THX Announces End-To-End MPEG-H Positional Audio Solution
THX Ltd., announced the THX Spatial Audio Platform using MPEG-H and jointly demonstrated by Qualcomm Technologies and THX for the first time at Mobile World Congress 2018. The THX Spatial Audio Platform is an end-to-end universal positional audio solution built with the flexibility to support emerging immersive content formats (object-based and ambisonics) and open standards, as well as legacy content, across mobile, PC and consumer electronic devices.
XMOS Introduces Stereo-AEC Far-Field Linear Development kit for AVS, Qualified by Amazon
XMOS announced its VocalFusion Stereo Dev Kit for Amazon AVS, the first linear mic array solution qualified by Amazon for far-field performance that supports stereo acoustic echo cancellation. This new voice processor development kit is designed for developers working in the growing Alexa-enabled smart TV, soundbar, set-top box, and digital media adapter market segments, all of which require true stereo-AEC support to deliver compelling “across the room” voice-interface solutions.
STMicroelectronics Introduces Next-Generation Wireless Platform for Higher-Performing Bluetooth Devices
Powering the next generation of smart connected objects like digital-home products and wearable electronics, STMicroelectronics has revealed an advanced dual-processor wireless chip that supports new features and enhanced performance with extended battery life. The fusion of 32-bit ultra-low-power microcontroller and highly integrated Bluetooth 5 (BLE) and IEEE 802.15.4 radio creates a high-performing wireless platform for feature-rich smart connected objects.
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Speakers and Voice Development - A Conversation with NXP
After reviewing my notes from CES 2018 and the announcements from NXP, I decided it was fitting to share some parts of my interview with Martyn Humphries, vice president and general manager Media IoT and i.MX Applications Processors at NXP (and former Freescale executive). Basically, we discussed the environment that lead NXP to create its i.MX 8M single-chip media application processors, currently the most advanced integrated platform available for audio manufacturers.
HEAD acoustics Complimentary Voice Quality Webinars
HEAD acoustics announced open enrollment for their new series of complimentary educational voice quality web based seminars. These one hour sessions are designed to provide short but focused information on voice quality topics that are normally not taught in college level classes. Anyone interested in learning more about the fundamentals of voice quality testing is invited to attend.
MAAT Announces DRMeter MkII Universal Plug–in for Measurement and Monitoring of Audio Loudness and Dynamics
Proclaiming "One Meter For All," professional audio solutions manufacturer MAAT Incorporated announced a new loudness measurement tool specifically designed for music creation as well as broadcast production and post. DRMeter MkII combines R128&A/85 metering with DR & DRi Dynamic Range measurements, displaying channel–specific trends and events by augmenting mandated mono measurements with classic L/R metering to control problem areas without the need of another meter.
Speechmatics Launches Global English, an Accent-agnostic Language Pack for Speech-to-text Transcription
Speech recognition technology specialists Speechmatics announced the launch of Global English, a single English language pack supporting all major English accents for use in speech-to-text transcription. According to the company, Global English (GE) was trained on thousands of hours of spoken data from over 40 countries and tens of billions of words drawn from global sources, making it one of the most comprehensive and accurate accent-agnostic transcription solutions on the market.
Waterproof Electret Condenser Microphones Offer Ingress Protection Ratings up to IP67
CUI’s Audio Group announced a line of waterproof electret condenser microphones with Ingress Protection (IP) ratings of IP57, IP65, and IP67. Featuring sensitivity ratings from -42 to -25 dB and signal to noise ratios from 57 to 70 dBA, these IP rated microphones are ideally suited for a range of industrial applications and portable electronics for outdoor use, where moisture and environmental contaminants are a concern.
Qualcomm Enhances Performance of Truly Wireless Earbuds and Hearables with its Next Generation Qualcomm TrueWireless Stereo Technology
Qualcomm was an early pioneer in the concept of true wireless stereo a technology that is designed to completely eliminate the need for wires, not only between the media source and the headphones, but also between the left and right earbuds, offering users a wire-free stereo audio experience and supporting new use cases like hearables. Now Qualcomm announced enhancements to its Qualcomm TrueWireless Stereo technology.
Lattice Wants Manufacturers to Replace USB Connectors with its SiBEAM Snap 12 Gbps Wireless Technology
Lattice Semiconductor announced the expansion of its Lattice Snap wireless connector product family to support broader adoption of 60 GHz wireless technology in consumer and embedded applications. The solution allows direct replacing of physical interfaces such as USB and HDMI in consumer devices using short-range wireless technology, allowing waterproof, thinner products that are less prone to mechanical failures.