On the Subject of Standards: Filling in the Gaps Left by AES67
Is the AES67 interoperability standard a viable alternative as the core solution for audio-over-IP distribution? Crestron proved that it is with its DM NAX technology filling the existing gaps of network discovery and routing. Ekin Binal, Director, Product Management (AV Solutions) at Crestron shares the company's practical experience in embracing the AES67 standard for distributing audio over a residential audio installation. This article was originally published in audioXpress, February 2023.
A New Era of Sonos Speakers Starts Now
Sonos debuted Sonos Era 300 and Sonos Era 100, the company's next generation of connected, home audio speakers that also have smart features, but more importantly pave the way for a whole new chapter in sound and design innovation from the brand. The new Sonos Era 300 is a completely new design that is supposed to deliver some form of "spatial audio". The more compact Era 100 redefines the Sonos One concept with a more advanced design.
XMOS Launches XVF3800 High-Performance Voice Processor for Enterprise and Consumer Voice Conferencing Platforms
Anticipating the company's presentation at Embedded World 2023, XMOS has launched the XVF3800, a quick-to-market, high-performance voice processor for enterprise and consumer voice conferencing platforms. The XVF3800 combines acoustic echo cancellation (AEC), multiple adaptive beamformers, noise suppression, AGC, and more, and will be available along with a development kit, the XK-VOICE-SQ66.
STMicroelectronics Announces All-in-One Motion and Bone-Conduction Sensor for Hearables
STMicroelectronics has announced the LSM6DSV16BX, a unique highly integrated sensor that delivers important space savings inside hearable devices or general-purpose TWS earbuds, including for sports. The new device delivers longer listening experiences and superior hearing by combining a 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) for head tracking and activity detection with an audio accelerometer for detecting voice through bone conduction in a frequency range that exceeds 1KHz.
RH Consulting Releases 2023 Report on Networked Audio State of Adoption
Audio consultancy and networking experts RH Consulting (RHC) have been counting networked audio products and licensees since 2013 to chart the adoption of audio networking in the pro audio, AV and broadcast markets. The 2023 edition of this report on Networked Audio Products, which has meanwhile extended to cover also audio, video & control products, is now available and confirms the growing strength of AES67 and ST2110 standards.
Listen Announces SoundCheck Version 21 and New Portable Dual-Channel Audio Interface
Listen released SoundCheck 21, the latest version of its flagship audio test software. The update includes a new enhanced Loose Particles algorithm for transient distortion measurements in a wide range of devices. It also offers increased measurement capability with the new multichannel FFT analyzer. SoundCheck 21 also introduces support for AudioConnect 2, Listen’s new compact and high resolution (up to 192kHz sampling rate) two-channel audio interface.
STMicroelectronics Receives USB-IF Certification for Complete 140W USB PD 3.1 Solution
STMicroelectronics has achieved USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum) certification of two ICs for use in adapter (source) and device (sink) sides of a USB Power Delivery (USB PD) EPR power supply/charger product. The new ICs extend the range of a universal charger to 140W, allowing for a single AC to DC adapter to charge equipment such as computers, smart-home actuators, power tools, and e-bikes, as well as traditional applications including smartphones, TWS earbuds, and Bluetooth speakers.
Infineon Announces AIROC CYW43022 Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth Combo for Low Power Designs
Infineon Technologies announced the new AIROC CYW43022 ultra-low power, dual-band Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.3 combo, extending its broad portfolio of existing AIROC Wi-Fi and Bluetooth products. The CYW43022 ultra-low power architecture delivers industry-leading performance, with up to a 65 percent reduction in power usage during "deep sleep," significantly extending battery life for applications in connected smart home devices and wearables.
Pylon Audio Loudspeakers Earn WiSA HT Interoperability Certification
The Wireless Speaker and Audio Association (WiSA) announced that another European manufacturer and Association member, Pylon Audio, has earned the WiSA HT Interoperability Certification for its Jasper line of high-end home audio loudspeakers. The Polish company is going to offer WiSA-enabled active models of its Jasper line, which includes the Jasper 25 mkII, Jasper Monitor 18 and Jasper 23. All will be available for purchase in select countries beginning March 6.
GaN Systems to Be Acquired by Infineon Technologies
Infineon Technologies AG and GaN Systems Inc. announced that the companies have signed a definitive agreement under which Infineon will acquire GaN Systems for US$830 million. GaN Systems is a global technology leader in the development of GaN-based solutions for power conversion. The company is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and has more than 200 employees. With the acquisition Infineon aims to strengthen its GaN portfolio.