NXP and Widex Team for Low Power Wireless Audio Streaming Hearing Aids

NXP Semiconductors and hearing aid specialist Widex announced that they have collaborated to develop, test and integrate NXP’s NxH2003 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) audio streaming SoC into the new Widex Beyond hearing aids. The two companies worked closely together throughout the product development cycle, to deliver hearing aid devices that can stream wireless audio from an Apple iOS device, consuming only 2.8 mA current at 1.2 Volts, which is currently the best in the industry. This allows end users to enjoy music directly from their personal devices for prolonged periods of time.

Following the announcement made earlier, on December 7, 2016, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) officially adopted Bluetooth 5 as the latest version of the Bluetooth core specification. Key updates to Bluetooth 5 include longer range, faster speed, and larger broadcast message capacity, as well as improved interoperability and coexistence with other wireless technologies.

StreamUnlimited announced its new Stream805 module, developed in collaboration with Broadcom and Wistron, combining StreamSDK software and Google Cast to create faster turnaround time for audio manufacturers. StreamUnlimited also introduced the new Stream810 module, developed in collaboration with NXP Semiconductors as a high-end streaming device for flagship audio products, including low power portable units. This module is designed to meet THX performance standards.

Luma confirmed that its home WiFi system is now available for purchase and will begin shipping to pre-order customers. Luma’s routers create a mesh network that surrounds the home with fast and secure Internet to eliminate dead zones and buffering. Additionally, Luma safeguards connected devices from malware and hackers. Its mobile app puts simple control in the user’s hand to easily monitor the network, add guests, pause the internet and much more.

Bowers & Wilkins launched its new Zeppelin Wireless connected audio speaker with a much improved design and sound. While the first iteration was basically an iPhone/iPod dock and the Zeppelin Air introduced wireless streaming (AirPlay), the new Zeppelin Wireless is now a fully featured wireless speaker, compatible with virtually all music streaming services, thanks to the latest wireless audio development platform from Frontier Silicon.

Naim’s Mu-so wireless music system now adds TIDAL and full multiroom capability to its already rich list of features. The multi-room mode works over a standard home network, either via a wired or Wi-Fi connection. A free, three month TIDAL trial is now available through the Naim control app for all Mu-so owners and owners of Naim streaming products.

CSR announced two new automotive infotainment products at TU Automotive Detroit 2015. The new CSRatlas7 platform combines hardware and software to boost simplicity, lower costs, and speed time-to-market. CSR also has entered the car radio tuner front-end market with tuneX, a cost-effective software-defined radio (SDR) solution for the in-vehicle environment.