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FDA Authorizes Bose Hearing Aid Device to Enter the Market as First Self-Fitting Hearing Aid Controlled by the User
by Joao Martins

FDA Authorizes Bose Hearing Aid Device to Enter the Market as First Self-Fitting Hearing Aid Controlled by the User

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed marketing of a new device, the Bose Hearing Aid, intended to amplify sounds for individuals 18 years or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment (hearing loss). This is the first hearing aid authorized for marketing by the FDA that enables users to fit, program and control the hearing aid on their own, without assistance from a health care provider.
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Focal Introduces Elegia High-End Closed-Back Headphones
by audioXpress Staff

Focal Introduces Elegia High-End Closed-Back Headphones

Focal has been enjoying significant success in the high-end market with both speakers and headphones. After launching the Elear, Utopia, and Clear open-back headphones, the French audio manufacturer now integrated the best of its technologies into the Elegia, a closed-back solution, which Focal is proud to call, its very first high-end, closed-back headphone.
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Ethernet Alliance Announces New Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3bt Standard and New Certification Program
by audioXpress Staff

Ethernet Alliance Announces New Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3bt Standard and New Certification Program

The Ethernet Alliance, the global consortium dedicated to the continued success and advancement of Ethernet technologies, hailed the ratification of IEEE 802.3bt, IEEE Standard for Ethernet - Amendment 2: Power over Ethernet (PoE) over 4 Pairs. Among other additions, the newly ratified specification introduces four new classes and increases maximum power levels supplied by a factor of three. The new standard sets stage for robust Power over Ethernet market growth as the consortium readies second-generation product certification program.
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Harman's Mark Levinson Introduces New 5000 Series Integrated Amplifiers
by audioXpress Staff

Harman's Mark Levinson Introduces New 5000 Series Integrated Amplifiers

A major highlight among new product announcements at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2018, Harman's Mark Levinson introduced the first two models from the new 5000 series, the № 5805 (with new MM/MC phono stage) and № 5802 (w/Bluetooth) integrated amplifiers. The Mark Levinson 5000 series amplifiers deliver renowned Mark Levinson luxury and fidelity at an exceptional value, now featuring ESS Sabre32 converters and MQA support, among many exceptional updated features.
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MQA Showcases Live Streaming and Continues Product Expansion at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2018
by audioXpress Staff

MQA Showcases Live Streaming and Continues Product Expansion at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2018

Support for Master Quality Authenticated (MQA), the technology that delivers master quality audio in a file small enough to stream, continues to receive consistent support across the audio industry. MQA adoption will be a dominant topic at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2018 show, October 5-7, in Denver, CO, where Astell&Kern and DALI, among others, will announce MQA support on new products and the company will be running two MQA Live events, as well as supporting its many partners.
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Listen Releases SoundCheck 16.1 with New Frequency Trigger for Open Loop Testing
by audioXpress Staff

Listen Releases SoundCheck 16.1 with New Frequency Trigger for Open Loop Testing

The audio measurement specialists at Listen announced the release of SoundCheck 16.1. This minor software release contains nevertheless some exciting new features for all developers and manufacturers working with connected audio devices, providing a test routine for smart speakers and other voice-controlled devices such as smartphones, robots, automotive audio, smart thermostats, hearables and more. The new software is available free of charge to all registered users of SoundCheck 16.0.
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Branded Premium Audio Important to Consumers in New Vehicle Purchase Decisions
by audioXpress Staff

Branded Premium Audio Important to Consumers in New Vehicle Purchase Decisions

A recent IHS Markit survey finds that premium audio from recognized brands remains an important consideration when acquiring a new vehicle. Branded audio system volumes in new vehicles are expected to grow from just under 12.4 million units globally in 2018 to 14.7 million units in 2023, according to new vehicle production forecasts for these systems from the business information provider research.
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AVR Microcontrollers Now Supported in MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment
by audioXpress Staff

AVR Microcontrollers Now Supported in MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment

Designers who have traditionally used Microchip’s PIC microcontrollers (MCUs) and developed with the MPLAB ecosystem can now easily evaluate and incorporate AVR MCUs - the family of microcontrollers developed since 1996 by Atmel and acquired by Microchip Technology in 2016 - into their applications. The majority of AVR MCUs are now beta supported with the release of MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) version 5.05, available now from Microchip.
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Microsoft Enters Headphone Market with New Noise-Cancelling Surface Headphones
by Joao Martins

Microsoft Enters Headphone Market with New Noise-Cancelling Surface Headphones

Microsoft announced a new raft of hardware products, where it surprised the market with the introduction of its first "premium and smart" headphones. The new Microsoft Surface Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones are designed to complement the company's latest range of Surface computers, highlighting the integration with Windows 10 services and experiences. If that strategy will appeal to consumers or not that's a big question, but there's no doubt that the Surface Headphones are well-designed and combine an interesting set of unique features.
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RHA Introduces Bluetooth 5 TrueConnect True Wireless Earbuds
by Joao Martins

RHA Introduces Bluetooth 5 TrueConnect True Wireless Earbuds

Scottish headphone brand RHA has confirmed the launch of its first true wireless earbuds, the TrueConnect. Engineered for high quality sound and call quality with 25-hour battery life (5+20) and IPX5 rating, the new RHA TrueConnect earbuds are designed to deliver wireless audio all day, whatever the weather. With an ergonomic stem design, the RHA earbuds are truly unique, leveraging the combination of the latest Bluetooth 5 technology, a dynamic driver and USB-C charging.
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