Frontier Silicon Extends Smart Audio Collaboration with Harman for JBL Wireless Speakers
November 14 2017, 03:00
British digital audio technologies specialist Frontier Silicon, announced that Harman, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of audio systems and speakers, has chosen Frontier’s Minuet Smart Audio platform as the technology to power its new JBL Control Xstream wireless speakers. This is the latest in a series of collaborations between the two companies which date back to 2013.
British digital audio technologies specialist Frontier Silicon, announced that Harman, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of audio systems and speakers, has chosen Frontier’s Minuet Smart Audio platform as the technology to power its new JBL Control Xstream wireless speakers. This is the latest in a series of collaborations between the two companies which date back to 2013.
The JBL Control Xstream speakers, with Chromecast built-in and Spotify Connect, provide highly synced wireless stereo and multi-room capability. When wired, the speakers also support playback of 24-bit/96kHz high resolution audio. The speakers are sold as a pair and are expected in stores in November 2017, retailing for about $499.
Frontier Silicon is one of a small number of solution providers working with Google on its Chromecast built-in technology. “Our Minuet platform provides a complete toolkit for brands and manufacturers wishing to develop smart audio devices with Chromecast built-in. We are delighted that Harman have once again chosen Minuet – this time to power its new JBL Control Xstream wireless speakers,” says Anthony Sethill, CEO, Frontier Silicon.
Frontier Silicon's Minuet speaker toolkit is a design platform enabling audio manufacturers to develop wireless speakers incorporating Google Cast for Audio, and features 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, enabling faster product development and mass market pricing. The toolkit is powered by Frontier’s Minuet module and includes the entire design set needed to build an audio product (datasheets, schematics, gerbers, mechanical drawings, bill of materials, application guidelines, simulation tools, iOS / Android reference apps and libraries). It comes pre-certified for CE, FCC, Wi-Fi alliance and Bluetooth.
Lou Schreurs, VP BU Connected Home, Harman Lifestyle Audio, comments: “Having worked with Frontier on other products, we were pleased to extend our Smart Audio relationship. Frontier’s technology team supported us to complete development of the JBL Control Xstream speakers in a timely manner.” harman.com | www.frontier-silicon.com
