Synaptics Launches KatanaConnect Miniature Wireless AI Vision and Audio Module
Synaptics launched an interesting new AI System on Module (SoM) at electronica 2022. KatanaConnect combines the Katana low-power Edge AI SoC with Wi-Fi / Bluetooth wireless connectivity in an ultra-small-form-factor package to deliver AI-enabled computer vision and audio sensing capabilities. The SoM, developed with leading module vendor AMPAK, is a ready-to-use solution that enables rapid implementation of AI sensing features for connected designs targeting a range of applications, including smart home and security, and many others.
Yamaha Revives Orthodynamic Headphones and Unveils YH-5000SE Flagship Model
Yamaha announced a new flagship headphone design that fuses inspiration from Yamaha-original technology in legendary 70s headphones, combined with modern innovations and materials. The new Yamaha YH-5000SE headphones revive the brand's original Orthodynamic driver born in the ‘70s, now with modern manufacturing methods, components and carefully selected materials. The extensively research effort is intended to maximize comfort and what Yamaha engineers describe as "a superlative experience."
Infineon Introduces New Ultra-Efficient 2x 37W MERUS Multilevel Switching Audio Amplifiers
Infineon Technologies announced a new family of 2x 37W audio amplifiers featuring the second generation of MERUS multilevel switching amplifier technology. Optimized for low power and battery-powered applications, the new devices are the MA2304DNS with an integrated and fully-configurable digital signal processor (DSP), and the MA2304PNS with audio limiter and volume control features. Both are now the most efficient in the Infineon MERUS family, with an idle power mode at least five times lower than traditional class D audio amplifiers.
Grado GW100x Wireless Open-Back Headphones with Superior Bluetooth Performance Now Available
Grado's first wireless headphones become even better. Following the announcement of the renewed Wireless headphones featuring fourth generation X series drivers, earlier in 2022, Grado now launched the GW100x Bluetooth open-back headphones – the third model in its wireless series. The GW100 is an unusual open-back Bluetooth model, combining the new X series driver design with a Qualcomm Bluetooth 5.2 wireless module with aptX Adaptive, and improved 46-hour battery life.
LG Display Develops Thin Actuator Solution for ‘Invisible’ Speaker Automotive Applications
LG Display announced that it has developed a new Thin Actuator solution with large potential as a new speaker technology for automotive applications. According to the company, the innovative solution will be commercialized in the first half of 2023, meeting the requirements from electric vehicle car makers looking for new-generation sound solutions. The Thin Actuator Sound Solution is one of the many products receiving a CES 2023 Innovation Award (In-Vehicle Entertainment & Safety category).
Sennheiser Starts Shipping EW-DX Digital Wireless Microphone Series
Sennheiser has announced that the first EW-DX devices are shipping in North America, EMEA, Japan, and Singapore. For rental companies, touring bands, theater, worship or broadcasting the new EW-DX series brings the lowest latency on the market (1.9 milliseconds), eliminates the need for frequency calculation, and offers an ultra-wide input dynamic range of 134dB, enabling the transmitters to handle any signal that is thrown at them. A new digital wireless microphone system designed for simplicity, supporting even more channels.
Texas Instruments Unifies Smart Home Connected Ecosystems with Matter-Enabled SimpleLink Wireless MCUs
Enabling smarter connections to the world around us, Texas Instruments (TI) introduced new Matter-enabled software development kits for Wi-Fi and Thread SimpleLink wireless microcontrollers (MCUs) that will streamline adoption of the Matter protocol in connected applications (also named sometimes as Internet of Things or IoT). The software builds on TI’s close involvement with the Connectivity Standards Alliance and innovation in the 2.4-GHz connectivity space.
Trends in Consumer Electronics Purchases Amidst Inflation Concerns
As retailers approach the busiest days of the holiday shopping season, sales and marketing channel specialist Acosta shared the results of its recent Shopper Insights Consumer Electronics Survey. While 74% of shoppers reflected a high level of concern about inflation, with more than half noting higher prices on nine of the top 10 most purchased items over the past year, 75% of shoppers claim that price had only somewhat to no impact on their decisions to buy the most-purchased consumer electronic items.
Deutsche Grammophon Announces Launch of STAGE+ Streaming Service in 4K, Dolby Atmos and Lossless Audio
Deutsche Grammophon announced STAGE+, promoted as "Music for the Eyes. Magic for the Ears." The new streaming service is totally focused on the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon music catalog available in lossless quality, and live performances from contemporary performers and orchestras streamed in 4K and Dolby Atmos. The service from the historic label will allow a new experience directly on any TV, computer, smartphone, and tablet, including the possibility to listen to music offline while away from home.
dbx-tv Total Cal In-Home Tuning System Recognized as 2023 CES Innovation Awards Honoree
dbx-tv announced Total Cal, a patent-pending in-home audio tuning system has been selected as a CES 2023 Innovation Award Honoree. Total Cal allows consumers to correct and customize sound quality with a simple, user-friendly app, and was selected for its ability to improve the sound of televisions, soundbars, and portable/home speakers. The announcement was in anticipation of CES 2023, where Total Cal will be demonstrated.