Tronsmart Partners with Qualcomm to Release Apollo Bold Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling True Wireless Earbuds
In the crowded and highly competitive true wireless stereo category, most brands try to go after Apple's leading AirPods. With the bar set extremely high already, in 2020 Apple created another wining product with the AirPods Pro, based on a powerful platform that enables constantly adapting and upgradable active noise cancellation (ANC). Now, other technology vendors have platforms that enable manufacturers and brands to add ANC to their designs. Tronsmart has once again partnered with Qualcomm for that reason.
Ansys Releases Discovery Design Software with Integrated Physics Simulation
Ansys released the new Ansys Discovery, a next generation, easier-to-use, product design software that the company says is its first simulation-driven design tool to combine instant physics simulation, Ansys' proven high-fidelity simulation and interactive geometry modeling into a single design exploration application. The new software is said to reduce engineering labor costs by 26%, enable evaluation of 60% more design alternatives, and slash physical testing and safety costs by 19%.
LG Electronics Launches TONE Free Wireless Earbuds with UV Bacteria Reducing Charging Case
This concept was one of LG's highlights at CES 2020 and the whole presentation looked like a bizarre development at the time. The new LG TONE Free true wireless earbuds are the first to combine an audio experience tuned by British hifi company Meridian with a unique hygiene-enhancing UVnano charging case that also kills 99.9 percent of bacteria on the part of the earbud closest to our inner ear (model HBS-FN6). The product is now available online and through LG-authorized retailers at a suggested price of $149.99.
Luxman Announces New D-10X Flagship SACD/CD Player Using Latest ROHM MUS-IC DAC
Luxman America announced the launch of its D-10x flagship SACD/CD player and USB DAC. This is the world’s first home audio component using ROHM Semiconductor’s eagerly anticipated MUS-IC BD34301EKV Delta-Sigma digital-to-analog converter. The D-10x also features refinements on the LxDTM-i disc transport mechanism and a new ODNF-u analog circuit. Other highlights include full MQA decoding and MQA-CD playback.
Intel Announces Thunderbolt 4 Specification: Technology Changes Fast, Reality Moves Slower
Intel revealed new details about Thunderbolt 4, the next generation of its universal cable connectivity solution. delivering increased minimum performance requirements, expanded capabilities, and USB4 specification compliance. This means that even though USB4 remains the good-enough universal solution for all consumer devices, Intel intends to ensure Thunderbolt will remain on its own path to offer the most powerful and reliable alternative for power users - professional users, corporate and media applications. And that enables Intel to sell hardware, while keeping control of at least the certification processes.
Servo-Control in Mainstream Audio: From Motional Feedback to the Bend-Sensor
Imagine a new class of speaker diaphragm position sensors that enable audio engineers to reduce distortion and extend bass response from studio monitors, soundbars, smart speakers, and even smartphone microspeakers. With the precision of laser displacement instrumentation, this sensor is located between a stationary component of the speaker and an appropriate moving part to provide an error correction reference signal back to the amplifier. Well, that sensor has already been developed. This article was originally published in The Audio Voice weekly email newsletter.
USB-IF Publishes USB Device Class Specification for MIDI Devices v2.0
The support organization for the advancement and adoption of USB technology, USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), announced an updated USB Device Class Definition for MIDI Devices, Version 2.0 in support of MIDI 2.0 devices. The standard represents an industry-wide effort by the USB-IF, MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA), and Association of Musical Electronics Industry (AMEI) to provide MIDI users with an expanded MIDI environment connected by USB.
L-Acoustics Repackages Professional Audio Speakers as Luxury Home Audio Systems
L-Acoustics Creations, the separate division of L-Acoustics dedicated to leveraging its professional audio products and technologies for specification in state-of-the-art private, residential, cultural, and marine AV environments, announced an expanded range of home audio packages with the release of Archipel Sound Systems. With the live sound and touring markets on hold globally, the company is switching to in-home audio and entertainment experiences, where PA speakers are able to offer the impact and dynamics of a live concert experience.
IK Multimedia Launches Compact Guitar Interface With Tone-Shaping and Re-Amplification Features
IK Multimedia continues to show a unique ability to design and quickly bring to market innovative solutions. And that's not easy to do in a crowded category such as USB audio recording interfaces. With the AXE I/O SOLO, IK Multimedia expanded its range of AXE I/O high-end guitar interfaces with advanced tone-shaping features, while offering a more budget-friendly, mobile format. The little unit also offers IK's proprietary Z-Tone impedance-adapting circuit and powerful guitar recording tools.
Audeze Announces the Penrose Wireless Planar Magnetic Headset for Xbox and PlayStation Consoles
Audeze, the headphone manufacturer from Los Angeles, California, announced the launch of a new gaming headphone using its own planar magnetic drivers. The new Penrose wireless headset is aimed at console and PC gamers and extends the brand's success in the market segment that already includes the high-end LCD-GX and the Mobius 3D Surround Sound PC gaming headset. The Penrose is designed with Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Sony’s PlayStation 5 in mind.