Audio Brands Foster Consumer Appreciation for Innovations in Automotive Audio
The pace of innovation within the automotive industry is contributing to the competitive growth of premium audio system solutions. The latest report from SAR Insight & Consulting, "In-Car Audio Distribution: The Connection Between Audio and Vehicle Brands," highlights the significant rise and transformation of in-car audio systems and speakers exceeding the expectations of the connected consumer.
Apple Introduces AirPods Max Over-Ear Headphones with Adaptive EQ, Active Noise Cancellation, and Spatial Audio
Everyone knew it was coming because the rumors about the new over-ear headphone design abounded for some time, but no one knew exactly what the focus for the new product would be, except that everyone was anticipating an "augmented" edition of the popular AirPods Pro in-ears. Now, we know it is a radically new approach to wireless headphones, leveraging all of Apple's technologies and experience in design and user interfaces. Most importantly, the AirPods Max headphones combine high-fidelity audio with Adaptive EQ, Active Noise Cancellation, and spatial audio.
Razer Unveils New Hammerhead True Wireless Pro Earbuds with Advanced Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
Lifestyle gaming brand Razer announced a new true wireless earbuds design featuring both THX Certified audio and advanced hybrid Active Noise Cancellation to achieve an undisturbed listening experience with crisp, clear audio and impactful bass, ready for any situation – on the go or working from home. And the new Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Pro earbuds deliver low latency audio and a customizable fit for immersive sound and gaming advantage.
Renkus-Heinz Stretches Iconyx Compact Series Steerable Columns to Bring Intelligible Sound to Larger Spaces
California-based loudspeaker manufacturer Renkus-Heinz continues undeterred in its effort to lead the industry towards networked, digitally steerable, and fully integrated Reference Point Array sound reinforcement systems. The company now announced two new products in its latest Iconyx Compact Series: the Iconyx Compact 36/3-RN and the 48/3-RN. The two tallest solutions bring the benefits of the Iconyx family into an impressively compact and architecturally friendly package.
EarFun Sets Record for Lightest ANC Wireless Earbuds with New EarFun Free Pro
EarFun is one of those consumer brands, established in 2018 by an experienced group of industrial designers and acoustic engineers, focused on next-generation wireless audio devices and leveraging their manufacturing network in Shenzhen, China. Committed to deliver solutions that use the latest technology and improve sound quality, the EarFun engineering team has been pushing the envelope on how affordable and sophisticated true wireless earbuds can be. With the new EarFun Free Pro, the brand seems to have come full circle.
Nordic Semiconductor nRF5340 for Bluetooth 5.2 and LE Audio Applications Now Available
Nordic Semiconductor has announced that its nRF5340 high-end multiprotocol Bluetooth 5.2 System-on-Chip (SoC) has entered volume production. The world’s first dual Arm Cortex-M33 wireless SoC is now available and offers all the advanced features and security required for the next-generation of connected audio applications including LE Audio and advanced wearables. The new SoC is now widely commercially available through Nordic’s distribution network.
Practical Test & Measurement: What to Measure for Quality Control of Audio Devices
In this Test & Measurement article from Dan Knighten (Audio Precision), the author focuses on the practical question of manufacturing test strategies and objectives and shares what measurements reveal about the device under test, offers suggestions for specific measurements, and provides techniques for various devices and scenarios. This article was originally published in audioXpress, November 2020.
Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon 888 Mobile Processing Platform
During the annual Snapdragon Tech Summit Digital 2020, Qualcomm introduced its latest flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform, which will set the benchmark for flagship Android smartphones in 2021. This new platform packs industry-leading mobile innovations in 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), gaming, and camera technologies, while offering all the processing and connectivity power to enable next-generation immersive audio experiences, including support for Bluetooth 5.2 with LE Audio features.
Neutrik AG Launches MINEA, First Milan Certified Audio Module
In the works already for some time - but then again, anyone that follows AVB, TSN and Milan audio networking efforts, is used to waiting a long time - Neutrik confirmed that MINEA, the first Milan Certified audio module, is now available. The module will finally allow manufacturers in the live sound and touring market to quickly and easily build a wide range of Milan-compatible audio products, from loudspeakers to expansion boards for mixing consoles.
Electro-Voice Introduces Low-Reflection Dark Finish Version of Classic RE20 Microphone
With lots of people receptive to the idea of investing in a nice, high-quality microphone to use at home - preferably an instantly recognizable classic that screams "pro" - Electro-Voice announced the introduction of the RE20-BLACK – a new low-reflection color option for the classic broadcast microphone. Sporting an elegant, dark charcoal finish the classic RE20 looks even better, while its unique Variable-D design allows users to work naturally around the mic at varying distances, while ensuring full, smooth sound quality.