
VoiceLabs Announces new Sponsored Messages to Interact with Amazon Echo Consumers
VoiceLabs’ new Sponsored Messages service is the first native solution to help Amazon Alexa developers monetize, and invest in the voice-first evolution. Specializing in analytics for emerging applications such as voice personal assistants, VoiceLabs wants to provide brands with the ability to reach and interact with Amazon Echo consumers. The platform will also allow Alexa skill developers to monetize their work, VoiceLabs explains.

Point Source Audio and AuviTran Announce Distribution Partnership for the Americas
Point Source Audio (PSA) and French audio over IP network specialist AuviTran, announced their official partnership to distribute AuviTran products throughout North America. In this agreement, Point Source Audio — a manufacturer of miniature microphones and headsets — will tap its sales and support team to bring AuviTran solutions to proaudio and broadcast markets, which they believe simplify AV/IP networking convergence.

Expanse Affordable Electrostatic Speakers Campaign on Indiegogo
Another week, another speaker design is promoted on crowdfunding platforms. While some ideas are better than others, there's nothing like taking an existing technology and giving it an updated use for modern needs. That's what IC One Two (IC12), a company from Australia, is realizing with their new Expanse Speakers range. A modern take on the best acoustic properties of electrostatic transducers in two affordable systems for desktop and home-theater use.

Hafler Introduces HA75-DAC Headphone Amplifier and USB DAC
Hafler (a division of Radial Engineering) announced the launch of the HA75-DAC, an audiophile-quality tube based headphone amplifier and USB digital to analog converter. Basically, Radial took its existing Hafler HA75 "vintage inspired" headphone amplifier, a 100% discrete class-A circuit with a 12AX7 tube drive, and added a USB Digital-to-Analog converter input with 24-bit/192kHz support in the same 14 gauge steel casing, making it a much more practical and complete unit in multiple applications.

Avermetrics Releases 8-Channel Switch for Audio Measurements
Audio and electronic production test systems specialist, Avermetrics, has announced the release of its new 9084 Analog Switch. Based in Los Angeles, California, Avermetrics develops highly modular and scalable test solutions for electronics production lines. Its new 9084 Analog Switch was precisely designed to respond to the needs of audio equipment manufacturers with high-channel count devices that need to be tested.

MAGIX Releases Sound Forge Pro Mac 3 and Announces New Versions for 2017
Promising a bright future for the entire Sound Forge Line, German software company MAGIX confirmed it is committed to release upgrades to this popular family of audio editing software products. Currently under development by engineering teams in the US and Germany, new upgrades will arrive in May 2017, with upgrades for the entire line slated for completion within the next 12 months.

Dr. Alex Arteaga to Give Keynote Address at AES 142nd International Convention In Berlin
The AES Berlin Committee has announced that Dr. Alex Arteaga will give the Opening Ceremonies keynote speech, "Auditory Architecture: Environment, Sense, and Aurality," at the 142nd International AES Convention, being held in Berlin, Germany, on May 20 to 23, 2017, at the Maritim Hotel Berlin. The presentation will delve into areas of aesthetics and the perception by the senses as it pertains to audio.

World’s Leading Independent Labels Represented by Merlin Sign Multi-year Agreement to Encode Masters in MQA
MQA and Merlin, the global digital rights agency for the independent label sector, have announced a multi-year agreement that will support the world’s best-known independent labels to encode their master recordings in Master Quality Authenticated (MQA). Following agreements with music-entertainment giants Universal Music Group (UMG), and Warner Music Group, MQA now gets the support from the world’s largest independent catalogue.

OTTO Introduces NoizeBarrier High Definition Electronic Earplugs
Serious about hearing protection? OTTO Engineering, a manufacturer of two-way radio accessories for industrial, public safety, and military applications, announced the launch of its new NoizeBarrier High Definition Electronic Earplugs. The NoizeBarrier earplugs are an essential component for military and law enforcement professionals in the war against hearing loss and for preserving situational awareness during missions.

Merging Technologies Promotes Advantages of RAVENNA Ethernet Audio Protocol as the New Benchmark for Connectivity at High End Munich 2017
At High End Munich 2017, Merging Technologies will promote RAVENNA as the connection standard for high end audio, promoting drivers that can be adopted by other devices, and introducing ZMan, a new OEM RAVENNA circuit board for audio components as diverse as loudspeakers, DACs and server/streamers.