Immersive Audio Explored - Really, What Is Immersive Audio?
Any form of audio and entertainment content today is produced and distributed as files, which are then streamed to consumers. MC Patel, the founder and CEO of Emotion Systems, explores immersive audio from the deliverables standpoint. The article discusses the evolution of immersive audio and all the implications of dealing with its formats and unique requirements. The article was originally published in audioXpress, September 2023.
Qualcomm State of Sound 2023 Report Shows New Consumer Priorities
Qualcomm just published its 2023 State of Sound report. The focus for this year's survey is on evolving consumer uses of wireless audio devices, from traditional use cases like music listening, voice calls and watching video, to the more complex use of devices in the workplace, for gaming and hearing enhancement. As usage increases, highlights indicate new consumer priorities from their audio devices.
Sonos Bolsters Leadership Team and Names Maxime Bouvat-Merlin as Chief Product Officer
Preparing for the opportunity ahead, Sonos introduced new members of its executive management team. Veteran Sonos executive Maxime Bouvat-Merlin was named Chief Product Officer, leading the global product and operations organizations, as Deirdre Findlay joins as its new Chief Commercial Officer with responsibilities spanning all go-to-market and customer experience functions. Dunja LaRosa also joins as Chief Revenue Officer, responsible for overseeing Sonos’ key sales channels.
NXP's VIT Speech to Intent Engine with Natural Language Understanding Enables Voice Interactions On-Device
NXP Semiconductors announced the VIT Speech to Intent engine, a natural language understanding engine that leverages edge computing to enable local voice control. Part of NXP’s Voice Intelligent Technology (VIT) software suite, the VIT Speech to Intent engine rivals cloud-based systems' performance, and does not require a cloud connection, supporting improved user privacy in consumer electronics and automotive applications.
Exeger and Matrix Industries Join Forces to Develop Low-Power Solutions for Electronic Devices
Exeger, the Swedish company with the unique solar cell technology that converts all forms of light into electrical energy continues to expand its strategic partnerships to enable high efficiency power solutions for electronic devices. Exeger is now working with Matrix Industries, based in Menlo Park, California, a pioneer in the development of energy harvesting solutions for connected devices.
DiGiCo Invests in Hardware-Enabled Audio Software Platform for Live Sound
DiGiCo announced the acquisition of UK-based live sound software developer and manufacturer Fourier Audio. The deal further strengthens DiGiCo’s investment in live sound innovation, building on its acquisition of immersive in-ear pioneer KLANG:technologies in 2018. The vision is to expand the integrated possibilities of DiGiCo mixing systems, avoiding the use of external hardware touring around the world, building a hardware-enabled audio software platform instead.
Merging Technologies Unveils Personal Monitoring Mixer Application for Anubis
Merging Technologies, the innovative Swiss manufacturer of digital audio solutions, has announced a new software configuration for its Anubis compact AD/DA converter and audio network recording interface. Now, the Anubis receives a Personal Monitor Mixer configuration, or Venue Mission, for musicians and performance applications. Merging also recently launched an interpretation configuration for the Anubis, in collaboration with Sennheiser.
Kii Audio Drops Innovative Kii Seven Wireless Music System
More than eight years past from the unveiling of the Kii Three, Kii Audio "drops" a new revolutionary speaker into the world, and it's called the Kii Seven. We don't know if the Four, Five, and Six were not considered good enough by the engineering team, and I guess we will never know. What we know is that the Kii Seven is much more of a lifestyle home system, having fully integrated network and wireless streaming features. And of course, the Kii SEVEN combines high-end audio with cutting-edge "smart" technology.
Beltone Unveils New Generation Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast-Ready Hearing Aids
Beltone announced its latest Beltone Serene hearing aids - two non-rechargeable receiver-in-ear (RIE) styles and a brand new microRIE, which is Beltone's tiniest rechargeable hearing aid yet. These new Beltone hearing aids are also Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast ready, and the microRIE adds the convenience of answering calls with just a double-tap on the ear. Additionally, Beltone intends to release a compatible TV-Streamer+ with Auracast.
The Latest in Loudspeaker Knowledge and Developments in Voice Coil October 2023
In the October 2023 issue of Voice Coil, James Croft reviews an active noise control enclosure system, and Mike Klasco and Nora Wong provide an updated directory of Integrated Electronics for Loudspeakers. Vance Dickason offers three different driver characterizations, starting with the AMT100H driver from Eighteen Sound. Next up, he tests an updated version of the popular TW030WA23/24 tweeter from Wavecor. And finally, measures the Scan-Speak D2008/2010, the revised version of the classic dome tweeter from the Danish brand.