Avnu Alliance Launches Streamlined Milan Advanced Certification Program
The Avnu Alliance industry consortium promoting deterministic networking based on IEEE 802.1 AVB/TSN standards, introduced a new Milan Advanced Certification Program for faster, and less expensive testing and certification of professional audio and video end devices for its members. This initiative is intended to encourage further adoption of the Milan network protocol by more manufacturers.
Behrman Capital Sells Pelican Products to Platinum Equity
Behrman Capital, a private equity investment firm based in New York, announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its portfolio company Pelican Products, including the Peli BioThermal division, to Platinum Equity. Pelican Products is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance protective cases and rugged gear for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.
Apple Updates Third-Generation AirPods with Focus on Spatial Audio and Personalization
As predicted, Apple announced the next generation of AirPods during a streamed event (October 18). The new model ($179) was improved in every front and promised to be available in just a few days, which was probably the biggest surprise. Apple also announced new colors for its HomePod Mini smart speakers, while it waits for the Matter home standard to be released. And announced a strange Voice Only Apple Music subscription plan, including countries that don’t speak English.
Sony 360 Reality Audio Now Available on Amazon Music Unlimited with Any Headphones
Sony Electronics announced it will expand 360 Reality Audio distribution, content, and compatible devices, including support from Amazon Music Unlimited to play 360 Reality Audio content on headphones. The 360 Reality Audio experience was so far available in Tidal, Deezer, Nugs.net and Amazon Music HD music streaming services with support for Sony certified headphones and speakers. Now, Amazon Music Unlimited will support 360 Reality Audio content playback on any headphones.
American Furniture Retailer Lovesac Debuts Immersive Surround Sound Couch by Harman Kardon
The Lovesac Company, the home furnishing brand best known for its Sactionals, “The World’s Most Adaptable Couch,” announced the launch of Sactionals StealthTech Sound + Charge with immersive surround sound by Harman Kardon. This complete “under-the-couch” sound and haptics solution offers convenient wireless charging and is seamlessly embedded and hidden inside the endlessly adaptable Sactionals platform.
Røde Announces Wireless Go II Updates and Integration with Røde Connect Podcasting and Streaming Software
Røde Microphones is increasingly displaying the brand as only Røde, even though microphones at the center of what the company does. The Sydney, Australia-based manufacturer continues to expand its valuable ecosystem of audio production tools, exploring designs, technologies and materials, hardware and software, to introduce new products and accessories, and continuing to improve its existing portfolio.
Synaptics Announces AudioSmart AS33970 Edge AI Headset Platform
Synaptics announced its newest AudioSmart AS33970 headset platform SoC, directly targeting the fastest growing product categories, from work-from-anywhere TWS earbuds to hearables. As the San Jose, California-based company details, the new SoC offers the world’s first highly integrated AI-enabled ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) and hybrid ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) single-chip solution integrating neural and voice processing engines for optimal audio performance.
MAAT Releases Entry Level Redithering Plugin With Improved Accuracy
MAAT Incorporated, the software manufacturer of professional audio solutions for mastering and digital audio processing, announced the release of LINone, a new cross platform, entry-level plugin for the redithering of digital audio. This announcement is made short after the company launched LINpro, a wholly rearchitected cross platform redithering plugin, building on the foundations of its original LINearise plugin.
KEF Celebrates 60th Anniversary With New Advanced Products to Be Announced in the Coming Months
For six decades, KEF has been a proud loudspeaker pioneer, creating remarkable, award-winning speakers. Over this time, its continuous innovation and pursuit of excellence has earned the brand a justifiably devoted following. The famous British loudspeaker manufacturer, now owned by GP Acoustics, promises to celebrate its 60th anniversary with a series of new high-fidelity product developments to be unveiled in 2021.
Zero-Ohm Multispeaker System Technology Distributed by Selective Design for North America
Selective Design, the company co-founded by industry veterans Todd Sutherland and Eric Nakkila, announced their partnership with Zero-Ohm Systems in North America. Selective Design’s portfolio already includes Nakymatone, Gray Sound, Waterfall Audio, Architettura Sonora, and HTE. The addition of Zero-Ohm disruptive Multispeaker System technology adds a flexible and reliable solution for large scale residential installation projects.