
Nureva Updates HDL300 Audio Conferencing Systems and Introduces Intelligent Sound Targeting
Nureva just announced intelligent sound targeting, a new patent-pending feature of its Microphone Mist technology platform that powers its HDL300 and Dual HDL300 audio conferencing systems. The new technology allows managing undesired sound sources in audio conferencing sessions. Nureva also announced a firmware update that includes new customizable audio settings, new auxiliary audio modes for interoperability with third-party systems, and refinements to audio performance.

Alango and Seeed Collaborate on Voice Interface Far-Field Technology
Alango announced its collaboration with Seeed Technology providing far-field voice enhancement on the Seeed ReSpeaker Core v2.0. Seeed's ReSpeaker Core v2.0 is designed as a multifunctional development board for voice interface applications. The platform is based on the Rockchip RK3229, a quad-core ARM Cortex A7, running up to 1.5GHz, with 1GB RAM. The board features a six-microphone array with Alango's Voice Enhancement Package "VEP" and is able to be customized upon request.

EBU and Fraunhofer IIS Conducted Live MPEG-H Audio Production Trial at Eurovision Song Contest 2018
The European Broadcasting Union EBU and Fraunhofer IIS have successfully conducted the first trial for live production of immersive and interactive sound using the MPEG-H TV Audio System at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Lisbon, Portugal. For the trial, the Fraunhofer sound engineers installed a height dimension to the impressive microphone setup in the Altice Arena, enabling them to produce an immersive and personalized audio mix live. Broadcasters and sound experts present at the venue could experience the enveloping and interactive MPEG-H sound.
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Global Smart Home Market to Hit $155 Billion by 2023
The global smart home market ended on an upbeat note in 2017 reaching $84 billion, up 16% from $72 billion in 2016 according to a report just released by Strategy Analytics. According to the report, “2018 Global Smart Home Market Forecast”, worldwide consumer spending on smart home devices, systems and services will total nearly $96 billion in 2018 and grow at 10% CAGR over the forecast period (2018 to 2023) to $155 billion. Adoption of smart speakers from Amazon and Google is boosting the market.

Audinate Announces Dante AVIO Networking Adapters Are Now Shipping
Following the unveiling at NAMM 2018, and ISE 2018, earlier in 2018, Audinate now confirmed that its line of Dante AVIO adapters are now shipping and already available from several key online retailers, including Full Compass, Dale Pro Audio and Thomann, in addition to key regional distributors around the globe. Dante AVIO adapters are a family of cost-effective endpoints that enable audio professionals to easily connect legacy analog and digital audio equipment to Dante networks.

European Union Project ORPHEUS Shows Object-Based Media Innovations
On 15th May 2018, the EU-funded ORPHEUS consortium presented their results at a workshop in Munich, Germany. The event served to summarize how the ORPHEUS project has created a full set of tools and applications for object-based media innovations, including demonstrations of a future-proof radio service, perfecting the complete workflow for object-based audio and IP-based delivery, and demonstrating object-based broadcasting innovations including foreground/ background control, language selection, immersive sound, and enhanced program services.

Martin Audio Announces TH Series Three-way Loudspeakers for High Performance Applications
Martin Audio has announced the TH Series, comprising two very high performance, all-horn, three-way systems in both a horizontally and vertically formatted package. The new loudspeaker series was designed to complement the styling of Martin Audio's best-selling CDD and BlacklineX Series and are ideal for nightclub and large scale installs. THH is configured in a horizontal format while THV is its vertical counterpart and the driver complement in both systems has been engineered for exemplary performance in all bands.

Dirac Research Announces Smartphone Debut of its ‘Dirac Panorama Sound’ Audio Solution
Dirac Research announced that its Dirac Panorama Sound solution will finally make its smartphone debut in the Smartisan Nut R1 smartphone. Dirac Panorama Sound is a pioneering speaker-optimization solution that produces immersive surround sound audio from embedded speakers positioned only a few inches apart from one another in products such as smartphones and portable speakers. Surprisingly, this brilliant digital sound optimization technology only now is getting to actual products.

Apple Launches iOS 11.4 with AirPlay 2 to Enable HomePod Stereo Pairs and Multi-Room Audio
Apple has confirmed that its latest mobile operating system iOS 11.4 is now available introducing the much anticipated AirPlay 2 updated technology, which enables Apple's own smart speaker to be configured as stereo pairs and to work in multi-room mode. AirPlay 2 will be also supported by several other audio manufacturers. Apple also confirmed that HomePod will be available in Canada, France and Germany, starting June 18.

Optoma Launches NuForce BE Free5 True Wireless Earbuds
Optoma launched the Optoma NuForce BE Free5, its latest generation of true wireless stereo earbuds, focusing on quality sound, improved comfort and reliability. On the heels of introducing the popular Optoma NuForce BE Free8 first generation true wireless earphones in 2017, Optoma now leveraged Qualcomm's latest technology to produce a smaller, ergonomic design. At only $99, the Optoma NuForce BE Free5 break the price barrier for truly wireless earphones, featuring dynamic graphene-coated drivers.