
Bluetooth Technology to Gain Longer Range, Faster Speed, and Mesh Networking in 2016
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) is previewing highlights from its 2016 technology roadmap. Planned enhancements for the technology are focused on increasing its Internet of Things (IoT) functionality. Key updates include longer range, higher speeds and mesh networking.

Valens Seminconductor Awarded Technical Emmy Award for HDBaseT Technology
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced the recipients of the 67th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards, which will be presented during the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Among the winners is Valens Semiconductor, for the “development and standardization of HDBaseT connectivity technology for commercial and residential HDMI/DVI installations”.

The Consumer Technology Association Inducts Eight Innovators into the 2015 CE Hall of Fame
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), formerly the Consumer Electronics Association, inducted eight industry leaders into its 16th annual CE Hall of Fame. CTA created the Hall of Fame in 2000 to honor industry visionaries. Harman’s Dr. Floyd Toole, pioneering psychoacoustic engineer and Noel Lee, Monster’s founder, president & CEO, were among the honorees.
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Harman Raises the Game on Wireless Headphones with new JBL Everest Featuring NXTGen Active Noise Cancelling Technology
Even though Harman International holds AKG, one of the most prestigious global names in headphones, and Harman-Kardon, among its brands, the company expanded its consumer audio portfolio with JBL-branded products, targeted at the more affordable segment of the market. The new JBL Everest Bluetooth-enabled headphones feature NXTGen Active Noise Cancelling technology.

Back to the Future: Audioengine HD6 Powered Speaker System
Audioengine introduced its new HD6 Premium Powered Speaker System. More than just a powered speaker, the HD6 is a complete audio system with all the connections users will need to listen to today’s music. These retro looking speakers feature analog and digital inputs, wireless including AAC and aptX Bluetooth and a 24-bit digital optical (SPDIF) input.

Yamaha Surprises with HPH-MT7 Studio Monitor Headphones
Exceptional precision and fidelity for audio engineers, that’s how Yamaha introduces its new HPH-MT7 Studio Monitor Headphones, a pleasant surprise just unveiled by the Japanese brand. The HPH-MT7 combines custom drivers equipped with CCAW voice coils and powerful neodymium magnets to deliver flat, high-resolution sound, for long working- (or enjoyment) sessions.

CES Announces Best of Innovation 2016 Awards Honorees
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA - former CEA) announced its Best of Innovation Awards Honorees for CES 2016. Among the winners in 27 product categories is Harman, with the JBL Reflect Aware in-ears, Klipsch with its Reference Premiere Dolby Atmos Speaker System, and Sengled Voice, the first integrated microphone and speaker LED bulb on the market.

Worldwide Headphone Shipments Projected to Grow by 6.2% to 328.7 Million Units in 2015
According to the latest Futuresource Headphones Market Report, which provides a snapshot of the current trends in headphone technology, serving also as a guide for Christmas tech gadget shopping, aftermarket shipments of headphones are projected to grow by 6.2% this year to 328.7 million units. Wireless headphones is a major growth category, expected to grow by 63% in 2015 to reach 38 million units.

Tang Band Speaker Announces Compact Bundled Subwoofer Products
Tang Band Speakers announced a new integrated bass solution comprising of wave-shaped passive radiators which are bundled with active drivers. According to the Chinese (Taiwanese) speaker manufacturer, the many combinations are an ideal choice for passive radiator subwoofer designs.

PMC Unveils Big QB1-XBD-A Main Monitors
Inspired by requests from high profile clients, PMC designed the QB1-XBD-A Active Reference Monitor, larger than anything the company has ever manufactured before. The QB1-XBD-A Class-D active ATL studio monitors were shown for the first time at the 139th AES convention in New York, impressing attendees in terms of sheer power and resolution.