Amazon Alexa Can Control the Complete Room Entertainment System With Logitech Harmony Remotes
Logitech announced a new Amazon Alexa skill that enables voice control of the entire living room entertainment experience using a Logitech Harmony Hub remote control with Alexa-enabled devices such as the Amazon Echo or Echo Dot. When the skill is enabled on Amazon Echo or Amazon Echo Dot, users can start and stop Harmony Activities, control entertainment devices, or even select favorite channels, using only their voice.
Texas Instruments Introduces Improved USB Type-C and Power Delivery 3.0 Devices
Texas Instruments continues to expand its portfolio of USB-compliant integrated circuits (ICs) - already one of the most comprehensive in the industry - with USB Type-C and Power Delivery 3.0 devices that improve power and data transfer, signal quality, and circuit protection. According to TI, the new devices allow developers to optimize system performance with the industry’s first USB Type-C overvoltage port protector and the only redriver supporting 10G USB data and video transfer.
New Shure SE215M+ Special Edition Sound Isolating Earphones
Shure introduced the SE215m+ Special Edition (SE215m+SPE) Sound Isolating Earphones, now molded with a white and gray finish, with integrated mobile communications capability and supporting Apple iOS devices. The new SE215m+SPE earphones feature a three-button communication pod that enables users to control device playback, volume, and the sending/receiving of calls. It also includes a microphone for phone calls and voice control apps.
Focusrite Introduces Clarett OctoPre Featuring Eight “Air”-Enabled Microphone Preamps Plus 192kHz A-D/D-A
Focusrite has announced the launch of a new eight-channel microphone preamp and A-D/D-A converter, the Clarett OctoPre, designed to allow the rapid addition of eight mic/line inputs and line outputs to the company’s successful Clarett Thunderbolt range of audio interfaces, or other interfaces that include ADAT optical I/O. The eight specially-designed Clarett mic preamps include a switchable analogue ‘Air’ effect that imparts the sonic signature of the classic Focusrite ISA mic pre.
Klark Teknik Introduces “Homage” 1176-KT Classic Compressor
The Music Group, Uli Behringer’s conglomerate now combining world-recognized brands such as Behringer, Midas, Klark Teknik, Lab Gruppen, Lake, Tannoy, Turbosound, TC Electronic, TC Helicon, Bugera, DDA and Eurocom is slowly making a comeback. Basically, Music is moving all production to their state-of-the-art factory in China and is reintroducing products from the brand’s existing portfolio as well as promised new designs. The Klark Teknik 1176-KT compressor, now announced is a sort of a surprise.
Texas Instruments Expands Portfolio of Wireless Connectivity Modules with SimpleLink Bluetooth LE
Texas Instruments (TI) announced an expansion of its wireless connectivity module portfolio with the availability of new SimpleLink Bluetooth low energy certified modules with integrated antenna which provide the longest range with ultra-low power consumption. Wireless connectivity modules have become increasingly popular among developers because advanced integration helps lower development costs, eases burden on RF design, reduces time to market and simplifies procurement and certification.
New Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 Wireless Headphones With Active Noise-Cancellation Under $200
Bluetooth headphones are such a competitive segment that even the leading brands are forced to constantly update their designs and product catalogue. An interesting example comes from Plantronics, which has been expanding from business-oriented wireless solutions into the lifestyle consumer space. With its new BackBeat PRO 2 wireless over-the-ear headphones, Plantronics shows that is possible to improve, while making even more affordable products.
ATC Launches P2 PRO Dual Mono Power Amplifier
British loudspeaker company ATC announced upcoming availability of its new P2 PRO Dual Mono Power Amplifier — a really cool looking true dual mono design, delivering 300W of continuous power simultaneously from both channels to drive the most challenging loudspeaker loads. Offering wide bandwidth and ultra-low distortion, the new P2 Pro amplifiers are hand-built by ATC in the UK using a new low-vibration 19-inch rack-mount chassis, with precision machined 12.7mm brushed aluminum front panel.
Martin Audio Upgraded Software Allows Improved Prediction and Optimization of MLA Systems
Martin Audio has announced a significant upgrade to Display, the software brain of its Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array (MLA) Series, improving even further how loudspeaker arrays are configured and controlled for any auditorium or size audience. The new Display 2.2 software represents what R&D Director, Jason Baird, now describes as “the world’s most accurate prediction and optimization array software, bar none.”
IK Multimedia Announces MODO Bass Physically Modeled Electric Bass Virtual Instrument for Mac/PC
Analog modeling of real instruments goes a step further with IK Multimedia’s new MODO BASS, the first physical modeling virtual bass instrument that gives players and producers limitless bass sound possibilities and a new world of unmatched realism and playability for ultra-realistic tracks. And the new software is also a dream form any electric bass fans, allowing full experimentation of the most coveted instruments, including customizing the complete sound chain, from pickups to amplifier and effects.