WiiM Pro Music Streamer Receives ‘Roon Ready’ Certification
The WiiM Pro, the versatile network audio streamer launched by Linkplay Technology in March 2023, has now received the coveted Roon Ready certification from Roon Labs. Through Roon Ready, the WiiM Pro expands its already extensive capabilities, which already include AirPlay 2, with a multi-room, multi-user networked audio platform featuring bit-perfect playback, DSD and PCM upsampling, multichannel support and Signal Path display.
PCB Piezotronics Adds Miniature ICP Triaxial Accelerometers with TEDS
PCB Piezotronics introduced new TLD356A01 and TLD356A03 Miniature ICP Triaxial Accelerometers with TEDS. These new models are upgrades to PCB's current 356A01 and 356A03 models with the addition of TEDS functionality. The new triaxial sensors are primarily used to measure vibration inside devices, where space is restricted and are highly valued for automotive systems development, modal and structural analysis, and general purpose vibration testing.
Resonado Partners with Parts Express to Make Res-Core Woofer Available Direct to Consumers
Resonado Labs announced that, for the first time ever, its technology is now available directly to the public. Previously, Resonado's high-performance racetrack drivers, featuring the proprietary Res-Core architecture, were exclusively offered to companies through licensed manufacturers. Meeting requests from speaker builders and developers, Resonado partnered with Parts Express to make the NW7 Gen 1 racetrack woofer directly available to the market.
New Automotive-Qualified XENSIV MEMS Microphone With Analog Interface for Audio and Active Noise Cancelation Systems
For ANC systems with an analog interface, Infineon Technologies expanded its automotive microphone portfolio with the XENSIV MEMS microphone IM68A130A with a flat frequency response to frequencies below 10Hz. It builds on the successful launch of Infineon’s first automotive-qualified digital MEMS microphone, the IM67D130A, and combines the company’s automotive expertise with its technical know-how in high-end MEMS microphones.
Worldwide Shipments of Smart Home Devices Continue to Decline in 2023 Due to Lack of Upgrades
Global shipments of smart home devices continued to decline in the first quarter of 2023 as shipments fell 5.6% year over year to 186.0 million units, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Smart Home Device Tracker. The lack of new models and noteworthy updates to existing smart speakers, lack of progress in voice assistants, and the transition to the Matter smart home interoperability standard are to blame.
Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Signature Loudspeakers Are Affordable Luxury
Bowers & Wilkins made a familiar announcement. The company found another way to refine the formula for something that doesn't necessarily needs to change, but needs to be constantly revived to keep the brand and product awareness alive. This time, B&W announced the new 801 D4 Signature and the 805 D4 Signature speakers, further refining and advancing a very successful design into the Ultimate affordable luxury.
Triple Test Bench and the Latest Speaker Patents in Voice Coil July 2023
Another issue of the indispensable Periodical for the Loudspeaker Industry, Voice Coil July 2023 offers the first part of a loudspeaker design tutorial by Peter Larsen. James Croft reviews two patents from Resonado. And serving a generous dose of Test Bench, Vance Dickason characterizes the SB29SDNC-C000-4 29mm cloth dome tweeter from SB Acoustics, the M25 mkII 1" silk dome tweeter from Stereo Integrity, and the NeoPro 5i ribbon tweeter from Fountek Electronics.
DPA Announces New Microphone Kits for Recording, Studio, Live, and Location
Following a positive response to its DDK4000 Drum Microphone Kit, DPA Microphones announced several new professional sound microphone kits packed inside sturdy Peli Cases. The Danish company created bundles of its popular solutions, including the DLK4000 Live Microphone Kit, DSK4001 Studio Microphone Kit, DRK4001 Ultimate Recording Kit and DLS4000 Location Sound Kit. These new kits provide the ultimate selection of high-quality condenser microphones for use everywhere from stage to screen.
Shokz Introduces OpenFit Open-Ear True Wireless Earphones with new Air Conduction Technology
Shokz, known for its patented open-ear bone conduction technology and headsets, announced OpenFit, the brand's first open-ear true wireless stereo earphones, made with its patented air conduction technology. Soon to launch globally, the new Shokz OpenFit TWS around the ear design leaves the inner ear open and features a new ultra-lightweight on-ear hybrid dynamic driver unit and DirectPitch technology to produce a full audio experience. Not a bone conduction product.
Zound Industries Now Fully Transformed into Marshall Group
Audio, tech and design powerhouse Zound Industries International AB is formally changing its name to Marshall Group following the fusion between Zound and Marshall Amplification in March 2023. More than just a name change, the new Swedish-Anglo company says this represents the beginning of the next chapter in a decade-long partnership to build the iconic Marshall brand. Marshall Group AB anticipates revenue growth and operating margins in the second half of 2023.