Get Ready for What’s Coming with audioXpress January 2017!

audioXpress January 2017 is now available. This month, we review Kii Audio’s new Kii Three speakers, and report on the most interesting new products at The Rocky Mountain Audio Fest (RMAF) 2016. We explore Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) wireless audio applications, and the new USB Audio Device Class 3.0 specification for USB Type-C. We discuss streaming DSD over the Internet, revisit the Helmholtz resonator, explain how to build a Low-Power, Class-A Power Amplifier, and interview Michael Carnes of Exponential Audio. There is a lot to read inside this issue!

Alpha Audiotronics announced the general availability of its Skybuds truly wireless earbuds, offering an entirely new experience for travel, commuting, exercise and everything in between. Combining seamless Near-field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) connectivity and premium audio quality, Skybuds are designed to fit any lifestyle and feature four hours of listening and 24 hours of additional battery life via the sleek and portable Skydock charging case.

With rumors already circulating for some time, on October 27, 2016, Qualcomm announced a definitive agreement, unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, under which Qualcomm will acquire NXP Semiconductors. With the acquisition, Qualcomm gets access to a vast portfolio of solutions from the Dutch giant, which was once Philips Semiconductors and remains until now a leading supplier of key technologies for mobile devices and wireless and wired audio applications.

Another week and another “hearable” announcement is made. Wearables 2016 CES Innovation Awards honoree Alpha Audiotronics, announced the start of the pre-sale for its first product, Skybuds truly wireless earbuds, and the launch of its newly redesigned website skybuds.com. The company promises a truly wire-free solution with premium sound quality and reliable connectivity. Skybuds promises 4 hours per charge and 5 additional charges and storage through the Skydock case.

Never worry about tangled up earbud wires again, says NXP Semiconductors at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona (March 2-5). The Dutch semiconductor giant is demonstrating Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) technology in a truly wireless earbud including wireless audio streaming from ear to ear, using its new NxH2280 NFMI based radio transceiver.