The OCA Alliance Previews Enhancements to AES70 Standard
AES70 is an open control and monitoring standard for professional audio and AV media network devices. From a single device and controller, to networks with almost any number of devices and multiple controllers, AES70 provides for powerful, high speed, low cost, robust system control and monitoring of devices from different manufacturers. The standard was now updated with a raft of enhancements and new features that improve accessibility and usability.
LYNX Technik Launches Multi-Format Portable Waveform Monitor and Vectorscope
LYNX Technik, a manufacturer of modular signal processing interfaces and test equipment from Weiterstadt, Germany, announced its new WFM 1801, a portable multi-format and multi-standard waveform monitor with built-in vectorscope and audio monitoring. For anyone working with digital video and audio signals this is a practical solution that effectively replaces the much more expensive (and heavier) rackmount or lab bench systems.
Belkin Introduces Soundform Connect Multi-Room Audio Adapter with Apple AirPlay 2
Belkin, the consumer electronics brand specialized in Apple peripherals and accessories, announced the Soundform Connect audio adapter that turns any traditional stereo speaker into an Apple AirPlay 2-enabled speaker. This is increasingly important in most homes who already have great sound systems in place, and just need a way to connect them to the latest source devices, such as the iPhone, an iPad or a Mac computer, all of which stream high-quality audio over Apple’s recently updated AirPlay 2 protocol.
STMicroelectronics Acquires Edge AI Software Specialist Cartesiam
STMicroelectronics announced a transaction with Cartesiam to acquire its assets (including its IP portfolio) and to transfer and integrate its employees. Cartesiam, based in Toulon (France), is a software company founded in 2016, which specializes in artificial intelligence (AI) development tools enabling machine-learning and inferencing on Arm-based microcontrollers, which today power billions of devices.
True Wireless Stereo Earbuds Will Capture 70% of Global Bluetooth Stereo Headset Sales in 2021
According to the latest Bluetooth Device Tracker research from Strategy Analytics, True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds are out-competing traditional Bluetooth headsets by rapidly adding advanced capabilities found previously only in premium headsets. Used anywhere for music listening, calls, for noise isolation or audio augmentation, in 2021 TWS earbuds’ sales will account for seven in ten of all Bluetooth headsets sold.
Spotify Uses Audio Weaver in Audio Front-End Development for Car Thing
Spotify partnered with DSP Concepts to build and deploy the audio front-end (AFE) software for its limited release of Car Thing, a dedicated smart player for the car. Spotify did the development for Car Thing using TalkTo, DSP Concepts’ proprietary AFE that acts as a ‘microphone cleaner’ by combining advanced signal processing techniques to create clean audio signals so Car Thing can detect voice commands regardless of road noise and other in-cabin sound.
Bang & Olufsen Reveals New Beosound Explore Bluetooth Speaker
Short after unveiling two new flagship home speaker designs, Bang & Olufsen now introduced Beosound Explore, a tough and robust Bluetooth speaker, developed to be lightweight, waterproof and with excellent playtime. The perfect durable, outdoor speaker featuring Bang & Olufsen’s signature sound, and a stunning Scandinavian design, the Beosound Explore offers True360 omnidirectional sound anywhere.
Orchard Audio Launches New Starkrimson 500W GaN Amplifier Modules
Orchard Audio, the innovative audio venture created by Leo Ayzenshtat, expanded its catalog of products for audio enthusiasts and integrators with the launch of Starkrimson Ultra Amp Modules. These high performance audio power amplifier modules utilizing gallium nitride (GaN) MOSFET transistors, expand the highly praised Starkrimson amplification line and are available as completed modules or unpopulated PCBs.
Yamaha Updates Home Entertainment with New Series of Cutting-edge Aventage AV Receivers
A decade ago, Yamaha brought the power, performance and sophisticated build of its Aventage AV receivers to market. Now, as home entertainment is experiencing a renaissance, Yamaha announced the most dramatic update to its flagship series of AV receivers with three new models that support all the latest standards, media formats and technologies expected today.
Valens Provides Multi-Gigabit Connectivity Solution for Mercedes-Benz S-Class Premium Infotainment System
Valens, the semiconductor company that is pushing the boundaries of connectivity, announced that its VA6000 chipsets are integrated in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, launched in September 2020. This marks the first multi-gigabit symmetric link in the world to be deployed in mass production, and the only multi-gigabit technology over unshielded wiring for in-vehicle connectivity.