Knowles Launches Advanced Audio Solution for Hearables and Premium Earphones

Advanced micro-acoustic, audio processing, and specialty component solutions specialists, Knowles Corporation, announced the launch of Versant advanced voice technology, an advanced audio solution for hearables and premium earphones that optimizes the user’s voice in noisy environments, such as wind or crowds. A first implementation example includes Munich-based, Bragi, which has recently introduced a software upgrade to its The Dash earbuds featuring Knowles Versant technology.

Wearable technology specialists, LifeBEAM announced a partnership with Harman International to provide high-fidelity audio for the world’s first AI-based earphones and personal trainer, called Vi. LifeBEAM’s first consumer product, combines Harman Kardon high-fidelity sound with the brand’s sophisticated design, and built-in aerospace-grade biosensors, allowing consumers to listen to updates on vitals including heart rate and its variability, motion, elevation and other environmental sensors.

Bose announced four new headphones, expanding its range with the all new QuietComfort 35 and QuietControl 30 noise cancellation wireless models. Also new are the new SoundSport and SoundSport Pulse for sport and fitness. The new generation of Bose headphones is a significant technology update, allowing for up to 20 hours of battery life and controllable noise cancellation with personalization features.

French start-up Prizm was recognized at CES 2016, the second year the company attends the show, following its successful crowdfunding campaign in 2014. Prizm developed a new kind of learning music player that can be plugged to any speakers, recognizes people in the room and plays music according to their tastes. This year, the device was awarded the prestigious CES Innovation Award in the Smart Home category.

Knowles completed the acquisition of Audience, following an updated offer for a mix of cash and shares of Knowles common stock. The acquisition and merger of the two companies was already approved by Korean regulators and should enable the world leader in MEMS devices and transducers for mobile devices to access Audience’s advanced voice and audio processing technologies.

STMicroelectronics has revelead its contribution to the innovative Prizm smart audio device, which automatically plays the perfect song, based on the number of people in the room, their music tastes and habits, and even the time of day and ambient noise levels. ST’s leading-edge microcontroller and sensor technologies enable Prizm’s smart audio and touch interactions.