miniDSP Introduces UMA-8 USB Microphone Array for Voice-Activated Applications

The new miniDSP UMA-8 is a high-performance yet low cost multichannel USB microphone array built around XMOS multicore technology, designed for voice-recognition application development. Seven high-performance MEMS microphones are configured in a circular arrangement to provide high-quality voice capture for a wide range of applications. Leveraging the onboard DSP processing, the UMA-8 supports voice algorithms including beamforming, noise reduction, acoustic echo cancellation and de-reverb.

R&D departments in the whole global audio and mobile industries are focused on developing the next-generation of voice-activated speakers exploring the success of the Amazon Echo. Most companies are exploring the tools and developments kits that make it easy to implement Amazon's Alexa or Google's Assistant voice personal assistants. Now, Harman unveiled its own effort of a voice-activated speaker, working with Microsoft's Cortana and featuring improved audio features.

Conexant’s AudioSmart 3.0 audio technology is making interactions with intelligent personal assistants more informed and productive. Conexant showcased the world’s first PC to receive Microsoft Skype for Business certification as a Group Speakerphone – along with its four-microphone, far-field voice input pre-processing technology and context-aware control automation software, introducing a suite of technologies that intelligently sense context, leveraging information about how a device is being used to automatically optimize the end-user experience.