Shure Launches Bluetooth Accessory Cable for all SE Earphones
Shure announced the addition of new Wireless Earphone solutions to its popular SE Sound Isolating Earphone line, including Wireless SE112 and SE215 Models, and a discrete Bluetooth Accessory Cable developed for owners of current Shure SE Earphones who want to convert to Bluetooth 4.1. The new SE Wireless solutions were designed for users who want simple and affordable wireless connectivity with mobile devices. No AAC or aptX support.
Phorus PS10 is First DTS Play-Fi Speaker to Launch With Amazon Alexa Voice Service
DTS announced the availability of the Phorus PS10, the first DTS Play-Fi enabled wireless speaker with Amazon Alexa Voice Service. The Phorus PS10’s built-in far-field microphone array allows users to access information, play music, and control other home automation devices via the Amazon Alexa Voice Service. The PS10 features three microphones for superior far-field voice recognition, one-touch music presets, high-res music compatibility, and DTS Play-Fi multi-room streaming.
B&C Speakers Formalizes Offer to Acquire Eighteen Sound
B&C Speakers formalized a binding offer for the acquisition of 100% of share capital of Eighteen Sound from Landi Renzo Group. The announcement confirms an operation anticipated by the Landi Renzo Group of focusing on its core automotive business, divesting from non-strategic assets and "return to profitability" in 2018. For B&C Speakers this represents a formidable expansion of its business to new loudspeaker market segments.
808 Audio Launches Alexa Voice Service Speaker with Multi-Room Capabilities
808 Audio, a Voxx International brand, announced availability of its new XL-V speaker featuring Alexa capabilities. Signaling that smart speakers don't necessarily need to come from the voice assistant own brands, such as Amazon, 808 Audio's new XL-V speaker is in fact quite similar to the original Amazon Echo, with a different speaker design and driver arrangement, in a metal packaging that the company says delivers improved quality audio.
A New Low in Standby Power with Texas Instruments' new LLC Controller
Texas Instruments (TI) introduced a new inductor-inductor-capacitor (LLC) resonant controller with an integrated high-voltage gate driver that enables the industry's lowest standby power, as well as longer system lifetimes. The UCC256301 provides a cost-effective system solution that helps meet stringent energy-efficiency standards for a wide range of AC/DC applications in consumer electronics.
Ultimate Ears Introduces Portable Speakers with Amazon Alexa
A pioneer in portable speakers, Ultimate Ears now announced its new Ultimate Ears BLAST and Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST speakers, both featuring Amazon Alexa. The Logitech-owned brand joins the smart speaker craze with an evolution of its own popular portable speaker designs now with voice control. The new portable, wireless, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speakers combine 360-degree sound capabilities with hands-free voice-control, for at home and on-the-go applications.
Lynx Announces First Module for Aurora(n) Line of Converter Interfaces
Lynx Studio Technology introduced the first of several modules for its new Aurora(n) line of A/D and D/A converter interfaces. With the new LM-DIG digital I/O module, all current and future Aurora(n) owners can configure their units with 16 channels of AES/EBU I/O, as a direct replacement/upgrade for the classic Aurora. The first of multiple modules slated for the Lynx converter interface will be available at the end of October 2017.
Microchip Updates MPLAB Mindi Analog Simulator to Include Over 300 Device Models and Schematics
Microchip Technology announced availability of its updated MPLAB Mindi analog simulation software, now including more models and features. The circuit simulation tool now supports more than 300 Microchip analog products, with SIMetrix’s enhanced SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) and SIMPLIS Technologies’ SIMPLIS (SIMulation of Piecewise LInear Systems) simulation environments.
New Generation of Brüel & Kjær’s High-frequency Head and Torso Simulator
In response to the trend towards high-quality audio in mobile phones and the increasing popularity of headphones and headsets for communication and entertainment, Brüel & Kjær has developed the new High-frequency Head and Torso Simulator (HATS) Type 5128. The new HATS was shown for the first time in public at the 143rd AES convention in New York. The improved version of the “green man” will open a new world of opportunity for the audio industry.
Sonosax Joins Sennheiser’s “Ambeo For VR” Partnership Program
At the 143rd AES Convention, Sennheiser has announced that Switzerland-based mixer and recorder manufacturer Sonosax will join the audio specialist’s “AMBEO for VR” partnership program. Officially launched at IBC 2017, the program has been created to ensure seamless production workflows and interoperability for VR and AR productions. It encompasses collaborations with acclaimed manufacturers of field recorders, VR live cameras and live streaming software, mixing plug-ins and VR platforms.