Amazon Introduces All-New True Wireless Echo Buds With Custom ANC

Amazon introduced the next-generation of Echo Buds, featuring an all-new design, premium audio architecture for crisp, balanced sound, custom-designed Active Noise Cancellation technology, wireless charging capabilities, improved microphones for better call quality, and hands-free access to Alexa. Not many bought the first model anyway, so the announcement of the all-new second-generation Echo Buds is not that surprising, considering Amazon considers hardware as a pure extension of its services ecosystem.

Sony Electronics announced the WH-1000XM4 – the fourth-generation noise-canceling headphones from Sony's 1000X family. The popular wireless over-ear model shows a similar design to the previous WH-1000XM3, with subtle but effective changes in materials providing longer comfort and lighter weight. But the main improvement relies on Sony's latest processing, sensors and a new Bluetooth 5 SoC, providing the WH-1000XM4 with additional smart features that personalize music, improve noise cancelation and adjust ambient sound automatically.

During its voice and music developer conference held recently in Shenzhen, China, Qualcomm made two exciting audio announcements. The company announced its new Smart Audio Platform to help manufacturers accelerate the development and commercialization of smart and networked speakers. Qualcomm also announced multiple new audio platforms for next-gen wireless speakers, headphones and hearables, each one uniquely tailored to support new market demands, particularly as consumers rapidly adopt wireless audio devices.

The market for anything related to far-field voice solutions has never been hotter, and acquisitions are a natural result of the increasing demand for those cutting edge technologies and engineering talent. Conexant Systems, a leading provider of audio and voice technology solutions based in Irvine, CA, announced an agreement to be acquired by Synaptics. Meanwhile, Synaptics also acquired the video and audio processing division of Marvell Technology Group.

In line with market trends, at CES 2017 Conexant is showing new hardware and software solutions designed to enable new voice-enabled AI assistant devices and next-gen USB-C type headphones. Conexant is showcasing its latest embedded hardware and software solutions designed to make it easy for CE manufacturers to develop new high-performance voice-enabled products and USB-C digital headphones.