ams Expands its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Technology Portfolio with Incus Laboratories Acquisition

ams is closing out the year with another acquisition to boost its leadership in audio sensors and active noise cancellation (ANC). The company will acquire Incus Laboratories Ltd, a UK-based privately-held provider of intellectual property (IP) for digital active noise cancellation in headphones and earphones. Incus’ design tool suite and acoustic characterization technology, allows ams to offer easier OEM implementations.

Away from lifestyle, celebrity-endorsed or high-end enthusiast products, the mainstream headphone market still shows plenty of opportunities for audio manufacturers focusing on the needs of budget-conscious users looking for an effective wireless solution. Haven Technologies has recently launched its ISOtunes noise isolating Bluetooth earbuds, targeting noisy environments and promising a better user experience when listening to music and taking calls.

A new study, conducted by a market research institute on behalf of Sennheiser, found that more than half of athletes who engage in sports at least once or twice a month say their headphones help them stay focused, creating a personal space. 27 percent say they do so to block outside noise.

Sennheiser introduced its first closed audiophile headphone model at the High End 2015 show in Munich. The new Sennheiser HD 630VB are circumaural headphones, designed to deliver well balanced sound and offer a distraction-free listening experience. A unique feature is a rotary bass dial, which allows increasing the bass response according to personal preferences.

Based on the breakthrough research that created Forte’s Harmonic Interference Free (HIF) technology, the company’s founders saw the potential to create the audio product of their dreams —headphones that deliver amazing sound quality without the hefty price tag. An Interview with Forte Founders Scott Chen and Travis Blane.

Shure’s award-winning SE earphone line expands with an affordable $49 solution, ideal for musicians and music/audio enthusiasts. The new SE112 earphones will be commercially available in spring 2014 and provide a combination of great sound, noise isolation, and quality in …