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Apogee Boom brings its DSP-powered plugins to a budget-friendly audio interface
It looks like most audio interfaces, but the Boom packs a DSP without the pro price-tag.
Dirac's spatial audio tech will soon be built into wireless headphones
Audio optimization company Dirac has developed a way to integrate is spatial audio tech directly into wireless headphones.
Dirac claims its software can improve the sound of any headphones
The best headphones aren't perfect. In fact, I doubt that any company will ever make a set that are entirely without flaws. That's not because one of them does anything wrong per se, but mostly due to the fact that everyone's taste is different. Even when you find a set you really like, you probably wish there was a little more bass or a little less treble or you had the ability to manually tweak the EQ in a way that made a noticeable difference. Companies like Sony, Jabra, Sennbeiser and many more have apps that allow you to make adjustments, but even then, if you're like me, you still want more.
USB-C and Lightning headphones aren't great news for everyone
The 3.5mm port is dying -- at least when it comes to smartphones. If the persistent Lightning headphone rumor wasn't enough to persuade you, the fact that Motorola beat Apple to the punch should be. Motorola's new Moto Z and Moto Z Force don't have that familiar circular hole for your cans to plug into, and it now seems inevitable that almost every phone within a few years will forgo the port in favor of a single socket for both charging and using headphones. This is a change that few people actually want. It's driven entirely by the makers of our phones and their desire to ditch what they view as an unnecessary port.
Is Qualcomm considering an AR benchmark as 'the mother of all tests'?
Today at the Qualcomm mobile benchmarking workshop in San Francisco, Jon Peddie of Jon Peddie Research suggested that using augmented reality (AR) to test the performance of mobile devices could be "the mother of all tests." By stressing all processors and sensors on modern smartphones and tablets -- including CPU, GPU, DSP, ISP (image processor), GPS, gyro, compass, accelerometer, barometer, mic and camera -- the benchmark would represent the worst case scenario in term of computing load. While AR adoption is still in its infancy amongst consumers -- technology such as Project Glass still faces serious challenges -- Qualcomm's been very active in the field over the years and even provides an SDK for developers. Could this be a hint of what's coming from the company in terms of benchmarking beyond Neocore and Vellamo? Let us know what you think in the comments.
NXP's new audio chip pumps up the volume for mobile device speakers (update: video)
Dutch company NXP -- best known for it's NFC solutions -- introduced a new audio chip today that's set to significantly improve the sound quality of the micro-speakers commonly built into mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The TFA9887 integrated circuit combines NXP's CoolFlux audio DSP, a class-D amplifier with current sensing and a DC-to-DC converter to boost the output level of micro-speakers up to five times (up to 2.6W RMS) without damaging the driver. Class-D amplifiers are highly efficient and, when combined with a DC-to-DC converter, provide a strong and clear signal regardless of battery level. With current sensing, the chip uses feedback from the driver to optimize power delivery, allowing micro speakers to provide louder, richer sound with deeper, tighter bass over the entire lifetime of a mobile device. Are you ready to turn it up to 11? Check out the full PR after the break. Update: Hit the break for a couple videos from NXP.
Texas Instruments unveils new car infotainment processors, wireless systems
Texas Instruments wants to add a little extra pizazz to your morning commute, with a set of new car infotainment processors and connectivity platforms. Unveiled today at CES, the company's new line of Jacinto C6000 and auto-friendly OMAP mobile processors boast 3D graphics accelerators capable of supporting 1080p HD video playback. The Jacinto C6000 systems additionally feature digital signal processors (DSPs) that will allow manufacturers to customize their own radio, audio and speech capabilities to onboard apps. TI also took the opportunity to unveil its new WiLink 7.0 (WL128x-Q) and BlueLink 7.0 (BL6450-Q) wireless "solutions" today. These combo-platforms bring WiFI, Bluetooth, GPS and FM technologies on a single chip -- something TI heralds as an industry first. What this means, then, is that drivers would be able to turn their car into a bona fide WiFi hotspot while simultaneously conducting Bluetooth business, without breaking a stride. For more details on the new technologies, check out the PR after the break.
Calcalist: Apple to buy Israeli company Anobit
As noted here & here last week, the Israeli business daily Calcalist has been tracking the story of Apple's purported buyout of the flash/DSP technology company Anobit. Today the site reports that the deal is good to go, and that Anobit's employees are being told of the new ownership. To put an exclamation point on the transaction and the possible expansion of Apple's R&D efforts to a new facility near Haifa, the official Twitter account of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a welcome to Apple today. In the odd-coincidence department, today is the 15th anniversary of Apple's 1996 acquisition of NeXT and the return of Steve Jobs. Given the reported US$500 million price tag on the acquisition (Apple 2.0 notes that's more than the inflation-adjusted price Apple paid for NeXT, and may represent the largest single purchase by Apple of another firm), the value Apple places on moving Anobit's technology in-house must be pretty high. GigaOM laid out the case for ownership last week; since Anobit's tech makes cheaper flash memory reliable & long-lived enough for high-end devices, it's a key capability for Apple's light and portable product line. Anobit's engineering is already adding to Apple's product line via inclusion in the iPhone, iPad and MacBook Air -- that graphic up there comes from Anobit's news page, and even with the logos filed off the gear it's pretty obvious what those 'mystery products' actually are. While 2011 hasn't seen many big Apple acquisitions of smaller companies, 2010 was extremely busy by comparison. After buying LaLa at the end of 2009, last year's shopping list included SIRI, Poly 9, Intrinsity, C3 Technologies, IMSense, Quattro Wireless and Polar Rose. Apple also sold off Agnilux to Google in 2010. Apple's fiscal year 2011 ended in September with the company reporting over $81 billion in cash and marketable securities, which is the very definition of "war chest." If Apple does expand its R&D facilities to the Haifa area, it's another bit of good news in a remarkable week for Israel's Technion university. The technical institute, which anchors Israel's version of Silicon Valley, is also partnering with Cornell University to launch New York City's future 'superschool' and technology incubator on the city's underdeveloped Roosevelt Island.
Sony introduces stereo systems for high-end iPhone audio without breaking up the dash
Sony Mobile Audio today introduced a new car stereo system that brings high-quality sound to cars that aren't already equipped with the latest and greatest in car audio. The XDP-PK1000 (and its companion unit the MU110, whose only difference is that it requires a third-party subwoofer and amplifier) is headed out to car stereo retailers this Fall, and it will allow consumers the ability to improve their car stereo systems without having to mess with the dashboard or replace any head units they're already using. Essentially, this new unit is just a box that goes inside the car, and connects to the existing stereo system, an iOS device dock, and an amp and subwoofer, and brings high-end premium audio sound into the car without having to replace all of the gear inside. The device uses Sony's Digital Link Sound System to not only control the way audio is delivered through the speakers, but even adjust things like timing and "staging" to make the audio sound like it's live inside the car, and coming from right in front of you on the dash. Before you go running out for the XDP-PK1000, know that it's not cheap -- the unit itself will run $799, and that's in addition to any installation costs your local stereo retailer will charge. This is high-end sound, and you'll be paying a high-end price. But the real benefit here is that you don't have to rip up your car -- whatever dashboard unit or setup you have can stay in place. That's a big trend in the car industry (the "disassociated dash," they call it), so a lot of consumers want an audio system to install that won't mess up what they already have. The other big benefit, of course, is that the iOS dock actually plugs right into the XDP-PK1000 unit and then is transmitted out to the amp and speakers, so if you want to listen to your iPhone audio without rewiring your speaker system, this will make things a little easier. I got to hear the unit running in a car the other week at a Sony event, and it sounded as good as you'd expect -- nice highs, and lots of lows bumping through the loudspeaker. I did try listening in to the system via Pandora on my iPhone, and there, because it's free streaming audio, the quality wasn't really good enough to quite justify a whole system like this. If you are going to shell out this one, you should definitely start with high quality MP3, AAC or even go back to CD-quality sound. Still, if you want great sound in the car and also need a place to plug your iPhone in, Sony's setup will do just that. If you're interested, check with your local stereo dealer later on this year.
Samsung, LG, and SKT hook up for chip design
There's a lot of Kumbaya going around in South Korea this morning with the announcement that Samsung and LG -- normally the most bitter of archrivals -- will start working together to develop the next generation of chips for digital TVs and phones. Also being pulled into the love fest is domestic carrier SK Telecom, South Korea's largest, who will be working specifically on designing wireless systems-on-chip for use in handsets. Interestingly, it seems Sammy will be left out of the loop on actual design; that'll be left to LG and others, while Samsung will be responsible for manufacturing and testing the goods. For its part, the government seems to like what it sees here -- it's pumping some 19.5 billion won (about $15.7 million) into the project, though there's no word on when we'll see the fruits of the labor in a retail product.
Extron's MPX Plus 866: first matrix switcher with DSP
It's rather difficult to say whether or not DSP within a matrix switcher is -- how do you say... necessary? -- but regardless of want versus need, Extron Electronics is providing the ends. The MPX Plus 866 is hailed as a "a revolutionary new multi-format matrix switcher with integrated audio digital signal processing," the industry's first to wed VGA, video and audio signal routing with ProDSP. Said audio processing platform is based on a 32 / 64-bit floating point DSP engine, which offers up "an extensive selection of audio DSP tools designed to facilitate audio system design, configuration, and commissioning." Pricing has yet to be made public, but given how specialized this is, don't count on it being cheap.
Jabra's BT8040 Bluetooth headset syncs to multiple devices
Hot on the heels of BlueAnt's Z9 comes a new one from Jabra, and while this Bluetooth earpiece doesn't strike us as revolutionary in the design department, it does add a bit of flexibility not often found on similar alternatives. Beyond the obligatory voice dialing, handsfree profile support, A2DP compatibility, USB connectivity, DSP noise reduction, and automatic volume adjustment, the BT8040 sports Multi-point technology that enables it to sync to two devices simultaneously. Yes, this does mean that you can pretend to be listening to your kvetching sibling whilst actually taking in your favorite jam from your BT-enabled audio source. No word just yet on price nor availability, but we can imagine multitaskers everywhere lining up for this one.
BlueAnt launches voice isolating Z9 Bluetooth headset
It sure took long enough, but at long last BlueAnt is finally releasing its Z9 Bluetooth headset. The final version weighs in at 0.35-ounces, measures 1.5-inches in length, boasts a glossy, translucent finish, and most importantly, touts a two-level approach to noise cancellation. The firm's patented Voice Isolation technology "separates the voice signal from all background noise" in order to nix surrounding wind and ambient chatter from conversations, and can be utilized in Standard or Max modes depending on how raucous things are around you. Notably, the headset also sports dual microphones, supports on-the-fly device switching, lasts through 5.5-hours of yapping, and even offers upgradeable firmware via USB. So, for those who have managed to hold off till now, the Z9 can finally wrap itself around your ear for $99.95.
Logitech's MX Air Mouse: a witches brew of lasers, MEMS, and RF geekmagic
Oh hey, that little fella looks familiar. Sure enough, the rechargeable Logitech MX Air Mouse we spied last month is getting real this morning. Touting Logitech's "Freespace" motion control, the Air Mouse combines MEMS sensors with DSP and 2.4GHz RF technology for both gestural motion-control and traditional laser mousing about. The Air Mouse attempts to bridge the gap between mouse and remote control with a touch-sensitive scroll-panel (instead of a scroll wheel) and dedicated pause/play and volume control buttons positioned down the center of the device. Push the volume button and flick the mouse right or left to increase or decrease the volume, respectively, at distances up to 30 feet away from your PC. Niiice. Better yet, it's shaped to impress when toted about in the trousers... gaRowl! Ships in the US and Europe for $150 sometime in August.%Gallery-4779%[Via Notebooks.com]
Linux-powered VoIP uber-phone does WiFi video conferencing
We're not sayin' we'd put one of these bad boys in our living room or anything, but adorning the board room table with a four-line VoIP phone that sports a built-in 3.5-inch LCD, webcam, and Zach Morris-style handset wouldn't be a half bad use of resources. The SysMaster Tornado M20 uber-phone does a lot more than hold down IP calls, as it also manages to handle video conferencing, IPTV, video- / audio-on-demand, internet radio, voicemail, email / chat / news, and local weather information. This conglomerate even touts a dual-core processor, 32MB of RAM, and 32MB of flash memory, and the integrated Ethernet jack, WiFi, RCA audio outs, and Linux-powered UI are all welcome additions. Of course, we've no idea if you can rig up Tetris on this thing and use the 4, 8, and 6 keys to control your pieces, but it'll only cost you $260 and a tick of your time to find out.
CSR intros multi-microphone Bluetooth headset technology
The same folks bringing us the ultra sensitive Bluetooth / GPS hybrid chip are also looking to improve voice quality on vanilla Bluetooth headsets, and the firm has now collaborated with Dynamic Hearing to offer up a multi-microphone configuration. Available on the company's BlueCore-Multimedia platform, this VoiceField technology "uses two microphones to capture the speech of the headset user before it is lost amongst competing noise sources." Additionally, it was designed to suck down very little power and sport uber-low signal latency, and also includes acoustic echo suppression, automatic handsfree volume control, and programmable equalization in 33 frequency bands." Now, how's about making us look a bit less freakish while donning these things on our ear?[Via Inquirer]
ThinkOptics' WavIt 3D Media-PC Remote gunning for Wiimote
We're hearing some fairly bold words from a startup company with a purported Wiimote killer, even though it's about as far from the gaming realm as it could possibly be. In what's likely a shameless attempt to link the WavIt 3D Media-PC Remote to the well-regarded Wiimote, ThinkOptics has reportedly "made a pointing system for the computer and TV that makes the Nintendo Wii's controller look downright primitive." Realistically, the Wavlt doesn't look much better than any other overachieving wireless pointing device, but it does hope to interact with TVs and HTPCs in order to make on-screen navigation a bit less painful. Additionally, the creator is looking to incorporate the motion-sensing device into home automation in order to raise and dim lights, crank up the furnace, or mute your youngster's blaring music from the living room. The controller supposedly utilizes both RF and infrared technologies, and although it can track minute twists, flips, and turns, it does lack both an accelerometer and built-in Bluetooth. Notably, the wand will rely on the 2.4GHz band as well as Zigbee's 802.15 protocol, and while no firm release date was set, official pricing information should be unveiled shortly. [Warning: Read link requires subscription]
BlueAnt Supertooth Light Bluetooth handsfree speakerphone
The options for an in-car handsfree kit are darn near limitless, but for those not so keen on hardwiring a module into your car's stereo or fiddling with those dodgy FM transmitters, BlueAnt is offering up a swank alternative. The Supertooth Light Bluetooth handsfree speakerphone boasts a built-in speaker / microphone that neatly rides along on your vehicle's sun visor, allowing you to transport your handsfree device from one vehicle to another without dismantling a mess of wires. Additionally, it features Clear Voice Capture (CVC), DSP, and echo-reduction capabilities, and it can even adjust volume levels on the fly depending on ambient noise. You'll also have no trouble pairing up to five different phones, utilizing voice dial activation / redial, and talking for up to 15 hours straight without recharging the battery. So if you're interested in a more mobile solution to yapping in handsfree fashion, you can pick up BlueAnt's latest for $99.
Casio's Exilim EX-Z11 point-and-shoot looks good in black
Regardless of what vivid color tries to replace it, black is still the new black when it's all said and done, and not too many gizmos look better on the dark side that Casio's Exilim EX-Z11. Sporting an ebony brushed-metal finish, this compact point-and-shoot screams sexy while packing a fairly respectable feature set to boot. Inside you'll find a 7.2-megapixel CCD sensor, 3x optical zoom, auto / "manual" focus options, 2.6-inch LCD monitor, SD flash card slot, anti-shake DSP to reduce blurring, up to ISO 800, and a rechargeable Li-ion battery. While there's no hard release date that we can scrounge up, the 3.76- x 2.39- x 0.77-inch Z11 should run users around £299 ($589) whenever it lands.[Thanks, David]
Parrot intros A2DP-enabled MK6100 handsfree Bluetooth car kit
Our favorite Bluetooth gurus are readying yet another in-car handsfree kit, but unlike the run-of-the-mill offerings already crowding store shelves, the Parrot MK6100 adds a bit of musical delight as well. Aside from giving users the opportunity to hear conversations through their stereo system, this two-piece system boasts a built-in microphone in the horizontal display (which just so happens to be a svelte OLED), and also plays on the emotions of audio lovers everywhere. The A2DP-enabled kit features a separate wireless remote that can be used to cycle through the tracks on your handset, play and pause the tunes, and easily fit into your glovebox when you exit the vehicle. Additionally, users will be graced with DPS, automatic phonebook synchronization, text-to-speech capabilities, and voice dialing, and while we're not quite sure of the pricing deets just yet, you can probably expect to find out for yourself in Q2 of this year.
