Headphones Q1 update: Headphones Global Market Value Continues To Surge Despite Pandemic
The CE Team at Futuresource Consulting has shared Q1 Market Tracker highlights from the headphone market, showing that the global value continues to surge. The global headphones market has posted a strong Q1, achieving revenues of $7.2 billion and year-on-year growth of 22% despite the impact of Coronavirus. With consumers restricted to shopping online, the true wireless stereo category continued to lead the way across all regions.
Immersive Wireless Audio Aligns with Immersive Projected VR as Projected VR Innovator Broomx Joins the WiSA Association
The Wireless Speaker and Audio Association (WiSA), founded by Summit Wireless Technologies, announced Broomx Technologies as its newest member. Broomx, the Projected VR Company and makers of the MK360 and BroomxVR solutions, create the most advanced tools to enjoy virtual reality (VR) in real spaces and work with clients including Nestlé, Universal Music Group, BMW Group, Lego, Adidas, Toyota and many others. Now, the company wants to add wireless multi-dimensional sound to large scale virtual reality.
Blue Cat Audio Releases Re-Head Plug-In To Improve Mixing with Headphones
Blue Cat Audio announced Re-Head, a unique head-response plug-in for most DAW platforms on Mac and Windows, created to make using headphones easier for audio professionals. The head response simulator for headphones allows users to enjoy studio monitor sound even when using headphones. Re-Head uses a head response model to recreate the effect of one's head and skull on the audio coming in from the speakers.
Apple Launches Logic Pro X 10.5 Software with New Creative Tools for Musicians and Producers
Apple launched a major update to its music production software Logic Pro X, now adding a professional version of Live Loops, a completely redesigned sampling workflow, and new beat-making tools (drum machines for the 21st century). Increasingly, the software is adding more and more creative features, making Logic Pro X 10.5 a massive release for all musicians, including those producing electronic music. Underneath it all, there is a powerful DAW solution.
Dolby Laboratories Introduces Dolby.io Platform for Developers
Dolby Laboratories announced Dolby.io, an API platform that gives developers access to APIs designed to improve the quality of the media and communications within their applications. According to Dolby, the platform offers tools to enhance every interaction and quality of content in new apps and services. The interactivity APIs focus on real-time voice and video collaboration, and the Media Processing APIs focus on audio/video content enhancement and analysis.
PureAudioProject Announces New Duet15 Prelude Modular Open Baffle Speakers
PureAudioProject is a different kind of high-end speaker company taking a modular, semi–DIY approach to open-baffle loudspeakers. Already with a solid reputation after touring high-end audio shows globally, the company offers four basic modular configurations, from which everyone can create their own, personalized system. PureAudioProject speakers are priced very reasonably, but now the company has launched a smaller Duet15 Prelude model, offering an introduction to this fascinating concept.
JBL Professional Debuts Cinema Expansion Series Line for Small- to Midsize Theaters
News from Northridge, confirm that JBL Professional is back to products with the debut of its Cinema Expansion Series sound systems for small to medium-size commercial theaters. The line, which includes JBL 3153 and 4253 3-way screen-channel loudspeakers, 3181F and 4281F subwoofers and 8102 surrounds, is said to deliver the highest SPLs in its class and be able to cover rooms up to 85 feet (26 m) deep and up to 40 feet (12 m) wide. The company also debuted the 2-channel, 1,300-watt Crown XLC 21300 amplifier, which supports Cinema Series speakers in a range of system configurations.
IK Multimedia Releases Complete ARC System 3 Bundle With MEMS Measurement Microphone for 3D Acoustic Correction
Following the announcement of the ARC 3 System, the 3rd generation of the acoustic correction software that now offers a 3D room analysis algorithm, easier setup and superior results, plus compatibility with more measurement microphones, IK Multimedia confirmed the solution is now available as a complete bundle including a MEMS measurement mic (in addition to a software-only version). The complete pack combines room analysis software, an ultra-accurate measurement microphone and a correction plug-in, all in a simple-to-use package with a step-by-step process.
True Wireless Stereo Earbuds Category to Expand with Technological Developments
True wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds account for almost half of all headphones sold, according to the latest market analysis from SAR Insight & Consulting, who says this figure will rise to more than 75% in 2025. Data collected for ‘True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Earbuds, 2020 Update—Market Growth, Market Shares, Technologies Used’, show that while a range of technologies has driven the market to date, there is every sign that this will continue with further technological developments.
Atlantic Technology Declares Wireless Subwoofer Freedom with New FS-Series
On track to roll out 30 new products in the year following CEDIA 2019, Atlantic Technology is now shipping the FS Series wireless powered subwoofers, two new slim compact subwoofers that affordably deliver satisfying bass to any TV, soundbar or audio system. The new FS-Series 6.5-inch and 8-inch powered subwoofers offer universal connectivity - wired and wireless - and its design offers more placement freedom, giving users and integrators more options.