NPR And Edison Research Release The Smart Audio Report Spring 2019

The Smart Audio Report Spring 2019 is part of the industry's longest-running public research series about smart speaker consumer behavior in the U.S.. The updated research reveals how smart speaker user behavior and perceptions are evolving as owners 'settle in' with their devices and the market matures out of its introductory phase. According to the survey promoted by NPR And Edison Research, seven-in-ten smart speaker owners use their device daily despite common concerns around security and privacy, while those same factors are leading reasons non-owners have not acquired a device.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and fast connectivity – critical ingredients for the next era of category leaders such as smartphones, smart home devices and smart speakers – will drive the U.S. consumer technology industry to a record-breaking $398 billion in retail revenues ($301 billion wholesale) in 2019 and 3.9 percent year-over-year (YOY) growth, which includes streaming services revenue, according to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). A record growth anticipating the introduction of 5G smartphones and 8K TVs in 2019.

The latest research from Parks Associates tracks growth of voice control and voice-based technologies for smart home and connected entertainment ecosystems. Parks Associates found that 28% of U.S. broadband households with a smart speaker use the voice assistant to control a smart home device, compared to only 12% that use it to control an entertainment device. The report "State of the Market: Smart Home and Connected Entertainment," is now available for download on the Parks Associates site.

French online music service Qobuz promised to launch its streaming and download subscriptions in the US in 2018, offering a completely new option for the industry, with a high-end tier plan of 24-bit FLAC streaming that until now has never been available. Throughout the year, Qobuz has been actively promoting the service and the different hi-res streaming and download options. The company finally made an announcement confirming its US pricing plan, and stated that steps have been taken towards an "early 2019 US launch."

Qobuz, the Paris-based online music streaming and download music service, has been named the Official High-Resolution Streaming Service for the upcoming 15th Annual Rocky Mountain International Audio Fest (RMAF), the largest high-end consumer audio show in North America. Preparing for its scheduled launch in the North American market, Qobuz also announced key appointments in its US operations, including naming music industry veteran Dan Mackta as Managing Director USA.

Genelec announced the promotion of two of its key U.S. sales personnel, John Whitcore and Paul Stewart (both formerly Genelec Inc. Territory Managers). Whitcore has been appointed to the position of Genelec Inc. National Sales Manager, and Stewart has been appointed to the position of Genelec Inc. Senior Technical Sales Manager – both effective immediately.

Audio-Technica is preparing for the upcoming shift away from wireless systems operating in the 600 MHz band (614 to 698 MHz), mandated by law as a result of the ongoing FCC wireless spectrum reallocation initiative in the United States. To meet the demands of this situation, A-T has announced a wide-ranging trade-in rebate program that will greatly assist wireless users in switching to a new system that accommodates the new guidelines, on their terms, through March 31, 2019.

Sennheiser has announced an attractive trade-in program in the U.S. region following the decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to phase out use of the 600 MHz band for wireless audio over the next few years. For Sennheiser US customers and owners of equipment operating in this range, this is the time to upgrade their wireless equipment. The trade-in program converts non-compliant 600MHz wireless gear into the latest frequency-compliant offerings.