SiliconIntervention, a design services company based in Kelowna, British Columbia, has introduced a new architecture for audio processing to enhance efficiency and reduce power consumption in wearable devices. The company's Fractal-D audio amplifier IPs is based on their New Analog design platform and uses standard CMOS processes, requiring no specialized manufacturing steps. CTO Martin Mallinson emphasizes the importance of improved efficiency and extended battery life in wearables. He notes that while standard H Bridge Class-D amplifiers achieve 80-90% efficiency at 1 W output, they typically drop to 30-40% at 10 mW. The Fractal-D architecture purportedly maintains high efficiency across both power levels, potentially extending battery life in devices like earbuds and earphones.

"Extending battery life in wearable audio products such as earbuds remains one of the most sought-after features for consumers as audio processing features continue to grow, and the Fractal-D technology is a key building block towards that goal.", commented Allan Cox, CEO of SiliconIntervention. To facilitate adoption, the company offers a customizable portfolio of features to meet specific end-product requirements besides providing product family descriptions, simulation and emulation results, and a silicon-based evaluation system. Now we have to wait and see when and what end-products will use this technology and with what effects on battery life.

Cambridge is excited to launch the first over-ear model in the award-winning Melomania wireless headphones series - Melomania P100. Melomania P100 builds on over 50 years of audio expertise and an unashamed passion for music to deliver truly emotive sound from meticulously tuned premium drivers and Hi-fi-grade Class AB amplification.

World-class 60-hour battery life (extending to 100 hours with noise-cancelling turned off) ensures that the effortlessly engaging listening experience could easily last a working week or a lengthy holiday. P100 joins the recently launched M100 true wireless earphones to form the new Melomania range for 2024.

AVID Products, a Rhode Island-based audio company, is thrilled to unveil their latest innovation in headset technology—the AVIGA gaming headset. Designed to deliver high-quality sound, performance, and comfort at an accessible price point, AVIGA aims to amplify the esports experience for gamers of all levels.

The AVIGA gaming headset made its debut at DreamHack in Dallas, a globally renowned gaming festival held from May 31st to June 2nd, 2024, bringing together over 45,000 gamers from around the world. This premier event set the stage to showcase AVIGA's high-quality audio and gamer-focused features to an enthusiastic audience.

QCY, a premier audio brand renowned for its expertise in wireless audio technology, announces the launch of MeloBuds Pro Adaptive ANC Wireless Earbuds. These wireless earbuds deliver Hi-Res Audio and stereo sound with powerful ANC while ensuring exceptional comfort for extended wear.

Equipped with Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), MeloBuds Pro auto-adjusts noise cancellation to adapt to your ear accordingly by analyzing your ear canal structure and how you wear it. The ANC system contributes to a wide frequency range (20 Hz-2500 kHz), with maximum ANC depth as high as 46 dB. Featuring 6 microphones and a wind noise-minimizing design, AI-based voice pickup technology ensures crystal-clear calls by cancelling ambient noise while enhancing vocals.

USound, the leading global provider of MEMS speakers, announced today the availability of a new dual speaker audio module that was created in collaboration with the notable global designer and manufacturer Luxshare-ICT. In 2022, the two companies had announced their collaboration for the development of a new audio solution that would fulfill all criteria for true wireless (TWS) earphones. The development is now concluded and Gemini 2.0 UAM-C1102 dual speaker audio module is available for purchase.

"We proudly announce the availability of the most advanced audio module for TWS and IEMs. Gemini 2.0 exceeds market demands by providing unparalleled audio performance in an ultra-compact form; a development that was made possible thanks to the harmonious and fruitful collaboration with Luxshare-ICT. Here at USound, we look forward to seeing our innovative audio components facilitate the production of state-of-the-art consumer electronics products, such as TWS earphones and advanced IEMs." -Ferruccio Bottoni, USound's CEO

OXS, a leading innovator in gaming audio technology, proudly launches its S2 Thunder Lite, a compact gaming soundbar designed to enhance the sound performance of games and videos on TVs, phones, and PCs in small rooms. Supporting virtual surround sound, the Thunder Lite can be placed on a desktop or wall-mounted. It offers multiple easy connectivity options, including Bluetooth, TV ARC, USB-C, AUX, and Optical to suit the user's preference.

One of the standout features of the OXS Thunder Lite is its Virtual Surround Sound mode, which is expertly tuned to provide a wider frequency range sound. This mode ensures an engaging and competitive gaming experience by immersing players in virtual surround sound, allowing them to hear every footstep, explosion, and whisper to immerse themselves into the scene. This is especially beneficial in competitive gaming, and adventure games, where audio cues can make the difference between victory and defeat, such as adventure, racing, RPG and RTS games.

QCY, Hele Electronics' premium audio brand launched the AilyBuds Pro series on May 25. These Semi In-ear Adaptive Active Noise Canceling (ANC) earbuds emphasize High-Definition Sound Quality and Comfortable Wear. The AilyBuds Pro+ enhances the standard AilyBuds Pro with LDAC codec support and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification.

High-Resolution Sound Quality
Equipped with a large 13 mm bio-diaphragm dynamic driver and Hi-Fi 5 DSP High-definition Decoding, The AilyBuds Pro series delivers an expansive soundstage. Thanks to Adaptive Low-frequency Compensation Tech, they offer punchy bass and detailed vocals. Packed with LDAC and Hi-Res Audio, the AilyBuds Pro+ provides a Hi-res audio experience across the entire sound chain. What's more, Ultra Wide Frequency Adaptive EQ is applied to adjust the sound by automatically calculating your ear canal, wearing status, and volume level - all the way from 20 Hz to 2000 Hz - to provide precise compensation in merely 2 seconds to reveal authentic sound.

AVerMedia Technologies, a leader in digital audiovisual solutions, today announced a firmware update for its well-received HDMI 2.1 USB Capture Card, Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1. The update gives users three new features - including 5.1 multi-channel audio pass-through and capture - fulfilling some highly wished-for upgrades of the capture card, making it even more powerful.

"We're constantly listening to our customers to ensure that we're bringing nothing but the best to the table," said Michael Kuo, President and CEO of AVerMedia. "Now, with the three added features, creators can take their content creation and gaming experience to greater heights."

In fall of 2023, Fashionista Magazine let the world in on the secret that white was going to be the "it" color for Spring 2024. Today, SteelSeries.com the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture, introduces an all-new white version of the award-winning Arctis Nova Pro series headphones. There are defining moments in every industry and every era. A great example being in 2022 when SteelSeries launched the Arctis Nova Pro series, which was met with critical acclaim, garnering countless awards, and establishing an all-new premium/luxury/high-end category for the gaming headphones market, while simultaneously making it not only okay, but cool to wear a gaming headset as "your everyday pair of headphones."

So, whether it's gaming on the go, listening to Spotify while commuting on the train or bus, watching Netflix on the couch or an airplane, taking a Zoom call and needing to tune out the noise in a shared apartment, workspace, or coffee shop, at the home office with furry kids running around, in the gym or basketball court, playing some Call of Duty MW III or Mario or Animal Crossing at home, or creating and editing "get ready with me" videos for TikTok or Instagram, and so much more... the white Nova Pro Wireless headphones let you do it in style with the "it" color for Spring 2024.

Baseus Technology is a respected global consumer electronics brand that is excited to announce the launch of the latest and greatest product, the Baseus Spacemate Series 11-Port USB-C Docking Station. This professional, adaptable, and innovative docking station makes streaming, transfers, charging, and so much more a seamless and simple experience.

One-Stop Dock Solution: The Baseus Spacemate Series 11-Port USB-C Docking Station provides a high-grade docking solution with 11 different ports to fit a variety of needs and applications.

Audio-Technica U.S. Incorporated, recently announced the formation of a new logistical operations company, Technica Logistics Inc. The announcement was made by Mr. Manabu Aoki, Audio-Technica Director and CEO/President of Audio-Technica U.S. Inc., and underscores A-T's long-term strategic business plan for ongoing growth and expansion in the coming years. "This new company is formed to supply enhanced service to our customers and consumers," stated Aoki. "This change will take advantage of Audio-Technica's past experience and success in warehouse and distribution operations, as well as its unprecedented dedication to customer support and service."

Technica Logistics Inc. will begin operation on April 1, 2024, and Mr. Michael Fuller, who has been with Audio-Technica for over 15 years, has been named as the Managing Director. The company plans to have approximately 40 employees throughout the U.S. and will have its headquarters at the Audio-Technica campus in Stow, Ohio, and the mailing address at 4701 Hudson Drive, Stow, OH.

NVIDIA announced today that leading AI application developers across a wide range of industries are using NVIDIA digital human technologies to create lifelike avatars for commercial applications and dynamic game characters. The results are on display at GTC, the global AI conference held this week in San Jose, Calif., and can be seen in technology demonstrations from Hippocratic AI, Inworld AI, UneeQ and more.

NVIDIA Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE) for speech and animation, NVIDIA NeMo for language, and NVIDIA RTX for ray-traced rendering are the building blocks that enable developers to create digital humans capable of AI-powered natural language interactions, making conversations more realistic and engaging.

Sony is preparing to launch its next-generation PlayStation 5 Pro console in the Fall of 2024, right around the holidays. We previously covered a few graphics details about the console. However, today, we get more details about the CPU and the overall system, thanks to the exclusive information from Insider Gaming. Starting off, the sources indicate that PS5 Pro system memory will get a 28% bump in bandwidth, where the standard PS5 console had 448 GB/s, and the upgraded PS5 Pro will get 576 GB/s. Apparently, the memory system is more efficient, likely coming from an upgrade in memory from the GDDR6 SDRAM of the regular PS5. The next upgrade is the CPU, which has special modes for the main processor. The CPU uArch is likely the same, with clocks pushed to 3.85 GHz, resulting in a 10% frequency increase.

However, this is only achieved in the "High CPU Frequency Mode," which steals the SoC's power from the GPU and downclocks it slightly to allocate more power to the CPU in highly CPU-intense settings. The GPU we discussed here is an RDNA 3 IP with up to 45% faster graphics rendering. The ray tracing performance can be up to four times higher than the regular PS5, while the entire GPU delivers 33.5 TeraFLOPS of FP32 single-precision computing. This comes from 30 WGP running BVH8 shaders vs the 18 WGPs running BVH4 shaders on the regular PS5. There are PSSR upscalers present, and the GPU can output 8K resolution, which will come with future software updates. Last but not least, the AI front also has a custom AI accelerator capable of 300 8-bit INT8 TOPS and 67 16-bit FP16 TeraFLOPS. Audio codecs are getting some love, as well, with ACV running up to 35% faster.

Everyone perceives sound differently. Your ear is not like a measuring microphone. Because of this, it's important to understand how sound is perceived and what factors influence that perception. In creating the OAE1 signature with Axel Grell, we studied how sound is perceived. This premise drove the unique geometry and driver placement for the OAE1 Signature headphones. Since our ears, with all their unique characteristics, act as a natural equalizer to all that we hear, it makes sense that headphones should do more to use the structure of the pinna to guide soundwaves into the ear canal.

To achieve this effect, the transducers are placed much further forward and angled back towards the ear. By positioning the transducer further out and away it enables the soundwaves to fully encompass the pinna (the external part of the ear), allowing for an increase in spectral information and a more natural sound field for the listener. By contrast, the majority of headphones on the market are much closer to the ear and positioned perpendicular to the opening of the canal which bypasses much of the pinna's structure (and therefore the natural sound-shaping function of the ear itself).

Launching today, our latest wireless headset, Pulse Elite, brings crisp, immersive audio to the gaming experience on the PS5 console; to PlayStation Link supported devices including PS5, PC, Mac, and PlayStation Portal remote player; and to Bluetooth compatible devices such as smartphones and tablets. Pulse Elite follows the launch of our first wireless earbuds, Pulse Explore, with both audio devices featuring planar magnetic drivers to further enhance the PS5 console's Tempest 3D AudioTech. When combined with PlayStation Link, the planar drivers precisely deliver the output of the 3D audio algorithms directly to the player's ear without loss, and nearly no distortion or delay. Here's our quick-start guide on setting up and using the Pulse Elite wireless headset, along with Pulse Explore wireless earbuds.

Set up and use sidetone and 3D audio features on PS5
A tour of the headset appears when you first connect the Pulse Elite wireless headset or Pulse Explore wireless earbuds to your PS5 console via the included PlayStation Link USB adapter. Before diving into a game, I recommend personalizing 3D audio settings and adjusting sidetone volume (changing this adjusts how loudly you hear your own voice in your ear when you talk). It's also possible to create a custom name for the headset, with standard letters, symbols, and even emoji. After the tour, you can change settings at any time while the headset is connected by navigating to the Settings menu and selecting Accessories, followed by Pulse Elite wireless headset.

Sennheiser has launched its brand-new open-back HD 490 PRO reference studio headphones, purpose-built for producing, mixing and mastering. The circumaural, dynamic headphones feature highly precise sound reproduction and a very wide and realistic sound stage. This superior accuracy and range give producers, mixing and mastering engineers, as well as musicians, the transparency they need for critical mixing decisions and for confidently resolving any panning placement issues. The HD 490 PRO and HD 490 PRO Plus (includes additional accessories) are available now.

"If you compare today's music productions with that of ten, 20 years ago, you will notice how the massively increased computing power and complex parameter automation have changed the way in which music is made," shares Jimmy Landry, Category Market Manager for MI at Sennheiser. "In every genre, engineers and music creators are continuously pushing boundaries, creating extremely complex mixes that can be prone to so-called 'audio blind spots'. Mixes can be crowded and muddy, with too many instruments sitting at the same position and their frequencies competing. For the engineer or musician, it becomes difficult to hear each individual instrument or voice distinctly. This goes to show the importance of a good pair of studio headphones."

Roland announces BRIDGE CAST X, the latest addition to the growing family of BRIDGE CAST products for online gaming and livestreaming. BRIDGE CAST X is a powerful desktop interface and connection hub that allows streamers to simplify their setups and improve their content with Roland's renowned pro AV features. Multiple USB-C, HDMI, and audio ports provide simultaneous connectivity for computers, gaming consoles, and other devices, eliminating the need to repatch for different streaming scenarios. BRIDGE CAST X also includes an XLR mic input, assignable control pads, and support for thousands of royalty-free backing music titles via the BGM CAST service on Roland Cloud.

From online gaming to podcasting, vlogging, and other video content, BRIDGE CAST X keeps users focused on creating rather than fussing with cables and different pieces of specialized gear. The integrated design simplifies connections and reduces clutter, while the friendly panel is filled with controls for executing actions in real time while streaming.

Sensit!, the leading innovator in haptic technology, is thrilled to announce the official market availability of the Feelbelt in the United States, introducing a new dimension to audio experiences. With its groundbreaking haptic feedback technology, Feelbelt is set to redefine how people enjoy sound and music.

The Feelbelt is a wearable device designed to enhance audio immersion by allowing users to feel the music, movies, and games they love. Unlike traditional audio devices that rely solely on sound, Feelbelt adds a tactile layer to the experience, providing users with a sense of touch that complements the audio they hear.

The EPOMAKER x LINSOUL booth at the 2024 International CES had a lineup of ThieAudio in-ear monitors. We begin our tour with the Hype 10. The name apparently stands for "hybrid performance." Each of these IEMs comes with two 10 mm composite diaphragm drivers arranged in an isobaric design to make a subwoofer. These offer a broad frequency response range from 10 Hz to 40 kHz with 105 dB/Vrms @ 1 kHz sensitivity. ThieAudio has these priced at $900 a pair. Next up, is the more feature-packed Prestige LTD, with 1DD + 4BA + 4EST Tribrid setup, and an electrostatic driver that provides a broad 10 Hz to 20 Hz frequency response. Each earphone contains 4 Sonion electrostatic drivers, plus 2 Knowles mid-treble balanced armatures, plus 2 Sonion low-mid balanced armatures, and a 10 mm dynamic subwoofer. The maximum frequency response thanks to this setup is as high as 80 kHz. Sensitivity tops out at 98 dB @ 1 kHz. ThieAudio prices these at $1,300.

While ThieAudio focuses on audiophiles, the Kiwi Ears series is for the mass market that just wants better sound. Kiwi Ears Forteza is an entry-level IEM by ThieAudio, with a much simpler 1 High-Mid balanced armature (BA) + 10 mm Mid-range dynamic driver (DD) + 10 mm Bass DD setup; a regular 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, with 103 dBSPL/mW @ 1 kHz sensitivity; at an attractive price of just $59. Winding things up is the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite, a more premium product positioned above the Forteza; with an 8 BA multi driver setup consisting of Kiwi Ears customized HI x2 + Kiwi Ears Customized MID x4 + Knowles LOW x2, per earphone. Available for pre-order now, the Orchestra Lite is priced at $249. Lastly, we ran into a number of face-plate customizations by Kiwi Ears.

Airdrop Gaming is excited to announce that their innovative Audio Radar is now in production and shipping. This groundbreaking product is set to enhance gaming for everyone, especially the deaf and hard of hearing community. Experience Audio Radar at CES 2024 at booth #60704, Eureka Park, Venetian.

Audio Radar is a unique accessory that transforms game sounds into visual signals. This allows players to 'see the sound', creating an inclusive gaming experience. It's ideal for deaf and hard of hearing gamers, visualizing key sounds like footsteps and alerts. Audio Radar works with Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, making games more accessible and enjoyable for all.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the release of its most intelligent PC lineup yet: Galaxy Book4 Ultra, Book4 Pro and Book4 Pro 360. The latest series comes with a new intelligent processor, a more vivid and interactive display and a robust security system—beginning a new era of AI PCs that offers ultimate productivity, mobility and connectivity. These enhancements not only improve the device itself but also elevate the entire Samsung Galaxy ecosystem, advancing the PC category and accelerating Samsung's vision of AI innovation—for both today and tomorrow.

"Samsung is committed to empowering people to experience new possibilities that enhance their everyday lives. This new paradigm can be achieved through our expansive Galaxy ecosystem and open collaboration with other industry leaders," said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. "The Galaxy Book4 series plays a key role in bringing best-in-class connectivity to our ecosystem that will broaden how people interact with their PC, phone, tablet and other devices for truly intelligent and connected experiences."

EarFun's development kitchen remains hot. Delivering their first IEM and portable USB-C DAC just this past month, the awarded audio brand will be releasing the next generational leap from their current lineup, the Free Pro 3.

Revolutionizing True Wireless Audio and Noise Cancelation
The new true wireless earbuds are the first pair of earbuds that combine Snapdragon Sound Certification, Hi-Res audio, Qualcomm's QCC3072 SoC, the latest v5.3 Bluetooth certification, Low-Energy Audio protocol, and aptX Adaptive technology. It will also feature EarFun's proprietary QuietSmart 2.0 technology for active noise cancellation up to 43dB, and 6-mic cVc call noise-reduction. It will boast a generous battery life of up to 33 hours, an IPX5 certification, wireless charging, and multipoint connectivity. The Free Pro 3 will make use of EarFun's customizable audio app for total user configuration.

Savitech, a leading innovator in audio technology, proudly introduces its latest project—the LHDC ONE Hi-Res Bluetooth Audio Transmitter. The LHDC ONE revolutionizes wireless audio transmission, setting a new standard for audio clarity and fidelity across diverse electronic devices.

Powered by LHDC, the Hi-Res codec brings a slew of advancements, including an unprecedented audio transmission of up to 24-bit/192 kHz, adaptive data rate from 128kbps to 1000kbps, with total harmonic distortion as low as -144dB, and support for LE Audio, ensuring a more power efficient audio transmission.

QCY, a pioneering force in wireless audio and smart electronics, is thrilled to introduce its latest marvel, the ultimate all-in-one over-ear headphones - QCY H3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones. This groundbreaking device sets a new pinnacle in audio technology, offering an unparalleled fusion of features and performance that redefines the auditory experience at an exceptionally accessible price.

Immersive Audio Tailored for Every Moment
Step into a realm of audio bliss with 43dB Hybrid ANC, ensuring an immersive auditory journey. The dual-mode adaptive ear canal not only heightens noise cancellation but also provides personalized audio compensation, delivering an optimized listening experience for diverse settings.

xMEMS Labs, pioneers in solid-state, all-silicon micro speakers, today announced a revolutionary breakthrough in sound reproduction, changing the way mass-market, true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds create ultra high-quality, high-resolution sound experiences across all audio frequencies.

With the introduction of its groundbreaking new Cypress solid-state MEMS speaker, xMEMS engineers have replaced legacy push-air sound reproduction with the company's ultrasonic amplitude modulation transduction principle. Ultrasonic modulation turns ultrasonic air pulses into rich, detailed, bass-heavy, high-fidelity sound, representing the first no-compromise alternative to the moving-coil concept for high-volume consumer active noise canceling (ANC) earbud micro speakers.