Roon Labs Confirms Expansion of Roon Ready Audio Device Ecosystem
Roon Labs celebrated a huge expansion its audio device ecosystem, adding hundreds of brand and device partners in 2021. The cadence of new Roon Ready certifications has increased tenfold since the start of the pandemic. In 2020, just a handful of new products were certified each month, and in the first half of 2021 Roon Labs reported over 100 new Roon Ready and Roon Tested devices. Forty new brands have submitted products for certification in that timeframe.
Fresh From the Bench: Nuheara IQbuds2 MAX Hearing-Assist Earphones
More than five years in development and after multiple iterations, Australian startup Nuheara achieved its goal with the Nuheara IQbuds2 MAX, a bridge toward truly smart hearables. This advanced design uses digital technology to bring hearing aid functionality into true wireless earbuds. audioXpress asked Brent Butterworth to try them and share his experience and evaluation. This article was originally published in audioXpress, July 2021.
Patent Review: Definitive Technology Bipolar Speaker with Improved Clarity
An interesting patent review of a Bipolar Speaker assigned to Definitive Technology, the Maryland-based company that is now part of Sound United. The patent describes a forward-focused bipolar loudspeaker design with front-facing and rear facing driver-arrays, adjusted to generate a front-to-back acoustical output balance equal to a 2:1 ratio (about 6dB reduction) in the output of the rear firing transducers relative to the direct forward output. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, June 2015
Microchip Announces Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging Reference Design
The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) has recently released the Qi 1.3 specification that requires authentication for improved safety when transmitting up to 15W of power between a transmitter and a receiver. To meet the specification, Microchip Technology announced a new Qi 1.3 wireless charging reference design providing developers of wireless charging systems for automotive and consumer applications with the necessary tools and support for the seamless integration and certification of new-generation product designs.
Sonarworks Announces $6M Funding Round to Scale SoundID Licensing Business
Sonarworks, the company behind the studio monitor and headphone equalization software SoundID Reference (previously known as Sonarworks Reference), has closed a $6M funding round to expand the licensing strategy of its SoundID personalized audio enhancement software. The round will help fund the expansion of Sonarworks’ machine learning audio technology integration with consumer electronics devices globally as it also expands to Asia.
Ellisys Releases Qualification Tests Update for New Bluetooth 5.3 Specification
Ellisys, a global source for test and analysis solutions for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Thunderbolt, and other wired and wireless communications technologies, announced the availability of qualification tests supporting the release of version 5.3 of the Bluetooth Core Specification. The company also released a new suite of validation tests, called the Quality Suite, that exceed the scope of qualification test requirements defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG).
Parasound Debuts Halo JC 1+ 450-Watt Monoblock Power Amplifier at RMAF 2021
Five years in the making, the new Parasound Halo JC 1+ is touted as the finest amplifier in the company’s 38 year history, once again reflecting John Curl’s lifework and core design philosophies. When Parasound introduced and first started shipping this 450-watt monoblock power amplifier, in early 2020, the pandemic didn't allow any public demonstrations. Now, the first public demonstration of the Halo JC 1+ will finally take place at RMAF 2021.
7digital and Super Hi-Fi Announce Partnership Integration to Improve Music Listening Experiences with AI
Super Hi-Fi, an audio technology company leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver next-generation music listening experiences, announced that it is expanding its partnership program in B2B music services. 7digital, a music delivery services company will use Super Hi-Fi’s platform to bring advanced playback and AI-powered recommendations to their playlisting and curation tools.
audioXpress August 2021 Focus on Acoustics Issue Now Available
The August 2021 edition of audioXpress is now available in print and online. Read our Acoustical Solutions Round-Up 2021 and enjoy the DIY perspectives from Ethan Winer and Thomas Perazella on dealing with room measurements and treatments. David Logvin reviews Audio Precision's APx517B Acoustic Audio Analyzer, while Richard Honeycutt reflects on acoustic challenges for online and in-person meetings. And we conclude the DH-220C MOSFET Power Amplifier article by Bob Cordell and Rick Savas, and the VSCS Amplifier project in this edition.
Build Your Own AIAIAI TMA-2 Modular Headphones
Danish headphone brand AIAIAI is an interesting example of differentiation based on design, product and user focus. Cleverly combining a simple but effective design that serves multiple needs, AIAIAI offers a range of headphones for home studio, DJs, and contemporary lifestyle. Understanding its user-base, the brand gained a cult-following that is the envy of many larger audio brands. And the latest concept from AIAIAI is now a totally customizable headphone.