Orchard Audio Launches Kickstarter Campaign for BOSC Monoblock GaN Audio Amplifier
There is a very interesting new audio project being promoted on Kickstarter. Coming from Orchard Audio, the BOSC is a well engineered hi-fi monoblock audio amplifier that explores the latest gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology to achieve ultra-high performance in a small package. This compact and affordable 150 watt amplifier shows a lot of potential, with an impressive circuit design and high-quality sound, and is available in 3-4Ω (13.8dB gain) or 6-8Ω (16.8dB gain) versions.
Headphone Shipments to Reach Record 365 Million Units in 2019
The retail headphone market continues to show strength, with 365 million units shipped in 2019, according to SAR Insight & Consulting’s Latest Headphone and Headset Forecast DATAbase. Wireless headphones and in particular true wireless stereo (TWS) models continue to be the fastest growing categories, with shipments of gaming headphones doubling from a year ago. Consequences for the electronics component industry are also visible, such as the growth in the sales of MEMS microphones.
Artnovion Launches New Siena, Lyra 16.32, Altay and Tejo Acoustic Panels at CEDIA 2019
During the CEDIA 2019 show, Origin Acoustics, the U.S. distributor for Artnovion, introduced new products from the acoustic treatment company, targeting both commercial, retail and residential environments. The two companies demonstrated new evolutions for the home and pro audio markets with its new Siena Panelling, Lyra 16.32 Panelling, Altay Absorber and Tejo Absorber. All new panels have a simple discreet installation system that allows for quick mounting and easy maintenance.
POW Audio Grows Product Portfolio with New Expandable Una Speaker Line
POW Audio is a new audio brand focused on reimagining ultra-portable, omnidirectional speakers through its patented expandable-chamber WaveBloom technology. Following a very successful introduction of the concept at CES 2019, the company now announced the first two of three products in its Una line, a suite of Bluetooth speakers that boast premium, high-output sound and ultra-portability. The Una and Una X are both ideal for listening at home, a beach vacation, event gathering or day by the pool.
Apple Promotes Hearing Health with new WatchOS6 Noise Control Feature
The new Noise app, introduced with watchOS 6 for any Apple Watch Series, helps users understand the ambient sound levels in environments such as concerts and sporting events that could negatively impact hearing. As the sound levels change, the app’s decibel meter moves in real time. The watch can send a notification if the decibel level reaches 90 decibels, which can begin to impact hearing after four hours per week of exposure at this level, according to the World Health Organization.
PreSonus Ships New PX-1 and PM-2 Recording Microphones
PreSonus is now shipping two new microphones suitable for a wide variety of recording applications. Whether purchased at the same time or separately, the new PreSonus PX-1 large-diaphragm cardioid condenser mic and PM-2 stereo set of matched small-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphones offer the core of a high-quality microphone collection at very affordable prices.
Bowers & Wilkins Introduces 2019 Line of Wireless Headphones with Cutting-Edge Specifications
With consumers increasingly aware of active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, more robust Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and fast charging via USB-C, manufacturers are feeling the need to upgrade their existing models. And Bowers & Wilkins decided to do it all at once with two new in-ear, one over-ear, and one on-ear model, adopting the latest available platform and technologies from Qualcomm, including the latest aptX Adaptive Bluetooth transmission.
Dear Reality Updates dearVR PRO Software with Multichannel Output Support for All Spatial Audio Production Needs
At IBC 2019, Dear Reality announced an update (v1.4) to its flagship spatial audio software solution. Available from October 2019, the dearVR PRO 3D audio panner will support 26 multichannel output formats. In addition to binaural and Ambisonics outputs, the software will be able to reproduce multichannel formats for loudspeaker playback from 5.0 to 13.1, supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, MPEG-H or the AMBEO Soundbar from Sennheiser.
B&C Speakers Expands High Energy DS Subwoofer Family
B&C has expanded their DS Series of high motor strength subwoofers to include 4" coil motor options. The DS Series are the next evolution in professional subwoofers, using a new, longer, four layer aluminum voice coil. The result is more energy in the gap, higher sensitivity, lower distortion and better overall performance. The two new models, 15DS100 and 18DS100, are now available.
Increasing Demand for High Throughput Home Wi-Fi Networks Drives Wi-Fi 6 Deployments
Increasing worldwide broadband penetration, combined with the adoption of multiple connected devices, bandwidth-intensive, and low latency applications in each household is continuously driving the demand for efficient Wi-Fi Consumer Premises Equipment (CPE) devices. Global tech market advisory firm, ABI Research, forecasts that the Wi-Fi CPE market, including routers, gateways, whole-home mesh systems, access points, and Wi-Fi extenders will generate 221 million unit shipments in 2019.