Edge allows for two placement options. Literally as a rolling piece on the floor, or placed on the wall as a true gravity-defying statement that divides spaces in the home.
Sonos Announces All-New, Twice as Powerful Sonos Amp with AirPlay 2
Sonos announced the all-new Sonos Amp, a powerful and versatile home audio hub that powers traditional wired speakers with sound from nearly any source, and fully integrates these speakers into Sonos’ easy to use wireless home sound system and any wireless audio source. With the new Amp, Sonos also announced a new partnership with Sonance architectural speakers to connect with the new Sonos Amp and confirmed it will open its developer platform to potential partners for control and integration of Sonos solutions.
Frontier Collaborates with NXP on new Smart IoT Software Licensing Business
Frontier Smart Technologies, the digital audio solutions development company, announced the launch of a new Smart IoT software licensing and services business line. The first collaborator in this venture is leading silicon manufacturer, NXP Semiconductors. Frontier’s SmartSDK is a mature starting point for the development of reliable and sophisticated networked devices and can be deployed in a range of IoT systems including smart audio, home automation, smart appliances and security.