New Focal Diva Mezza Utopia Reinforces Wireless High-End All-In-One Concept
Focal introduced the new Diva Mezza Utopia, an evolution of its prestigious Diva Utopia line, now with a larger and even more powerful design. Wireless, active, and seamlessly connected, the design embodies the pinnacle of Focal’s craftsmanship and technological expertise, touted as a significant leap forward in the French company’s pursuit to redefine home hifi. The Diva Mezza Utopia loudspeakers are once again a complete, all-in-one product, with the power to fill rooms of up to 100m² / 1076 sq ft.
KEF Introduces Signature XIO Soundbar with Multi-Driver and Processing Innovations
Aiming for both hifi-level and cinematic sound experiences, KEF announced the XIO Soundbar, an ambitious design in a competitive space that requires strong differentiation. Showcasing a sleek aluminium top plate and splash-proof fabric for style and durability, the XIO’s design will complement any space, featuring adaptive shelf and wall modes. An uncompromising home entertainment system from TV and movies to music and gaming, the XIO combines a remarkable suite of technical innovations.
Gibson Refreshes Budget Studio Monitors with New KRK Kreate Series
Intended to serve as a “versatile solution for producers, podcasters, and content creators alike,” the new two-way studio reference monitors from KRK feature new transducer designs, along with tuning EQs, and Class D amplification in elegant cabinets designed for close-nearfield use. Available in 3.5”, 5”, and 8” woofer models, the KRK Kreate Series offers standard Bluetooth Classic 5.3 streaming capabilities, while the two larger models have XLR inputs.
Soundtheory Introduces Kraftur Focus Plugin for Parallel Processing
Soundtheory announced the release of a new updated plugin called Kraftur Focus, as well as an upgrade to the original Kraftur with new features. Kraftur adds clarity, punch or pleasant warmth to almost any audio material while preserving dynamics, using new, proprietary DSP methods and algorithms to avoid artifacts. Kraftur Focus involves a hybrid approach which realigns the phase of the signal after the saturation stage. This means that Kraftur Focus can be engaged for parallel processing, thus allowing it to be used as a send effect.
H&S HighTech Invests in AONDevices and Becomes Preferred Distributor in Korea and Key Global Markets
AONDevices received a strategic investment from H&S HighTech Corp., a semiconductor manufacturer and electronics distribution company from South Korea. H&S HighTech will also serve as AONDevices' preferred distributor and strategic partner across Korea and select international markets. The two companies want to accelerate adoption of next-gen AI with smarter, ultra-efficient devices powered by AON’s tiny AI chips.
FiiO Unveils K15 Affordable Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier Featuring Dual AKM AK4497S Converters
FiiO (FiiO Electronics Technology Company), a Chinese manufacturer from Guangzhou established in 2007 by a team of engineers from OPPO - and one of the rare examples of a decent brand name - announces the launch of its new K15 Desktop DAC and Headphone Amplifier. This new model, described as a "trickledown" version of the FiiO K17, was carefully engineered to hit a price point which is half the price of any rival, and leverages the latest AK4497S Velvet Sound DAC from Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) in a dual configuration.
New Bela Gem Stereo and Multi Audio Embedded Linux Boards
Bela announced the launch of Bela Gem, a powerful and accessible platform for real-time audio and sensor processing. Available in two versions – Stereo (2-in/2-out) and Multi (10-in/10-out) – Bela Gem transforms the PocketBeagle 2 single-board computer (SBC) into a lightning-fast embedded system for instruments, sound installations, effects units, and more. The two products are available through a Crowd Supply campaign now live, with shipping planned for October 2025.
Ceva RealSpace Software Adds Immersive Spatial Audio to Nothing Headphones and Earbuds
In a move that pushes the boundaries of personal audio, Ceva announced a new collaboration with London-based lifestyle consumer brand Nothing to bring Ceva's RealSpace Spatial Audio Software to its upcoming audio lineup. Ceva will power enhanced listening experiences across the Nothing and CMF sub-brand audio product lines, including the newly announced Nothing Headphone, which is the company’s first entry into the over-ear style audio device, developed in cooperation with KEF.
Renesas Sets New MCU Performance Bar with 1-GHz RA8P1 Devices with AI Acceleration
Renesas Electronics introduced the RA8P1 microcontroller (MCU) Group targeted at Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications, as well as real-time analytics. Designed for running AI on device, the new MCUs establish a new performance level by combining 1GHz Arm Cortex-M85 and 250MHz Cortex-M33 CPU cores with the Arm Ethos-U55 Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This combination delivers the highest CPU performance of over 7300 CoreMarks and AI performance of 256 GOPS at 500MHz.
Test Bench: GAIT BGD-D72-64-4-0A1 Glass Diaphragm 1" Dome Tweeter
Glass Acoustic Innovations Technologies (GAIT) is a company from Taiwan and a renowned specialist in Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) diaphragm technology, quickly gaining recognition in hifi and high-end audio circles. This 1" dome super tweeter uses a unique glass diaphragm formed using a chemical strengthening process, and includes a 1” voice coil and neodymium magnet motor, assembled with an injection-molded plastic faceplate, a phase plug, and a damped rear chamber.