IBM Launches Experimental Platform for Embedding Watson into Any Device
IBM unveiled an experimental release of Project Intu, a new, system-agnostic platform designed to enable embodied cognition. The new platform allows developers to embed IBM Watson artificial intelligence functions into various end-user device form factors, offering a next generation architecture for building cognitive-enabled experiences. The initiative allows developers to extend Watson speech, language, vision and empathy capabilities to new form factors.
Audio Industry Set to Capitalize on New Role at Centre of the Smart Home
Futuresource Consulting has just released its most recent consumer electronics report covering a new place for audio in the smart home. “Voice recognition technology is shaking up the CE industry, broadening the horizons of speaker vendors and reinventing the audio device as the gatekeeper of voice, smart home and machine learning,” the report says. Futuresource research forecasts important growth in audio applications for the connected home.
4K UHD TV Display Sales to Grow 40 Percent as 4K Ecosystem Expands Three Times Faster than HDTV
Holiday (Q4) shipments of 4K Ultra High-Definition (4K UHD) televisions in the United States are expected to reach 4.5 million units, driving total 4K UHD sales for 2016 to 10 million units, a healthy 40 percent increase over 2015, according to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). Sales of 4K UHD TVs continue to increase as more brands and screen sizes are available at lower prices, new technologies such as High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Wide Color Gamut (WCG) are more widely available, and consumer demand grows.
Massdrop Massively Successful Collaboration with Sennheiser on HD6XX Headphones
Massdrop is fast becoming the new market sensation for the audio industry, much in the same way crowdfunding websites have revolutionized the marketing mix, especially for startups. The difference here is how powerful this one million strong audio enthusiast community can be for established brands. In a recent example, collaborating directly with Sennheiser, Massdrop made history with its recent HD6XX headphones campaign.
Ocean Way Audio New HiRes3.5 Studio Reference Monitor
Anyone that had the opportunity to listen to Ocean Way Audio’s HR4 monitors - as we had - knows that Allen Sides is into something serious. At the 141st AES Convention in Los Angeles, CA, Ocean Way Audio (OWA) proved why they claim to be a “leading manufacturer of high-resolution reference monitors for the professional audio and audiophile market sectors”, and unveiled the new HiRes3.5 Studio Reference Monitor, also known as HR3.5.
Microchip Launches New Generation of 8-bit AVR MCUs with Core Independent Peripherals
Microchip Technology released a new generation of 8-bit tinyAVR MCUs. The four new devices range from 14 to 24 pins and 4 KB to 8 KB of Flash and are the first tinyAVR microcontrollers to feature Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs). The new devices will be supported by Atmel START, an innovative online tool for intuitive, graphical configuration of embedded software projects.
Silicon Labs Introduces World’s Smallest Bluetooth SiP Module
Silicon Labs has introduced the industry’s smallest Bluetooth low energy system-in-package (SiP) module with a built-in chip antenna, offering a complete, cost-effective connectivity solution with no compromises in performance. Available in a tiny 6.5 mm x 6.5 mm package, the BGM12x Blue Gecko SiP module enables developers to miniaturize IoT designs by minimizing the PCB footprint including the antenna clearance area to 51 mm2.
Affordable RTW MM3 MusicMeter is Now Shipping
Visual audio meter and monitoring specialist, RTW announced that the newest addition to its loudness metering family, the MM3 MusicMeter, is now shipping. The MM3 is the company's lowest-cost loudness meter, adding support for music-based applications. With the superior accuracy that RTW has become known for, the MM3 MusicMeter features vectorscope, PPM/TruePeak or VU, real-time analyzers, Loudness vs. Time charts, as well as numerical and graphical loudness display and zoom modes.
L-Acoustics’ Holding Company, L-Group, Acquires CAMCO
L-Group, holding company of L-Acoustics, today announced the acquisition of CAMCO, the manufacturer of high-end amplified controllers, DSP and audio network solutions for the professional audio industry. L-Acoustics traditionally worked in close partnership with German company CAMCO to complement its sound reinforcement and touring solutions. The acquisition will enable closer integration of active and networked systems.
Braven Takes Over the Home with Premium Home Bluetooth Speakers
Braven Audio introduced a new Premium Home series featuring three advanced wireless speakers, the 1100, 2200m and 2300. Evolving from the typical portable Bluetooth concept, the new range advances to an expanded home system combined with refined design to complement home décor. The Braven 2200m and 2300 speakers even have a built-in mounting options and are Bluetooth Smart enabled allowing for hands-free, remote control via the Braven Smart App.