
Sonos Reinforces Installation Solutions with New Era 100 Pro Speaker
Sonos announced the Era 100 Pro, specifically engineered for professional installation. The new speaker design is optimized for PoE+ and is complemented by the Era 100 Pro Surface Mount, offering versatile installation options. Sonos is also introducing zones, a new software feature that will make bonding and controlling multiple speakers easier and more customizable for larger spaces. In time for the CEDIA Expo 2024, Sonos also announced a new Search API that strengthens compatibility with third-party control systems.

Knowles Elevates Audio Performance in New JLab Epic Sport ANC 3 True Wireless Earbuds
Knowles Corporation announced its second key design win with JLab in its latest Epic Sport ANC 3 True Wireless Earbuds. Designed to deliver an unparalleled listening experience with an ultra-secure fit, the JLab Epic Sport ANC 3 earbuds feature Knowles balanced armatures in a hybrid configuration that delivers superior treble and crystal-clear sound. This configuration enabled JLab to deliver both the Knowles Preferred Listening Response Curve as well as personalization options.

The LR4 Bass Reflex Alignment
Before computers were broadly available for loudspeaker bass reflex box simulations, engineers relied on "Alignments" for their designs - typically named after equivalent filter functions that the high-pass response of the box was aligned after — for example, Butterworth (B4) and Bessel (BL4) — to name a few. In this article, Claus Futtrup now focuses on the Linkwitz-Riley (LR4) Bass Reflex Alignment.

Fresh From the Bench: IK Multimedia ARC Studio
With the ARC Studio, IK Multimedia introduced a new DSP market contender for room and speaker correction. The solution combines a processor bundled with the company's ARC MEMS microphone and new ARC 4 software. Although ARC Studio was designed essentially for the home studio, the market served by the Italian company, this review also explores the possibilities for stereo system users, seeking playback chain improvements.

Sennheiser Consumer Audio Releases Updates to Enable Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast
Sennheiser announced an update to its Smart Control App that will enable Auracast functionalities and will activate a future firmware update for its MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 and ACCENTUM True Wireless earbuds, both released in 2024. The Smart Control App enables both Auracast Assistant and transmitter modes from the smartphone. The two Sennheiser products are already LE Audio and Auracast ready and the companion app update will pave the way for the exciting new features associated with these technologies.

WiSA Technologies Acquires Select Technologies from Data Vault Holdings and Transforms Into Datavault Inc.
WiSA Technologies announced that it has executed a definitive asset purchase agreement of select intellectual property and information technology assets from Data Vault Holdings, a privately held company, for $210 million in shares of common stock of WiSA Technologies. WiSA Technologies acquires the High-Performance Computing (HPC) Software and Acoustic Technologies IP from Data Vault Holdings and intends to change its name to Datavault Inc.

Dirac Live Room Correction Technology Now Available on a Soundbar
Dirac announced that its Dirac Live Room Correction technology is now available on a soundbar through a collaboration with Klipsch. The all-new Klipsch Flexus Core 300 soundbar is the first to offer Dirac's room correction technology, until now available mainly in high-end AVRs and integrated amplifiers. This soundbar market debut reinforces Dirac's position in the home audio market – where room correction is being adopted across all product categories, price points, and listening applications.

MainConcept Releases Officially Approved Dolby Digital Plus Pro Plugins for FFmpeg
MainConcept has released its first officially authorized Dolby Digital Plus Pro Plugins for FFmpeg to deliver high quality digital audio that enhances the viewing experience. The Dolby certified Encoder and Decoder plugins enable both AC-3 and E-AC-3 processing within every OTT and broadcast workflow and services based on FFmpeg. Dolby's AC-3 and E-AC-3 surround technology delivers high-quality digital audio for up to 7.1 discrete channels.

Bluetooth SIG Introduces Updated Specification for True Distance Awareness
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the organization that oversees Bluetooth technology, announced the release of an updated specification that now includes Bluetooth Channel Sounding, a new secure, fine-ranging feature to enhance location abilities for Bluetooth connected devices. By enabling true distance awareness in billions of everyday devices, Bluetooth Channel Sounding opens countless possibilities for developers and users alike.

Bang & Olufsen Redefines Indulgence with Beoplay H100 ANC Headphones
Bang & Olufsen unveiled its most luxurious and advanced noise cancellation headphones to date. The new Beoplay H100 expand the experience of the successful Beoplay H95 headphones, retaining the exceptional craftsmanship, elevating the sound experience, and offering up to 35 hours of playtime. Priced above all other premium wireless headphones available, Bang & Olufsen says the Beoplay H100 headphones are designed to receive software upgrades and user replaceable parts for the future.