Sonarworks Updates Reference 4 Software with New Sonarworks SR Frequency Response Reference Curve for Speakers and Headphones
European audio software developer Sonarworks has established a new digital sound reference standard response curve, to be included with the latest update of the company's Reference 4.1 sound calibration software launching in early June 2018. The company says this is "a groundbreaking standardization methodology" that "will change the way the industry deals with frequency response related issues. The change is so significant, you going to see this technology implemented in more than just our own software."
AverLAB 2.0 Introduces Audio Analyzer Production Test Automation Capabilities for the Lowest Cost
Avermetrics has announced the release of version 2.0 of its AverLAB audio analyzer software. The new version debuts drag & drop automation, a new user interface, multi-level undo and redo, a host of usability improvements and a revamped architecture under the hood. With this update, the Los Angeles-based audio test manufacturer delivers on the promise of combining production test automation capabilities at the lowest cost currently available on a portable/desktop audio test solution.
HyperX Ships 5 Million Gaming Headsets - Fortnite and Esports Popularity Drives Gaming Headset Growth
HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology Company, announced it has shipped 5 million gaming headsets. The milestone was reached thanks to the growing popularity of recent video games like Fortnite and PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) and an expansion of eSports, a multiplayer form of organized competitions. While the gaming headset market continues to grow at a rapid pace, HyperX continues to gain market share. HyperX gaming headsets are worn by gamers globally, including first-time players and "professional" gamers.
Apple Announces New Software Updates and Confirms Dolby Atmos Support on Apple TV 4K
During its WWDC 2018 keynote presentation in San Jose, CA, Apple announced a whole new generation of operating system updates for its platforms, with iOS 12, macOS 10.14 Mojave, tvOS 12, and watchOS 5. Among the many new technologies and functionalities, Apple confirmed that its Apple TV 4K hardware platform will get Dolby Atmos immersive audio support. Apple announced enhancements to its FaceTime communication solution, now allowing Group FaceTime, for up to 32 iPhone, iPad and Mac owners to participate in a video conference call simultaneously.
Texas Instruments Launches Three New Class-D Amplifiers to Solve Smart-Home Audio Design Challenges
Texas Instruments (TI) introduced three new digital-input Class-D audio amplifiers that enable engineers to deliver high-resolution audio in more smart-home and voice-enabled applications. By combining first-of-its-kind integration, real-time protection and new modulation schemes, TI's new audio devices allow designers to reduce board space and overall bill of material (BOM) cost, while providing premium sound and integrated protection for applications such as smart speakers and soundbars.
Yandex and Fraunhofer IIS Team Up To Bring Russian-Speaking Smart Speaker To Market
Yandex, a Russian technology company that builds intelligent products and services powered by machine learning, has incorporated Fraunhofer’s upHear Voice Quality Enhancement technology into its first smart speaker, enabling the device to accurately hear voice commands issued from anywhere in a room. This is the first smart speaker powered by Alice, the first virtual assistant designed to serve the needs of Russian users, which was initially offered in Yandex’s iOS and Android apps.
USB-IF Publishes HID Standard for Braille Displays
The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), the support organization for the advancement and adoption of USB technology, announced a USB HID (Human Interface Device) standard for braille displays, representing a collaborative step toward greater technological accessibility for people who are blind or have low vision. The announcement of the new standard was the result of a collaboration effort between Apple and Microsoft, and will improve accessibility for blind or low-vision users across different operating systems and hardware.
Nureva Updates HDL300 Audio Conferencing Systems and Introduces Intelligent Sound Targeting
Nureva just announced intelligent sound targeting, a new patent-pending feature of its Microphone Mist technology platform that powers its HDL300 and Dual HDL300 audio conferencing systems. The new technology allows managing undesired sound sources in audio conferencing sessions. Nureva also announced a firmware update that includes new customizable audio settings, new auxiliary audio modes for interoperability with third-party systems, and refinements to audio performance.
Alango and Seeed Collaborate on Voice Interface Far-Field Technology
Alango announced its collaboration with Seeed Technology providing far-field voice enhancement on the Seeed ReSpeaker Core v2.0. Seeed's ReSpeaker Core v2.0 is designed as a multifunctional development board for voice interface applications. The platform is based on the Rockchip RK3229, a quad-core ARM Cortex A7, running up to 1.5GHz, with 1GB RAM. The board features a six-microphone array with Alango's Voice Enhancement Package "VEP" and is able to be customized upon request.
EBU and Fraunhofer IIS Conducted Live MPEG-H Audio Production Trial at Eurovision Song Contest 2018
The European Broadcasting Union EBU and Fraunhofer IIS have successfully conducted the first trial for live production of immersive and interactive sound using the MPEG-H TV Audio System at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Lisbon, Portugal. For the trial, the Fraunhofer sound engineers installed a height dimension to the impressive microphone setup in the Altice Arena, enabling them to produce an immersive and personalized audio mix live. Broadcasters and sound experts present at the venue could experience the enveloping and interactive MPEG-H sound.