Voice AI Technology Company SoundHound to Become Publicly Traded
SoundHound, a leading technology company with its unique voice AI platform, available across 22 languages, and Archimedes Tech SPAC Partners Co., a blank check, special purpose acquisition company, announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement. The combined company will be called SoundHound AI, Inc. and is expected to be publicly listed on Nasdaq under the symbol SOUN following the closing of the transaction.
XMOS Strengthens Its Position In Voice Interfaces with XVF3610 and XVF3615 Voice Processors
British chip company XMOS announced the launch of the XVF3610 and XVF3615 next generation voice processors. These high-performance two-mic voice interfaces for wireless speakers, TVs, set-top boxes, smart home appliances, gateway products and more, are built on the company's xcore.ai chip infrastructure, and are available in a cost-effective and easy-to-integrate package. XMOS also kick-started an alpha program for its all new ‘Avona’ voice reference design.
JBL Professional Introduces New EON700 Portable PA Series Loudspeakers
Harman Professional Solutions introduced the latest EON700 Series portable PA loudspeakers and subwoofer with Bluetooth. Launched in 1995, JBL’s best-selling EON family of PAs set the benchmark for how great a powered loudspeaker system can be. He latest evolution of iconic EON Series improves the series' acoustic performance, power and versatility, while adding the convenience of wireless Bluetooth 5 control to portable PA systems for live sound and installed applications.
Sonus faber Announces the Acquisition of the De Santi Woodworking Factory
Sonus faber announced the acquisition of the De Santi woodworking factory in San Martino di Lupari, establishing the facility as the official woodworking department within the company. Sonus faber began working with Luciano De Santi and his factory in 1986, bonded by a shared passion for Italian heritage and craftsmanship. The two companies have been partners and collaborators for nearly four decades, building loudspeakers known around the world for their quality and performance.
Meze Audio Launches LIRIC Closed-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
Meze Audio, the creative headphone company based in Baia Mare, Romania, announced the release of LIRIC – its first closed-back planar magnetic headphones powered once again by Rinaro’s Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver. The new model features a much-streamlined and definitely more elegant design, re-engineered for portable use - which implies that users will not be embarrassed by being seen in public using these. And obviously, the benefit for users remains the possibility to enjoy a super product from Meze Audio.
Cabasse Introduces The Pearl Keshi Ultra-Compact 2.1 Connected System
Unveiled for the first time at the end of September 2021 during a special event in Paris, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the brand, Cabasse now launched a new 2.1 ultra-compact concept of its ultra-high-end flagship coaxial system The Sphere. The Pearl Keshi is a hi-res connected system that combines the qualities of Cabasse’s renowned solutions with all its sophisticated DSP features. The result is an impressive acoustic performance relative to its size due to the combination of floor subwoofer and two satellites.
Consumer Technology Association CES 2022 Innovation Awards Audio Highlights
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) announced the CES 2022 Innovation Awards honorees, including those recognized as Best of Innovation honorees. The CES Innovation Awards is an annual initiative honoring outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products across 27 product categories. The CES 2022 Innovation Awards program received a record-high number of over 1800 submissions. audioXpress highlights the audio-related awards.
New Soundscape Spatial Modeling and Simulation Tool from d&b audiotechnik
German audio technology and solutions company, d&b audiotechnik announced the latest addition to its powerful software toolkit - Soundscape Simulation, SPL and localization mapping within an object-based workflow. As part of d&b’s ArrayCalc simulation software, this new intuitive visualization tool, accurately models a Soundscape system’s real and perceived acoustical performance within a space.
Reading Glasses and Hearing Aids. Smart or FDA-Approved. Pick One.
Making Audio Augmentation useful for everyone, or pursue the regulatory requirements of OTC hearing aids. This article offers a useful perspective regarding the guidance documents published by the US Food and Drug Administration regarding improved access to hearing aid technology. The agency proposes a rule to establish a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids - to be sold directly to consumers in stores or online without a medical exam or a fitting by an audiologist. But most audio manufacturers are better off by not pursuing this FDA-approved OTC market. Doing so will simply hinder critical experimentation and innovation.
New Approaches to Speaker Optimization in audioXpress December 2021
audioXpress December 2021 is now available. Learn how Room Correction and Speaker Calibration is influencing efforts towards the Self-Calibrating Loudspeaker, Dirac's take on Spatial Room Correction Technology, and how to Measure Directivity of In-Wall Loudspeakers. Richard Modafferi describes his unique crossover design build, Frans de Wit talks about DC Power Supplies, Morty Tarr discusses important aspects of amplifier design, and Michel Nieuwenhuizen offers an Arduino-based motor control for turntables. Start reading online or in print.