AKM Announces New Low-Power 32-Bit Stereo DAC with 32% Smaller Footprint

Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has started mass production of the AK4333ECB, a 32-bit stereo audio D/A converter (DAC) with built-in headphone amplifier. While the mounting area has been significantly reduced by 32% compared to AKM's previous products, it features Velvet Sound technology for high sound quality. The new low power DAC was developed to enhance mobile and portable wireless designs, such as wireless headphones and VR/AR headsets.

Logitech unveiled Logitech Chorus, a new integrated audio solution designed from the ground up for the Meta Quest 2, a Virtual Reality Headset sold by Facebook. The Logitech VR accessory uses Balanced Mode Radiator (BMR) drivers from Tectonic, adding a convenient "off-ear speaker" solution that is similar to the one created for the Valve Index Headset. Without touching the ears, the design was custom tuned by Tectonic to offer total but safe immersion for those experimenting with VR.

An interesting research was unveiled last week by Valve, an entertainment software and gaming technology company founded in 1996 and based in Bellevue, WA. In 2016, Valve launched SteamVR, a platform for distribution of virtual reality (VR) products, which lead the company to develop its own VR headset - the Valve Index. In the development process leading to the company's new VR headset, Valve has made significant progress not only in the display, lens, and field of view aspect of VR goggles, but also on the aural side. Emily Ridgway, audio researcher at Valve Software, describes the company's take on what they call "off-ear headphones" or "ear-speakers."