Harman Previews Harman Kardon Invoke Voice-Activated Speaker with Cortana from Microsoft
R&D departments in the whole global audio and mobile industries are focused on developing the next-generation of voice-activated speakers exploring the success of the Amazon Echo. Most companies are exploring the tools and developments kits that make it easy to implement Amazon's Alexa or Google's Assistant voice personal assistants. Now, Harman unveiled its own effort of a voice-activated speaker, working with Microsoft's Cortana and featuring improved audio features.
New Worldwide Headphones Report Q1 2017 Available from Futuresource
The worldwide headphones aftermarket grew 5.2% to 349 million units in 2016, whilst revenues grew much more at 20.2% to generate revenues worth $13.4 billion. The latest Worldwide Headphones Market Quarterly Report from Futuresource Consulting looks at the current state of the headphones landscape, the major trends to watch out for and provides a 5-year forecast, as well as addressing the latest hot topics including Lightning and USB-C connectors, true wireless and many more.
Driven by Function: Vanatoo Transparent Zero Wireless Powered Speakers
Recently introduced at AXPONA 2017, the new Vanatoo Transparent Zero active speakers ($299.00 /pair) have caused quite a stir at the Chicago show. Not only for the extremely affordable price but for its "convincing punch, far out of its weight class," as audioXpress author Stuart Yaniger noted. Assuming a daring approach to their designs, the Vanatoo Transparent Zero active speakers feature built-in analog and digital inputs, Bluetooth wireless with aptX and USB, providing a convincing all-in-one solution.
Blackmagic Design UltraStudio HD Mini Portable Thunderbolt 3 Interface
There will always be those occasions on any audio recording studio or audio engineer will need a nice video interface to deal with some work. And considering the recent evolution in computers and video formats, it's not easy to find an affordable solution that answers of the needs. That's why we are highlighting this new Blackmagic Design UltraStudio HD Mini Portable Thunderbolt 3 interface. It does everything, and is available now for just US$495!
Genelec Announces “The Ones” Series of Compact Coaxial Active Monitors
Genelec introduced it's new-generation studio monitors, basically taking everything that was done for the existing 8351 model and creating a complete range with three sizes. The 8351 is now joined by the smaller 8341 and 8331 monitors. The new series is called "The Ones" because Genelec believes they offer the Ultimate Point Source monitoring solution. According to Genelec’s R&D Director, Aki Mákivirta, this was a long effort to achieve the exact same design precision in the two new monitor sizes.
B&C Speakers Launches New 18DS115 18” Subwoofer
Displayed early at the recent Prolight+Sound 2017 show in Frankfurt, B&C Speakers has added its new 18DS115 subwoofer to its portfolio. According to the Italian pro audio speaker company, the new 18" driver is an evolution of what has been possible in all key parameters, mainly due to its new four layer aluminum voice coil, providing more energy in the gap, higher sensitivity, lower distortion and better overall performance.
Let The Music Play! Industry Gets Ready for 2017 High End Show in Munich
The High End show 2017 will be the largest and most vibrant ever! The annual Munich event promoted by the High End Society is the world's foremost meeting place for the high-end audio industry, including emerging consumer audio technologies and personal audio. From 18 to 21 May 2017 the world’s biggest consumer audio fair will open its doors at the MOC site in Munich. The 36th edition will once again feature the Headphone Bar and many other attractions.
MUTEC Introduces New Corporate Design and Updated Product Front Panels
Renowned manufacturer of professional and audiophile consumer audio equipment MUTEC GmbH announced a design refresh of its corporate identity and product face plates. The new logo will be displayed already at the High End 2017 show in Munich, where the company will be showing the recently updated version of its MC-3+ Smart Clock USB, already with its new face plate.
DTS Announces DTS:X Creator Suite for Immersive Object-Based Audio
DTS, now a part Of Xperi (former Tessera Holdings) finally introduced its DTS:X Creator Suite, with all the needed tools for professional content production of immersive, object-based DTS Audio for cinema, Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and other home formats. The new DTS:X Creator Suite provides the ability to encode, mix and deliver in both DTS:X and DTS Headphone:X formats, combining all the previous existing software tools, including MDA Tools and DTS:X Encoder Suite.
B&O PLAY Makes Speakers Truly Smart and Portable with Beoplay P2
There's nothing worse than listening to music with smartphone speakers, but lifestyle brands know this is happening more and more. B&O PLAY designed a simple but smart speaker for those communion moments, with the tiny Beoplay P2. Users can simply double tap on the anodized aluminum grill to play or pause music, or shake to skip tracks. Beoplay P2 easily slips into a bag or pocket to take anywhere and is way better than smartphone speakers.