A Different Kind of Speaker: Onyx from Orion Labs is Like an IP Walkie-Talkie Featuring Amazon Alexa
Orion Labs announced that its smart walkie-talkie with unlimited range, Onyx, is now available across the US and that Onyx will have Amazon Alexa integration in Q4 2016. Onyx is a different kind of smart miniature speaker, allowing voice connections at the touch of a button using cellular networks or Wi-Fi, including group conversations. A free software update will add integration with Amazon Alexa, creating an ideal portable and hands-free voice personal assistant.
ICEpower and Audio Bricks Merge to Create a New Audio Amplification Powerhouse
Danish company ICEpower, independent from Bang & Olufsen since May 2016, announced the decision to merge with Audio Bricks, and to acquire its holding company, Bolecano Holding AB, from Sweden. While ICEPower is highly recognized in the market as one of the leading brands in audio amplification, Audio Bricks is a relatively new company, created in 2014 by Patrik Boström and Lars Press Petersen, which have now become partners and shareholders of ICEpower, respectively holding the position of CTO, Amplification, and CTO, Research and SMPS in ICEpower.
Bose Introduces New Wireless Soundbar and Surround Sound Systems
Bose announced three new wireless systems created just for the modern home: the SoundTouch 300 soundbar, crushing the limitations of single-speaker performance for music and movies, and two new luxury Lifestyle home entertainment systems, combining stunning surround sound with an equally improved design. The new systems combine WiFi, Bluetooth and advanced DSP and are premiering at CEDIA 2016 in Dallas, TX.
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Comply Foam Launches Comply Universal Foam Tips
Comply Foam launched new foam audio tips with patented SmartCore technology, making it easier than ever for casual consumers to choose a solution for their earphones. With the launch of its new precision-engineered Comply Universal foam tip line of audio accessories, Hearing Components is making quality sound and comfort a “grab-and-go” no-brainer for casual consumers.
Sennheiser Introduces Next Generation of Popular HD 500 Headphone Range
For those seeking to enhance their experience of home entertainment and unlock the full potential of their home audio equipment, Sennheiser has launched the next generation of its popular HD 500 series headphone range. Powered by the audio specialist’s proprietary transducer technology for excellent sound performance, the new headphones feature enhanced ergonomics for exceptional wearing comfort and contemporary good looks.
Blackmagic Design Makes a Grand Entrance Into Professional Audio with Acquisition of Fairlight
As reported back in July 2016, Australian technology development company Fairlight.AU was actively seeking a buyer for its Professional Audio technology and intended to focus on licensing its existing generic user-interface technologies. At IBC 2016, the largest company in broadcast and professional video technologies from Australia, Blackmagic Design, confirmed the acquisition, together with many other spectacular announcements.
Technica Del Arte Launches uMi USB Microphone Interface at IBC 2016
A highlight of Technica Del Arte’s presence at IBC 2016 was the launch of uMi, a professional location broadcast and recording USB microphone interface, designed with the mobile reporter and musician in mind. Compact, robust, flexible, multi-platform and delivering 24-bit/192kHz audio quality for all professional applications, the compact uMi microphone was designed in response to a number of key requests from users of Technica Del Arte’s popular LUCI reporter software.
New Premium Wireless, Bluetooth Earphones from Beats
Apple’s rogue army of lifestyle audio products received its first ever update since Cupertino invested in the brand with the unveiling of the new Solo3 Wireless Headphones, BeatsX and Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones. All three new Bluetooth products benefited from Apple’s integrated W1 chip, Class 1 Bluetooth, extended battery life, Fast Fuel charge, and the Beats popular sound signature.
JoeCo Launches BLUEBOX Workstation Interface Recorders
Set to raise the standard of DAW-based recording set-ups, the BLUEBOX range of Workstation Interface Recorders is officially launching from JoeCo at IBC 2016. The new range combines a superior multi-channel USB 2.0 DAW interface with high quality preamps on every channel, with the reliability of JoeCo’s range of 24-bit/96kHz Blackbox Recorders, used as on-board backup recording, or as a stand-alone, live, multi-channel audio acquisition recorder connected to a DAW for live mixdown.
Mobile Audio, Streaming and Smart-Home Takes Centre Place at IFA 2016
More international trade visitors, more international media, visitors excited by the variety of innovation, positive mood across the board. That’s how the organisers of IFA Berlin, one of the largest trade shows for consumer electronics and home appliances, describe the 2016 edition, which took place at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds (ExpoCenter City). New audio products were front and centre at this year’s event.