Knowles Announces SmartMic Headset Development Kit for Baidu DuerOS
Knowles Corporation announced that it has developed with Baidu and Bestechnic (BES) a new hands-free reference design for headphones, headsets and true wireless earbuds that works with smart devices powered by DuerOS, Baidu’s conversational AI system. The Knowles IA610 SmartMic supports the industry’s lowest-power, always-on voice wake capability to enable Baidu voice service on-the-go for ear worn consumer products.
Shinola Partners with Barefoot Sound for Two-Way Bookshelf Bluetooth Loudspeakers
Shinola, the Made-in-USA, lifestyle stalwart brand has once again partnered with another established US manufacturer to create a new range of audio products. Following the collaboration with Ken Ball and Campfire Audio for Shinola's line of headphones and earphones, now the Detroit company reached out to Thomas Barefoot and his company, Barefoot Sound, to design a two-way bookshelf Bluetooth speaker. The speakers were also designed to be an ideal partner for Shinola's range of beautifully crafted Runwell turntables.
Dynaudio First All-In-One Intelligent Wireless Multiroom Audio System Arrives in US
First unveiled at the end of 2017, the new Dynaudio Music family of intelligent wireless speakers automatically adapts to users' music preferences and the listening environment. That shows exactly how Dynaudio leveraged its vast experience in speaker design, manufacturing as well digital signal processing to create a family of products that shows how a speaker can be smart, intelligently benefiting consumers in what truly matters. Now "Music" arrives in the US.
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Revolution Acoustics Introduces New System Extensions to its SSP6 Multiducer Planar Wave Technology
Since Canadian company Revolution Acoustics introduced its unique transducer, the Revolution Acoustics SSP6 actuator, which transforms nearly any panel structure into an audio speaker, the company has been expanding its ecosystem in order to deliver specific solutions for different market segments. At InfoComm 2018, Revolution Acoustics announced the Pendant360 speaker, the Ubiqui-T360 ceiling tile, and the new RevNet 2140 Series of installation amplifiers.
Electro-Voice Launches EVC Compact Loudspeakers for Fixed Installations
The latest member of the Electro-Voice EV-Innovation family of installation-dedicated loudspeaker systems, the five-model EVC series was designed to bring superior sound quality for small/medium-sized installations with more affordable and more reliable systems than ever before. The series features unique technology including Automatic Saturation Compensation (all models) and a Variable Intensity (VI) model, all with similar voicing and looks, and matching mounting and input panel accessories.
Roon Labs Announces Support for Chromecast Devices
High-resolution network audio playback has never been so cost-effective! That's how Roon Labs highlights its latest update, which expands its ecosystem to include support for all Chromecast devices. This includes the Google Home family of smart speakers, Chromecast and Chromecast Audio receivers, and a wide range of third party products. Chromecast devices will now appear automatically in Roon’s Settings screen under the Audio tab.
ACTIVO CT10 Hi-Res Portable Audio Player with MQA Support
ACTIVO is a new audio brand focused on portable devices and high-resolution music. The CT10 portable audio player is the brand's first product, and the first hi-res portable audio player with MQA support at an affordable price of just $299. The device, probably the first portable player with a decent design since Apple's iPod, is actually designed by groovers Japan, a high-res jazz music label and distribution website. The ACTIVO CT10 is now available in the US!
Bosch Sensortec Launches New Generation of Smart Sensor Hubs for Hearables
During the Sensors Expo (June 27-28) in San Jose, California, Bosch Sensortec announced the BHI260 and BHA260, the first two members of a new generation of smart sensor hubs. These new devices are optimized for 24/7, always-on sensor processing and feature ultra-low power consumption, and a high performance co-processor, ideal for the development of new wearables, hearables, AR/VR and other mobile devices and battery-operated devices.
Danley Sound Labs Introduces the MINI 180 Loudspeaker: Even Coverage Across 180 Degrees
Led by legendary acoustician Tom Danley and his handpicked team of engineers, Danley Sound Labs has once again developed a loudspeaker that solves a technical problem without compromising on its trademark sound quality. The new Danley MINI 180 provides even, seamless coverage across 180 degrees (by 90 degrees vertical) using Danley’s patented technology. Its operating frequency range is 149Hz to 20kHz (+/-3dB) with impressively linear phase response across that range and across the beam width.
Voice Assistant Technology Making Waves into the B2B and Institutional Sectors
The explosion of Voice Assistant (VA) technology in the consumer segment has been phenomenal, with 37 million units of smart speakers installed worldwide as of end 2017. This technology is starting to make waves into the B2B environment, with Futuresource Consulting predicting that by 2022, 82 million professional A/V displays and room control devices shipped will be voice-enabled. This excludes usage of dedicated consumer smart speakers in healthcare, hospitality and education.