Acon Digital Releases Acoustica 7.1 Audio Editor with Extensive Plug-in Collection
Acon Digital has released version 7.1 of their powerful audio editor Acoustica for Windows and Mac. Acoustica is available in a Premium Edition and a lower cost Standard Edition. The Premium Edition now comes with an extensive collection of VST, VST3, AAX and Audio Unit plug-ins for use in third party host applications. Included are already commercially available plug-ins such as Equalize 2, Verberate and Restoration Suite as well as new plug-ins covering dynamic processing, mastering, effects processing and audio restoration.
Intel Announces New 9th Gen Intel Core and Intel Core X-series Desktop Processors for Content Creation
Finally! After two years making it seem as there wouldn't be another breakthrough in PC processing power - and consequently causing the workstation and desktop PC to be in suspense for nearly two years - Intel finally unveiled its newest family of 9th Gen Intel Core processors optimized for gaming, content creation and productivity. The new 9th Gen Intel Core desktop processors include affordable models for gaming, while the new Intel Core X-series processors were designed for premium content creation platforms, with availability in November 2018.
FDA Authorizes Bose Hearing Aid Device to Enter the Market as First Self-Fitting Hearing Aid Controlled by the User
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed marketing of a new device, the Bose Hearing Aid, intended to amplify sounds for individuals 18 years or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment (hearing loss). This is the first hearing aid authorized for marketing by the FDA that enables users to fit, program and control the hearing aid on their own, without assistance from a health care provider.
07
Focal Introduces Elegia High-End Closed-Back Headphones
Focal has been enjoying significant success in the high-end market with both speakers and headphones. After launching the Elear, Utopia, and Clear open-back headphones, the French audio manufacturer now integrated the best of its technologies into the Elegia, a closed-back solution, which Focal is proud to call, its very first high-end, closed-back headphone.
Ethernet Alliance Announces New Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3bt Standard and New Certification Program
The Ethernet Alliance, the global consortium dedicated to the continued success and advancement of Ethernet technologies, hailed the ratification of IEEE 802.3bt, IEEE Standard for Ethernet - Amendment 2: Power over Ethernet (PoE) over 4 Pairs. Among other additions, the newly ratified specification introduces four new classes and increases maximum power levels supplied by a factor of three. The new standard sets stage for robust Power over Ethernet market growth as the consortium readies second-generation product certification program.
Harman's Mark Levinson Introduces New 5000 Series Integrated Amplifiers
A major highlight among new product announcements at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2018, Harman's Mark Levinson introduced the first two models from the new 5000 series, the № 5805 (with new MM/MC phono stage) and № 5802 (w/Bluetooth) integrated amplifiers. The Mark Levinson 5000 series amplifiers deliver renowned Mark Levinson luxury and fidelity at an exceptional value, now featuring ESS Sabre32 converters and MQA support, among many exceptional updated features.
MQA Showcases Live Streaming and Continues Product Expansion at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2018
Support for Master Quality Authenticated (MQA), the technology that delivers master quality audio in a file small enough to stream, continues to receive consistent support across the audio industry. MQA adoption will be a dominant topic at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2018 show, October 5-7, in Denver, CO, where Astell&Kern and DALI, among others, will announce MQA support on new products and the company will be running two MQA Live events, as well as supporting its many partners.
Listen Releases SoundCheck 16.1 with New Frequency Trigger for Open Loop Testing
The audio measurement specialists at Listen announced the release of SoundCheck 16.1. This minor software release contains nevertheless some exciting new features for all developers and manufacturers working with connected audio devices, providing a test routine for smart speakers and other voice-controlled devices such as smartphones, robots, automotive audio, smart thermostats, hearables and more. The new software is available free of charge to all registered users of SoundCheck 16.0.
Branded Premium Audio Important to Consumers in New Vehicle Purchase Decisions
A recent IHS Markit survey finds that premium audio from recognized brands remains an important consideration when acquiring a new vehicle. Branded audio system volumes in new vehicles are expected to grow from just under 12.4 million units globally in 2018 to 14.7 million units in 2023, according to new vehicle production forecasts for these systems from the business information provider research.
Microsoft Enters Headphone Market with New Noise-Cancelling Surface Headphones
Microsoft announced a new raft of hardware products, where it surprised the market with the introduction of its first "premium and smart" headphones. The new Microsoft Surface Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones are designed to complement the company's latest range of Surface computers, highlighting the integration with Windows 10 services and experiences. If that strategy will appeal to consumers or not that's a big question, but there's no doubt that the Surface Headphones are well-designed and combine an interesting set of unique features.