Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Cancellation Headphones Revealed. What Changed Three Years Later?
In May 2022, Sony launched the WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones, which immediately reclaimed the position as a market reference in active noise cancelling headphones and personal audio. Three years later, the new WH-1000XM6 model, powered by next-gen processors, 12 microphones, and intelligent algorithms, combines the best noise canceling into a new seamless, foldable design. This time, guided by world-renowned mastering audio engineers, Sony expects the WH-1000XM6 headphones to set a new standard for music lovers, travelers, and music professionals.
WiiM Expands Lineup with WiiM Amp Ultra Smart Amplifier
WiiM introduced its most powerful and refined streaming amplifier to date: the WiiM Amp Ultra. Housed in an aluminum chassis and featuring a vibrant 3.5” glass-covered touchscreen, the WiiM Amp Ultra delivers 100W per channel at 8 ohms, with ultra-low distortion. The WiiM Amp Ultra builds on the streaming power of the existing Amp Pro model, and combines it with the premium display experience introduced in the WiiM Ultra streamer, adding more output options for home theater applications.
NAD Electronics Introduces Next-Generation Masters M33 V2 and M23 V2 Amplifiers
NAD Electronics announced the release of two updates to its Masters Series: the M33 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier and the M23 V2 Stereo Power Amplifier. These next-generation models build on the legacy of the original M33 and M23 with cutting-edge digital architecture, refined sonic performance, and enhanced connectivity. An upgrade that expands on the successful models that have proven to be favorites for custom integrators, premium audio dealers, and discerning listeners.
Test Bench Dayton Audio’s UMII10-22 Ultimax II 10” Subwoofer
This Test Bench characterizes the Dayton Audio UMII10-22 Ultimax II 10" Subwoofer, a recent example of the upgraded, high-performance designs that succeeded the brand’s original Ultimax subwoofer line. Available for now in four diameters (18", 12", 10", and 8"), the common feature set for the new line includes a large aluminum shorting ring and aluminum pole sleeve for lower magnetic distortion, a lightweight and rigid woven carbon fiber cone assembly, high Xmax, with a frame and motor designed with extensive thermal venting, all optimized for compact sealed enclosures.
Fresh From the Bench: mh acoustics Eigenmike em64, Sixth-Order Ambisonics Microphone and Software Suite
A unique insight into the future of microphone technology, this article reviews the Eigenmike em64, a sixth-order Ambisonics microphone with Dante connectivity, extended with a comprehensive recording and decoding software suite. Updating its previous Eigenmike em32 model, the company introduced a state-of-the-art higher order Ambisonics capture tool to the market. The patented design combines microphone programmable gain preamplifiers, 24-bit A/D conversion and microphone calibration, all integrated.
WiiM Expands Audio Ecosystem with WiiM Sound Smart Speaker and WiiM Sub Pro Subwoofer
WiiM is on a roll, delivering simple, affordable, and high-performance products that directly meet the needs of consumers in the streaming age. The brand created by Linkplay now announces a surprising expansion into two new product categories with the debut of the WiiM Sound and WiiM Sub Pro, its first-ever smart speaker and wireless subwoofer. This expands WiiM's ecosystem to deliver a further connected, personalized, and complete audio experience throughout the home.
Sonos Introduces AI-Powered Speech Enhancement App
Designed in collaboration with the UK’s Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), addressing the needs of people with hearing loss, but not only, the new Sonos speech enhancement solution is now available on the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar. Supported by an AI-Powered app, the speech enhancement processing clarifies dialogue for all those struggling to catch what a character just said on TV, movies, or shows.
STMicroelectronics Announces Industry-First High Performance 6-Axis IMU with Dual MEMS Accelerometer and Embedded AI
STMicroelectronics has revealed an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that combines sensors tuned for activity tracking and high-g impact measurement in a single, space-saving package. The new LSM6DSV320X device is an industry-first IMU with dual MEMS accelerometer and embedded AI that is able to combine activity tracking and high-impact sensing in a miniature sensor for personal electronics.
Kardome and LG Electronics Partner to Transform Voice User Interfaces
Kardome, the voice recognition and voice control specialist company, announced a strategic collaboration with LG Electronics to integrate its multiuser Spatial Hearing AI solution into LG's next-generation smart devices. Kardome is confident that it can surpass recognized challenges for relatively far-field voice interactions with TVs and other devices, even in noisy environments, with its technology's ability to isolate each user's voice from background noise.
xMEMS Designs Thinner Microspeaker Engineered for Smart Watches and Fitness Bands
Following the debut of the original Sycamore microspeaker in late 2024, xMEMS Labs is already working on expanding the technology to even thinner form factors with the Sycamore-W. This new full-range driver is an evolution of the company's Cypress "sound from ultrasound" MEMS platform introduced in 2023, and currently waiting for the results of safety reports on long-term ultrasound exposure for humans. xMEMS is confident in those reports and is doubling down with the even thinner, Sycamore-W.