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.
Global Music Production Software Market to Triple in Value in the Next Five Years
The global music production software market is expected to grow to USD 6.26 billion by the end of the period 2018-2022, from USD 2.12 billion in 2017, according to the latest market research report by Technavio. The new report, "Global Music Production Software Market 2018-2022," which is now available, forecasts high growth for music software (recording, mixing, and editing) due to the strong demand for digital audio content worldwide.
First Alert Launches Onelink Safe & Sound Alexa-Enabled Smoke and CO Alarm and Home Speaker
A connected smoke alarm that's also a speaker, strategically placed in the ceiling to cover any room with quality sound. The idea might sound bizarre at first, but indeed it reflects the way manufacturers are reimagining different categories in the era of "smart devices." Following a successful presentation at CES 2018, First Alert launched its Onelink Safe & Sound Connected Smoke Alarm with Amazon Alexa, allowing users to ask questions or and even listen to music.
Plantronics Completes Acquisition of Polycom to Create Total Communications Solutions Strategy
The last of the surviving "videoconference companies" received a life buoy from Plantronics in March 2018, with the announcement of a proposed acquisition. Three months passed since the intention was revealed, Plantronics closed its $2 billion acquisition of Polycom. The strategic plan is to create "THE communications experience company that connects people to what is important at work, at home, on the road, in the car, or anywhere you have a connection."
Fresh From the Bench: Audio Precision AECM206 Headphone Test Fixture
For engineers developing and evaluating headphones, Audio Precision (AP) released this new headphone test solution, a competitively priced IEC 60318-4-compliant accessory that simplifies earbud and headphone measurements in both lab and production environments. Stuart Yaniger puts the AECM206 unit to the test. This article was originally published in audioXpress, April 2018.
NTi Audio Introduces New Vibration Meter and Vibration Option for the XL2 Sound Level Meter
NTi Audio introduced the Vibration Meter, built on the advanced technology employed in the XL2 Sound Level Meter. This enticing addition to the NTi product family, provides many functions for vibration analysis, allowing users to accurately measure acceleration, velocity and displacement simultaneously for frequencies down to 0.7 Hz. The results are presented with metric or imperial units, or as a dB value with an adjustable reference level.