Audio Recordings Perpetually Stored on DNA For the First Time
Twist Bioscience, a company dedicated to DNA synthesis, working with Microsoft and University of Washington researchers, announced that they have successfully stored archival-quality audio recordings of two important music performances from the archives of the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival. Recordings were encoded and stored in DNA, for the first time. This is the first time DNA has been used as a long-term archival-quality storage medium. The tiny specks of DNA will preserve a part of UNESCO’s Memory of the World Archive, where valuable cultural heritage collections are recorded.
Harman and Motorola Implement Dirac Panorama Sound for Smartphones
Home theater quality audio from a smartphone? Yes, it is possible to have an almost fully immersive experience, even from the limited speakers of a smartphone. Add a slightly better speaker, and the experience can be truly amazing, thanks to the Dirac Panorama Sound technology from audio signal processing experts Dirac Research. And now there is a commercial implementation of this mobile surround sound solution, integrated in the JBL Soundboost 2 speaker cover exclusively for Motorola moto z smartphones.
Stratasys Introduces Two New Materials to Improve Advanced Rapid Prototyping with 3D Printers
Stratasys announced new material compatibility for its flagship J750 full color, multi-material 3D printing solution, delivering additional functionality and versatility for rapid prototyping and tooling applications. Stratasys new PolyJet Agilus30 rubber-like material and Digital ABS Plus engineering-grade material can now be used with the Stratasys J750 3D printer, expanding the range of applications that designers and manufacturers can 3D print
Expanding Horizons in Audio and Voice
It's been an interesting week! Just prior to the IBC 2017 show, Apple made its traditional event for the launch of the new iPhone 8 and iPhone X (and those Augmented Reality demos were amazing!), also debuting the new Apple TV 4K. And before Samsung and all the other Smartphone manufacturers start announcing their own versions of "X" models, we had a series of interesting corporate and technology announcements, culminating by Amazon's announcement of a series of new Alexa-based hardware devices...
Around-the-Neck Wearable Sound
audioXpress closely follows innovations in the truly wireless earbud space, because it simply is one of the most exciting categories in the audio industry right now. Within the headphones category, wireless earbuds are a fast-growing segment. But truly wireless earbuds can be much more. They are truly wearables, which can do a lot more when equipped with the latest connectivity and sensors. But let's forget for a moment the earbuds and focus more on the neckband and those around-the-neck designs.
Amazon Announces New Amazon Echo and Echo Plus Smart Speakers and Introduces New Alexa Products
Amazon is not resting on its laurels in voice personal assistants. The company continues to severely undercut Google's ambitions with the Google Home, Assistant and Chromecast products, while jumping ahead to compete head to head with Apple and undermining Apple's plans for Siri and the smart home. The company just announced a completely revamped line of Echo speakers with lower prices and improved everything, as well as new classes of Echo devices.
Hafler Starts Shipping PH50B and PH60B High Performance Phono Preamps with Balanced Outputs
Hafler (a division of Radial Engineering) announced that its latest PH50B and PH60B high performance phono preamps are now shipping. The PH50B and PH60B feature both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR outputs for connection to hifi playback systems or pro audio equipment. With the continued resurgence of vinyl production and sales, the PH50B and PH60B help address a growing market for high quality standalone phono stages.
Oscium Announces iMSO-204x Mixed Signal Oscilloscope with Universal OS Support
Oscium announced the iMSO-204x, that transforms a smartphone, tablet or computer into a mixed signal oscilloscope. This is the first Oscium solution with universal platform support (iOS, Android, PC, Mac). Recognized for the flexibility to work with touch-screen interfaces, Oscium's oscilloscopes have traditionally worked with iOS only but with this new product the company is adding also support for Android, PC and Mac platforms, expanding its appeal on any workbench.
STMicroelectronics Introduces BlueNRG-MESH Bluetooth Mesh Networking Software Development Kit
STMicroelectronics is empowering the next wave of control-by-phone innovation with new software for creating smart objects that connect using the latest Bluetooth wireless networking features. The company announced an all-in-one software package that enables creation of networked smart objects and accompanying mobile apps with support for the official Bluetooth SIG Mesh-networking specification, assuring end-product interoperability, enhancing ease of use, and market appeal
Audinate Unveils Pricing for Dante Domain Manager Software
Audinate, developer of the industry-leading Dante audio networking technology, has announced pricing for each edition of its Dante Domain Manager platform, a network management solution that brings enterprise-grade system administration to the AV world. Receiving strong manufacturer support, the long-expected software tool will be available in three different packages, according to the number of Dante devices and domains per installation.