ALL NEWS ITEMS
Audeze New Maxwell Planar Magnetic Wireless Gaming Headphones Support LE Audio and LC3plus
by Joao Martins

Audeze New Maxwell Planar Magnetic Wireless Gaming Headphones Support LE Audio and LC3plus

Audeze announced Maxwell, a new ultra-low-latency wireless headset with class-leading 80+ hours of battery life, which comes with a Dolby Atmos license for select compatible platforms. With the new model, Audeze introduced a new upgraded, retro-looking earcup design for its planar magnetic drivers. The new design is also its ugliest product ever, but at least it already supports Bluetooth LE Audio, adds support for the LC3plus codec, and offers high-resolution audio over USB-C.
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Bowers & Wilkins and McLaren Automotive Celebrate Partnership with Special Edition Headphones
by Joao Martins

Bowers & Wilkins and McLaren Automotive Celebrate Partnership with Special Edition Headphones

Since 2015, Bowers & Wilkins has been responsible for the development of the high-performance audio systems found in McLaren’s supercars and hypercars. To celebrate the launch of the new high-performance hybrid McLaren Artura supercar, Bowers & Wilkins launched a McLaren Edition of its newest Px8 flagship wireless ANC headphones. Another great example of brand association, in this case for two legendary British companies.
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Automotive Audio Ranks High as Consumers See Vehicles as Safe Space
by Joao Martins

Automotive Audio Ranks High as Consumers See Vehicles as Safe Space

DTS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Xperi, released a report discussing the increasing importance of the vehicle as a third space, and uncovering drivers' preferred in-cabin features and functionalities. Safety, comfort, and radio/audio rank highest as vehicle design priorities. 91% of Millennials and Gen Z are interested in mood-sensing technology to adjust in-vehicle audio content. And 69% of drivers are interested in connected applications, including health and diagnostic updates.
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Specification Under Development Will Enable LC3plus High-Resolution Codec in Bluetooth LE Audio
by Joao Martins

Specification Under Development Will Enable LC3plus High-Resolution Codec in Bluetooth LE Audio

The Bluetooth LE Audio set of specifications, introducing the LC3 codec as the mandatory option for wireless audio streaming, is an important evolution compared to the current default SBC codec. Nevertheless, unlike the current Bluetooth Classic A2DP profile that specifies optional audio codecs, LE Audio didn't offer any options. A recent article in the Fraunhofer IIS blog confirms that a new specification is under development to allow support for the LC3plus high-resolution audio codec.
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WiSA Technologies Launches New Control App for WiSA-Enabled TVs, Soundbars, and External Transmitters
by Joao Martins

WiSA Technologies Launches New Control App for WiSA-Enabled TVs, Soundbars, and External Transmitters

WiSA Technologies has launched a new app enabling users of WiSA-enabled devices full control of their multichannel audio experience. The app is designed to work with any source device that uses WiSA HT, or the new WiSA E embedded software solution, including smart TVs, soundbars, and external transmitters such as the WiSA SoundSend. The app was presented to CEDIA Expo 2022 visitors and its initial launch opens new full control possibilities.
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PSB Speakers Now Shipping Alpha iQ Streaming Speakers with BluOS
by Alfred Moody

PSB Speakers Now Shipping Alpha iQ Streaming Speakers with BluOS

PSB Speakers announced the broad retail availability of the Alpha iQ, Streaming Powered Speakers with BluOS, the brand’s first pair of wireless streaming bookshelf speakers that integrate control, source and amplification. These affordable all-in-one wireless speakers were announced just before CEDIA Expo 2022. Not only they are relatively affordable for active speakers, but they expand the Lenbrook Bluesound wireless audio ecosystem, managed with the BluOS Controller app.
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iFi Audio Introduces GO Link USB-C Headphone Hi-Res Audio Adapter
by audioXpress Staff

iFi Audio Introduces GO Link USB-C Headphone Hi-Res Audio Adapter

The latest iFi Audio GO Link is a compact and simple DAC and headphone amplifier, packing in sophisticated technology that outstrips other USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapters, yet at a super-affordable price. Expanding the brand's GO series of ultraportable DAC/headphone amps, the new GO Link headphone dongle delivers high resolution audio when connected to smartphones, tablets, PCs and Macs via a USB port.
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Rational Acoustics Smaart Adds Integrated Control for Audient EVO Audio Interfaces
by audioXpress Staff

Rational Acoustics Smaart Adds Integrated Control for Audient EVO Audio Interfaces

Rational Acoustics and Audient announced the integration between the recently updated Smaart v9 audio and acoustical measurement software and the Audient EVO line of USB-C audio interfaces. The Smaart 9.1 update integrates the controls for phantom power and gain for Audient’s EVO devices - EVO 4, 8, and 16 - directly from within the Smaart interface. Additionally, gain tracking may be enabled to allow for automatic decibel offset recalculation for calibrated inputs.
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Powersoft ArmoníaPlus 2.5 Update Adds Further AES67 Support
by audioXpress Staff

Powersoft ArmoníaPlus 2.5 Update Adds Further AES67 Support

Following the updates announced in September 2022 introducing AES67-compatible versions of its Powersoft's Duecanali and Quattrocanali amplifier platforms oriented towards fixed installations, the company now expanded its software support. Version 2.5 of ArmoníaPlus adds support for new AES67-compatible Mezzo amplifier models and dynamic music distribution sources, as well as a new priority input feature.
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Second-Generation AirPods Pro Launch Expands Apple Market Share in the Global TWS Market
by Joao Martins

Second-Generation AirPods Pro Launch Expands Apple Market Share in the Global TWS Market

As overall sales of headphones have decreased 4% in the third quarter of 2022, according to market research firm Canalys, the true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds category continues to lead in the personal audio space. Among the winners in this extremely competitive, low margin environment, Apple stands out with the second-generation AirPods Pro generating an important boost in sales in that quarter - and most likely all through the holidays.
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