Plantronics, a global leader in audio communications, today announced it has entered into its first-ever partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) to provide advanced audio perfectly optimized for performance with PlayStation4 (PS4), PlayStation3 (PS3), and PlayStation Vita (PS Vita). The new, officially-licensed product, the Plantronics RIG for PS4, PS3, PS Vita will be available across Europe, Middle East and Oceania for the 2014 holiday season.

"Whether in the living room or on the go, PlayStation offers immersive gaming experiences, and new, connected ways to enjoy media," said Judy Ward, peripherals business manager at SCEE. "With its recognized commitment to innovation, Plantronics was a natural partner as we look for solutions that offer the high-quality audio and clear communication essential to deliver the best PlayStation experience."

ASUS, a leading enterprise in the new digital era, together with Waves, a leading provider of audio DSP for the professional and consumer markets, and recipient of a Technical GRAMMY award, have recently announced an expanded relationship which will bring a new level of premium sound quality to ASUS consumer electronic products. This agreement will incorporate Waves MaxxAudio Master processing into all ASUS products that feature ASUS SonicMaster audio technology.

As the driving engine of ASUS SonicMaster, MaxxAudio Master processing, with its superior performance characteristics, will enhance the clarity and depth of the user's listening experience, whether enjoying a game, multimedia selection of music and movies, or for online communication purposes.

SOUL Electronics redefines 'bringing the noise' with the introduction of the new Party In A Box - the ultimate wireless portable entertainment system. Don't be fooled by the convenient size; Party In A Box is an all-inclusive, innovative system designed to produce the same dynamic and high quality sound of a full home theater system. The sleek, wireless, transportable box packs a sound-filled punch that's perfect for the home, tailgating and sporting events, dorm room chilling, shooting some hoops, a day on the boat, beach parties, movie nights or wherever the party takes you.

"SOUL's customers live active, energetic lifestyles and they demand their audio devices keep up with them, which is exactly what Party In A Box was designed for," said Lan Kennedy-Davis, CEO SOUL Electronics USA. "Now people can start a party anywhere without compromising quality or sound from their portable and wireless speaker system."

Today Simple Audio announced the addition of two new hi-fidelity speaker solutions to their existing line of networked HD streaming players. The new speakers, dubbed Simple Audio Listen and Simple Audio Go bring audiophile sound, designer styling, and versatile connectivity to today's digital music lovers.

Simple Audio Listen - Stereo Speakers with Bluetooth
Simple Audio Listen is beautifully designed to deliver breathtaking audio from compact stereo speakers that look great on the desktop, bookshelf, and in any room. The speakers incorporate technology generally reserved for high-end audiophile systems, including a fully digital signal path, DSP, and bi-amplified design to deliver amazing audio quality. And because today's music fans listen to music from a variety of digital devices, Listen has a variety of inputs including USB, Bluetooth and line-in connections, allowing it to play music from nearly any device in the home. Listen features a unique, elegant touch interface, with no buttons, dials or knobs, and includes an infrared remote.

Westone, the leader in high performance audio and in-ear monitoring technology, announces the availability of the UM Pro Series headphones. The UM Pro Series 10, 20 and 30 are the next generation of the acclaimed Westone UM Series and bring superior sound for the stage or studio. Each unit is individually hand-crafted in Colorado Springs, USA. The UM Pro 10 is ideal for on-stage monitoring for any level of musician, the UM Pro 20 is ideal for on-stage monitoring for drummers, vocalist and bass players, and the UM Pro 30 is the reference product for on-stage monitoring and home or studio recording.

With Westone True-Fit technology, Westone combines 50+ years experience with in-ear applications that has yielded a low-profile, lightweight, universal earpiece which delivers maximum comfort and in-ear coupling for dynamic music monitoring. UM Pros are meticulously built by a staff of dedicated artisans and lab technicians. Westone's USA products exhibit a level of craftsmanship that truly embodies America's rich history of handmade artistry. The UM Pro exemplifies the best in sound and fit available on the market today.

Razer, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems, announced the launch of the Razer Hammerhead series of in-ear headsets, two all-new audio solutions for mobile gaming and music. The Razer Hammerhead in-ear headsets offer incredible durability and fantastic audio quality from their 9 mm neodymium drivers, making them excellent choices for music listening on the go. The headsets come in two versions - the Razer Hammerhead and the Razer Hammerhead Pro, with the latter sporting an omni-directional microphone with an in-line remote for phone-call control, perfect for convenient voice communication.

Both in-ear headsets are machined out of aircraft-grade aluminum, promising extreme durability, while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable form factor. With a matte, brushed surface finish, these in-ear monitors look as good as they sound. With interchangeable ear-tips included in three sizes and optional bi-flange attachments, the Razer Hammerhead in-ear headsets offer ultimate sound isolation. "With numerous mobile PC gaming systems emerging, peripherals that offer both great performance and portability on-the-go are what make the experience complete," says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. "The Razer Hammerhead and Hammerhead Pro's unrivalled durability and deep bass tones are fantastic for any gamer or music listener with an active lifestyle."

Simple Audio, a networked audio company based in Scotland, today announced that it has been acquired by leading US-based PC enthusiast hardware company Corsair in a multi-million dollar deal. The deal marks another positive chapter in the Simple Audio story and puts the company in a strong position to extend its reach globally.

Simple Audio's world-class engineering and product development teams will continue to develop and market the company's range of music streaming products from its offices in Glasgow, Scotland. Simple Audio released its first range of networked audio products last year into UK and European markets where the young company quickly built a strong reputation for superior sound quality and exceptional product design.

Presenting NextPowerUp, our sister tech-publication in the works, designed with a bigger canvas. TechPowerUp established itself as one of the top PC hardware publications thanks to our pursuit for quality reviews and relentless news delivery. We decided it was time to put these core ideals to use, in addressing the much larger consumer electronics and gadgets markets, without disturbing TechPowerUp's focus on PC enthusiast content, one of its hallmarks.

NextPowerUp is designed to keep you up to speed on the latest in over 20 markets (and growing), each with its own content channel, and editors hand-picked for them. These include Audio (personal, home, professional, concert), Business, Cinema (filming, production, exhibition), Desktops (pre-built desktop PCs), Displays (signage, projectors), Gadgets, Gaming (games, game development, gaming industry, consoles), Internet (the business of WWW), Networking (social networking), Notebooks (notebooks, Ultrabooks, netbooks), Phones (of all shapes and sizes), Photo & Video (cameras of all shapes and sizes), Politics (industry soap-opera), Robots (outside assembly lines), Science (popular science, space exploration), Software, Storage, Tablets, Televisions (TVs and technologies built around them), Transportation (wheels that don't run on fossil fuels), and Wireless (Cellular carriers, commercial WiFi).

As the online karaoke and recording phenomenon continues to gain traction, demand has emerged for dedicated hardware that enables pro-level singing and recording via PC at home. The ASUS Xonar D-KARA karaoke audio card (PCI interface) presents professional effects and recording capabilities, designed by Xonar and music industry engineers. It supports simplified pre-set recording and extra-detailed input, with strong hardware that ensures optimized voice syncing and ultra-vivid 106dB SNR.

D-KARA helps customers enjoy social singing, recording, editing, and sharing of vocal performances, consolidating features under the user-friendly Xonar Audio Center.

Giada, a brand of Shenzhen Jiehe Technology Development, Co., Ltd, today announces the i53 Mini PC. With full HD 1080P video, high connectivity, support, and an attractive design, Giada's new book-sized i53 Mini PC is an ideal choice for home entertainment, web browsing, and document writing.

The i53 is based around Intel's Mobile HM76 Express chipset and Ivy Bridge technology platform. Even while offering great performance, this environmentally friendly PC only uses 35W.

Antec, Inc., the global leader in high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself markets, is taking the opportunity provided by Computex 2012 to unveil a new PSU as well as a series of elegantly-designed lifestyle products intended to keep up with our increasingly social and mobile lives.

First up, Antec is showcasing its new high-performance enthusiast PSU guaranteed to take power supplies to the max. Designed with high-power users in mind, the HCP-1300 Platinum is meant to complement its 'little' brother the HCP-1000 Platinum. The HCP-1300 Platinum is sleeved, Stealth Wire cables integrate seamlessly in your setup while a plethora of available connectors enable users to set up a 4-way SLI or CrossFire in no time. With Platinum-rated efficiency, ErP Lot 6:2013 and all the strict energy standards already implemented in Antec's other HCP Platinum units, the HCP-1300 Platinum offers the perfect foundation for those who want to build an environmentally-conscious setup that still goes easy on your wallet when it comes time to pay your electric bill.

Razer, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, today announced the addition of a custom headset to its Collector's Edition gaming peripheral suite. Inspired by tactical aviator headsets and armed with total audio immersion, the Razer BlackShark delivers the full force aural intensity of Battlefield 3, EA and DICE's military shooter masterwork, the fastest-selling game in EA history.

Battlefield 3 is the most physical, dynamic and progressive shooter experience on the market. Now with the Razer BlackShark, gamers will be able to take to the skies feeling like a genuine attack helicopter pilot with complete circumaural ear cups designed to facilitate an authentic auditory in-game experience. Razer's superior sound-isolating technology blocks out undesirable ambient noises and, for moments of truce, the Razer BlackShark comes with a detachable boom microphone for use on-the-go.

Jawbone, a leader and innovator in smart audio devices and wearable technology for the mobile lifestyle, today introduced BIG JAMBOX, a new addition to its portable wireless speaker line-‐up designed to deliver powerful, rich sound experiences in large indoor and outdoor spaces.

Similar to Jawbone's #1 best-selling JAMBOX speaker, BIG JAMBOX wirelessly connects to any Bluetooth enabled device - smartphones, tablets and computers - to stream high-‐quality music, movies, games and phone calls in any environment.

XMOS, developer of the industry's first event-driven 32-bit embedded processor, announces the release of its third generation family. The XS1-S Family delivers up to 700 MIPS of real-time performance per core combined with integrated analog functionality, enabling the highest quality, multi-channel USB audio applications. Combined with XMOS industry standard USB audio IP, the XS1-S Family of devices deliver the lowest latency digital audio interfaces. The first two products available in the XS1-S Family are the single core device: XS1-SU1 and the dual core device: XS1-SU2.

"The XS1-S Family builds upon the predictable real-time performance of the XS1 architecture, offering increased I/O and processing capabilities together with the convenience of integrated analog peripherals," said Tom Lee, XMOS vice president of sales and marketing. "Our customers have shipped more than half a million USB audio products using XS1 devices. The higher performance, integrated XS1-S Family and its accompanying software and tools deliver the ideal solution to an even broader range of audio applications."

ZAGG Inc., a leading mobile device accessories company, today announces the availability of the Boost NearField Audio speaker under the iFrogz brand. Presented for the first time at the 2012 International CES, the Boost is a small, portable audio amplification unit that is compatible with any external speaker device, including mobile phones and MP3 players.

The iFrogz Boost speaker allows users to amplify their device's sound by simply placing their smartphone, or other device equipped with an external speaker, on top of the Boost. The Boost features patent-pending audio technology to sync the external audio signal and then amplify the sound through two high-quality 2 W x 2 RMS speakers. No wires, cords, Bluetooth or pairing configuration is needed. The Boost fits in the palm of the hand, measuring a little over 1 inch high by less than 3 inches wide and less than 5 inches long, and weighs only 5.9 ounces (without batteries).

With the ever-shrinking laptops of today, space constrains mean that each component on the logic board has lesser board space, as is the case with audio. The cylindrical capacitors and FETs on PC motherboards are reduced to weaker surface-mount ones to conserve board space, on laptop logic boards. Audio quality takes a beating. Hence there's a sizable market for USB audio devices that provide better audio for laptops. Enermax' entry into it is the DreamBass AP001, a 2-channel USB audio device. It is designed to look like a vacuum tube that gives it a classy analog amp look.

In reality, it is completely digital. At the heart of it is a VIA VT1620A USB 2.0 2-channel HD audio CODEC, which provides stereo output with 24-bit resolution and 96 kHz sample-rate. It has a signal-noise ratio of 80~90 dBA, which is not much of a departure from most laptops' HDA CODECs, if it isn't for the MOSFET-based amplifier circuit packed into the DreamBass AP001, that's capable of 80Hz/+6dB Bass. The device features a 3.5 mm stereo jack and mic input. Enermax also has a variant called the AP001E, which includes earphones that have 10 mm drivers, 95 dBA SNR, and 32 ohm impedance. The DreamBass AP001 is priced at 3,280 JPY (US $43); the AP001E goes for 3,980 ($52.2). It could be a good investment if you think your laptop's audio sounds like a greeting card.

HiFiMAN, a leading designer/manufacturer of highly acclaimed headphones and personal audio products, announced their HM-601 Slim, a remarkably small, lightweight, personal audio player. The new player, under the HiFiMAN Express brand, delivers audiophile performance that will drive most full-size headphones while handling major music formats. The HM-601 Slim will be shipping in January 2012 with an MSRP of $199 for 4GB and $249 for 8GB and is expandable up to 32GB.

High-speed internet has enabled high quality lossless music files and Computer Audio, aka Digital Audio, and it's one of the hottest ways music lovers are enjoying their favorite music. With 8Gb of memory on board, the compact HiFiMAN Express HM-601 Slim is a highly affordable yet remarkably musical player with a superb D/A converter and headphone amplifier. For use with a variety of headphones, a handy high/low Gain switch allows the player to drive most In Ear Monitors (IEM) and full size dynamic headphones.

Audiophile brand Westone today released its Talk Series One "communication IEM", that's a pair of in-ear monitors (IEMs) with a microphone strapped along the cable. It makes for an ideal audiophile-grade companion for smartphones, as they are increasingly replacing portable music players among other everyday gadgets. Talk Series One could also make for a great PC/notebook headset.

The IEMs have a sensitivity rating of 114 dB @ 1mW, 20Hz - 16kHz frequency response, and 25 ohms @ 1kHz impedance. They use Westone's balanced armature, full-range driver design. The microphone is strapped along the main line, and features Westone's Microphone In Control System (MICS). It also features basic call/end buttons to take or drop calls. Shipping now, the Westone Talk Series TS-1 is priced at US $129.99.

German brand EOLIZE expands its portfolio by announcing a value for money Mini-ITX Case. EOLIZE SVD-NC11-02 aims for private and corporate customers who are looking for solid and reliable NAS Server as well as Home Server chassis. It has much in common with a Barebone chassis and can be used as such but additionally offers features such as two Hot Swap Modules.

Both Hot Swap Modules are located behind the decently designed front door and are able to fit two either 3,5 inch (8,89 cm) or 2,5 inch (6,35 cm) drives such as HDD or SSD. One further 2,5 inch sized HDD/SSD may be mounted inside the SVD-NC11-02 Mini-ITX chassis. This drive can be used as a system drive to install an appropriate Operating System and necessary Software. Additionally one 5,25 inch (13,3 cm) bay is located in the front giving enough space for a DVD, CD or Blu-ray drive as well as other commonly used bay accessory. SVD-NC11-02 Mini-ITX chassis is furthermore equipped with an I/O panel in the front offering two USB 2.0 connectors, one Mic and one Audio-out connector.

ASUS is ready with a new PCI-Express 3.0 compliant socket LGA1155 motherboard, adding to its recently-launched line of Intel Z68 chipset-based boards that feature Gen 3.0 PCI-Express x16 slots. This latest one is part of the elite Republic of Gamers (ROG) family, and is built on the compact micro-ATX form factor, called Maximus IV Gene-Z/Gen 3. This is the second modification of the Maximus IV Gene, the original was based on Intel P67 chipset, the Gene-Z replaced the chipset with Intel Z68 that supports Smart Response technology, while the Gene-Z/Gen 3 adds PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots.

The board uses a 12-phase Digi+ VRM for the CPU, it is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots supporting DRAM speeds of up to DDR3-2200 MHz with overclocking. The socket is wired to two PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots over Gen 3 compliant switches and electrical components, the slots configure to PCI-Express 3.0 x8/x8 when both are populated. PCI-Express Gen 3 support requires next-generation 22 nm Ivy Bridge Core processors, which will be launched next year. The only other expansion slot is an open-ended PCI-Express 2.0 x4, wired to the Z68 PCH. NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFire are supported.

SAPPHIRE Technology, a leading manufacturer and global supplier of graphics, mainboard and multimedia solutions has just introduced a new mainboard developed to support the latest SandyBridge family of CPU's from Intel.

The SAPPHIRE Pure Platinum Z68 is a full ATX sized board that supports the 2nd Generation Intel SandyBridge i3 / i5 / i7 processor family using socket LGA1155. Four dual channel memory sockets are provided, supporting up to 16GB of DDR3 memory with current technology, and capable of supporting up to 32GB when suitable modules become available. There two USB 3.0 ports and four USB 2.0 ports (plus 8 on headers), as well as Gigabit LAN and Bluetooth connectivity with EDR (enhanced data rate). It has four SATA II 3G ports, and two SATA III 6G ports (+ two more on a header) and supports Intel "Rapid Storage" technology as well as RAID 1, 0, 5 and 10.

Gigabyte launched a new socket LGA1155 motherboard in the mini-ITX form-factor, the GA-H61N-USB3. It is targeted at HTPCs and compact desktops, and is based on the Intel H61 Express (B3) chipset. In its tiny board area of 289 cm², Gigabyte manages to cram in the essentials that the board's consumers will need. The LGA1155 socket is powered by a 6-phase VRM design. The board draws power from a standard 24-pin ATX and 4-pin CPU power connectors. The CPU is wired to two DDR3 DIMM slots for dual-channel DDR3-1333 MHz memory. The lone expansion slot is a PCI-Express 2.0 x16.

In the area of connectivity, we're a little baffled by Gigabyte's choices. There are two SATA 3 Gb/s ports, but that's next to a TPM header, which could have easily made room for two more SATA ports. The board uses high-quality Realtek ALC889 HD audio CODEC, but instead of wiring it to an 8-channel audio jack cluster, it's wired to a 6-channel one, and space is wasted on an optical/coaxial SPDIF out cluster. Instead, Gigabyte could have used the hybrid cluster that has 8-channel analog outputs as well as a TOSLINK output, like this one. Nevertheless, there's plenty of display connectivity, including DVI, D-Sub, and HDMI 1.4a. There are four USB 2.0 ports, and two USB 3.0 ports driven by Fresco FL1009 controller. There is one power-eSATA port wired to the PCH. A gigabit Ethernet connection makes for the only networking option. The Gigabyte GA-H61N-USB3 is priced at around $105.

Stealth.com Inc., a leader in the industrial computer and peripherals market has released a new ultra small PC designed specifically for in-vehicle/mobile/embedded applications. Stealth's model LPC-125LPM is a rugged small form PC that operates in extreme temperatures and is energy efficient, drawing less than 20 Watts in operational power.

Housed in a rugged aluminum enclosure this energy efficient & versatile PC measures out at only 4.0" x 6.1" x 1.45" (102mm x 155mm x 37mm) or about the size of a deck of playing cards. The Stealth Mini PC weighs in at a mere 1.2lbs or 0.54kg. The PC operates from 10-26V of DC power making it ideal for DC powered applications typically found in vehicles and mobile applications.

Razer, the world's leading high-end precision gaming brand, takes your thumping music beats and exciting game audio to the streets with the Razer Electra slick headphones designed to deliver powerful bass depth and crisp clear soundstages in a comfortable and versatile package.

Whether gamers are flinging birds, pwning monsters, or running gauntlets on their smartphones, tablets, or netbooks, the demand for enriching gaming experiences with exceptional audio is undeniable. The Razer Electra provides just that with deep, booming bass and balanced sound delivered by audio drivers finely tuned to low frequencies.

The new Fractal Design Arc Series of cases create a niche of their own; a combination of stellar performance and cooling options with stylish, minimalistic looks and an overall understated elegance. This new Arc Series Midi Tower format offers plenty of cooling options, up to 8 fans of various sizes can be installed. Unique for its small size, it also offers room to mount a thick, dual 120mm radiator in the top panel.

Elegant top and front panels are both easily removable and pre-fitted with fan filters to ensure a dust free interior. The sleek black interior is matched and contrasted with white expansion slots and HDD trays. Similar to the Define Series, all the HDD trays are fitted with anti-vibration silicon grommets. The upper HDD cage is removable and rotatable, which enables support for even the longest graphic cards.