ALL NEWS ITEMS
Branded Premium Audio Important to Consumers in New Vehicle Purchase Decisions
by audioXpress Staff

Branded Premium Audio Important to Consumers in New Vehicle Purchase Decisions

A recent IHS Markit survey finds that premium audio from recognized brands remains an important consideration when acquiring a new vehicle. Branded audio system volumes in new vehicles are expected to grow from just under 12.4 million units globally in 2018 to 14.7 million units in 2023, according to new vehicle production forecasts for these systems from the business information provider research.
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AVR Microcontrollers Now Supported in MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment
by audioXpress Staff

AVR Microcontrollers Now Supported in MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment

Designers who have traditionally used Microchip’s PIC microcontrollers (MCUs) and developed with the MPLAB ecosystem can now easily evaluate and incorporate AVR MCUs - the family of microcontrollers developed since 1996 by Atmel and acquired by Microchip Technology in 2016 - into their applications. The majority of AVR MCUs are now beta supported with the release of MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE) version 5.05, available now from Microchip.
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Microsoft Enters Headphone Market with New Noise-Cancelling Surface Headphones
by Joao Martins

Microsoft Enters Headphone Market with New Noise-Cancelling Surface Headphones

Microsoft announced a new raft of hardware products, where it surprised the market with the introduction of its first "premium and smart" headphones. The new Microsoft Surface Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones are designed to complement the company's latest range of Surface computers, highlighting the integration with Windows 10 services and experiences. If that strategy will appeal to consumers or not that's a big question, but there's no doubt that the Surface Headphones are well-designed and combine an interesting set of unique features.
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RHA Introduces Bluetooth 5 TrueConnect True Wireless Earbuds
by Joao Martins

RHA Introduces Bluetooth 5 TrueConnect True Wireless Earbuds

Scottish headphone brand RHA has confirmed the launch of its first true wireless earbuds, the TrueConnect. Engineered for high quality sound and call quality with 25-hour battery life (5+20) and IPX5 rating, the new RHA TrueConnect earbuds are designed to deliver wireless audio all day, whatever the weather. With an ergonomic stem design, the RHA earbuds are truly unique, leveraging the combination of the latest Bluetooth 5 technology, a dynamic driver and USB-C charging.
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Wi-Fi Alliance Announces Wi-Fi 6. A New Generational Approach to Easily Differentiate Between Wi-Fi Technologies
by audioXpress Staff

Wi-Fi Alliance Announces Wi-Fi 6. A New Generational Approach to Easily Differentiate Between Wi-Fi Technologies

The Wi-Fi Alliance introduced Wi-Fi 6 as the industry designation for products and networks that support the next generation of Wi-Fi, based on 802.11ax technology. Wi-Fi 6 is part of a new naming approach by Wi-Fi Alliance that provides users with an easy-to-understand designation for both the Wi-Fi technology supported by their device and used in a connection the device makes with a Wi-Fi network. Multiple chip companies already announced enthusiastic support.
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M-Audio Introduces M-Track 8x4M USB-C Audio Interface
by audioXpress Staff

M-Audio Introduces M-Track 8x4M USB-C Audio Interface

With 8 inputs, 4 outputs, audiophile-grade Crystal Preamps, Hi-speed USB-C connection, USB/Direct control for zero latency and support for 24-bit/192kHz audio, the new M-Audio M-Track 8X4M is a very nice studio-quality audio interface for an affordable price. Finally, pro audio manufacturers are noticing the advantages of the updated USB-C interface and are making available the technology to home- and project-studios at the most affordable level.
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Powersoft Takes Control of Sound Reinforcement with New ArmoníaPlus Software
by audioXpress Staff

Powersoft Takes Control of Sound Reinforcement with New ArmoníaPlus Software

Already manufacturing the most ‘Green’ amplifiers in terms of carbon footprint, Powersoft is now poised to shred efficiency agendas with the launch of a radical new redesign of its system-centric ArmoníaPlus control software. Uniquely loudspeaker-oriented, the new ArmoníaPlus interface mimics the real-world and the physical process of audio design with a workflow approach that is both simple to use and easy to navigate.
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Parasound to Debut New Halo P 6 Audio Preamplifier & DAC at RMAF 2018
by audioXpress Staff

Parasound to Debut New Halo P 6 Audio Preamplifier & DAC at RMAF 2018

Parasound will introduce its new Halo P 6, 2.1-channel Audio Preamplifier and DAC to audio enthusiasts at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in Denver, October 5-7. The Parasound Halo P 6, which is now in stock to replace the five-year-old P 5, improves upon its predecessor with a premium ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC, ladder-style volume control, many internal audio refinements, and subtle new gold highlights.
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Mackie Announces All-New Headphones and Earphones for Musicians and Studio Monitoring
by audioXpress Staff

Mackie Announces All-New Headphones and Earphones for Musicians and Studio Monitoring

Mackie announced a new range of products targeting its core market of musicians and home studios with the all-new MC Series Professional Headphones and CR-Buds Series High-Performance Earphones. Building on the success of the previous MP Series In-Ear Monitors, these two new series are meant to offer high-quality, affordable solutions for both studio monitoring and personal listening, using designs that will be familiar to its targeted users.
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JLab Audio Launches JBuds Air $50 True Wireless Earbud
by audioXpress Staff

JLab Audio Launches JBuds Air $50 True Wireless Earbud

What can you do when the market gets crowded in a category were sales didn't even take off that much? For a mass-market consumer-oriented brand like JLab Audio there's only one solution: stick to the essential and pack the best possible design and features in the cheapest product possible with decent specifications. The San Diego-based brand launched their JBuds Air True Wireless Signature Earbuds, which feature 14-hour battery life and custom EQ settings and will retail at an M.S.R.P. of only $49.99.
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