
Smart Home Applications Enabled by New XMOS Voice Capture Technology
XMOS announced the launch of its xCORE Array Microphone aggregation solution for voice user interfaces (VUI) in smart home applications. With the ability to aggregate up to 32 MEMS microphones, and offering USB and I2S backhaul, XMOS enables a new class of array microphones to be created. Applications include smart TVs, soundbars, virtual digital assistants (VDAs) and smart home automation.

Ward-Beck Systems of Canada Joins RAVENNA Partner Community
Another company joins the RAVENNA partner AoIP community and commits to provide AoIP-compatible products to the broadcast and professional audio industry. Ward-Beck Systems announced it will add Ravenna/AES67 connectivity to their range of audio monitors and multichannel audio converter and monitor series. The new products will be introduced at NAB 2016, April 16-21, 2016.

Prolight+Sound and Musikmesse 2016: Be Ready for Change!
The new concept for Prolight+Sound and Musikmesse 2016 promises a path for growth at the traditional Frankfurt show with totally different hall locations, a new expanded conference program, new opening hours, and a new sequence of days. Prolight+Sound gains more concentration of exhibit areas, while Musikmesse is more open to the public and overlaps during two days.

NXP New TFA9911 Smart Sensing Amplifier Turns Smartphone Speaker Into Microphone, Vibration Sensor with Superior Audio Performance
NXP Semiconductors recently introduced a new smart sensing amplifier, TFA9911, featuring a high efficiency class-D audio amplifier, sophisticated speaker boost and protection, and combining speaker sensing and processing algorithms to optimize recording and calling experiences. The device transforms speaker into a microphone and features vibration detection, which enables development of new “tap” activating use cases for smartphones.

Questyle Audio Unveils New Premium Integrated DAC And Amplifier Combo At Canjam 2016
Questyle Audio demoed its famed “Current Mode” powered audiophile systems in a new DAC/amp combo - the CMA600i - as well as even higher-grade Reference Edition components at the CanJam SoCal 2016 event in Costa Mesa, California. The affordable integrated DAC and amplifier CMA600i with balanced output is certainly great news for all headphone enthusiasts around the world.

Register for Acoustic Engineering & Simulation Seminars to Optimize Product Performance
To help engineers understand their product’s acoustic behavior, MSC is hosting a series of free seminars throughout the US. Each will be presented by Dr. Jean-Louis Migeot, a world-renowned acoustician who serves as Chairman of the Belgian Royal Academy of Science, Professor of Acoustics at the University of Brussels, and CEO of Free Field Technologies. Register for a seminar near you!

Focusrite New Red 4Pre Digitally-Controlled Preamp, Thunderbolt 2 and Dante Interface
British company Focusrite announced the launch of its new Red 4Pre flagship audio preamp and recording interface. Combining dual Thunderbolt 2, dual Pro Tools | HD DigiLink and Dante network audio connectivity options, the Red 4Pre features 58-in/64-out channels, and specially-developed digitally-controlled mic preamps, and high-headroom instrument inputs.

New and Updated NFC Forum Technical Specifications Speed and Secure NFC Services
The NFC Forum announced the publication of one candidate and two adopted specifications, following approval by the Board of Directors. The new specifications - now available from the NFC Forum website - enhance the performance and security of NFC services, delivering more robust peer-to-peer communication and better user experiences.

Leema Acoustics Introduces High-Performance Elements Pre-Amplifier and DAC
Leema Acoustics’ high-performance space-saving Elements range has expanded to include a new preamp with a high-quality DAC section, offering a wide range of connectivity for today’s digital devices. The new Elements Pre-Amplifier builds on the success of Leema Acoustics’ Elements integrated, adding a high-quality balanced output.

COBBLE Micro Audio Amplifier Leverages iPhone Lightning Connector for High Resolution Audio
COBBLE is a new audio project currently being promoted on Kickstarter, promising the world’s first battery-free, ultra-light, and iPhone-mic-compatible portable audio amplifier and DAC for the iPhone. Weighing less than an ounce, PEBBLE can be used anywhere, supports 24-bit 192kHz audio and features an interesting “pebble-shaped” design.