Month: June 2024

Lenbrook Media Group Unveils Plans for MQA Labs

Lenbrook Media Group (LMG), specialists in high resolution audio, has announced a suite of products from the newly formed MQA Labs that bring audio processing enhancements across the music supply chain. AIRIA by MQA Labs™ (also known by its technical name, SCL6) delivers high resolution audio while seamlessly scaling from full lossless to very lossy rates. FOQUS by MQA Labs™ represents an innovative approach for analogue to digital conversion. QRONO by MQA Labs™ brings a variety of audio processing enhancements within playback devices. These technologies are expected to debut in a variety of licensee products before the end of calendar 2025.

Gordon Simmonds, CEO of The Lenbrook Group, LMG’s parent corporation, reflected on the initial decision to acquire the assets of MQA. “These developments confirm our instincts around this team and the value of the IP. While the choice and accessibility of MQA content remains a priority  for us, this was never about a single codec,” he says.

The creation of MQA Labs and its newest product families reflect Lenbrook’s passion to improve the whole audio chain and bring the highest quality recording, distribution and playback technologies to benefit the entire specialty audio industry and its fans.

“The digitization of an analogue signal introduces a range of imperfections to the resulting audio file. One of the most common and critical is something often referred to as time smearing – when the resolution of two sounds is reduced because their timing is incorrectly reproduced within the digital file,” explains Greg Stidsen, Chief Technology Officer at Lenbrook. “MQA Labs’ team are experts in time-domain audio improvements, having invented many of the techniques to avoid or eliminate such audio defects.”

Two of the new product families will address the issue head on: FOQUS, which tackles the analogue to digital processes, and QRONO, which will address converting digital back to analogue.

The third product family is among the most anticipated of LMG’s future products. Previously known by its technical name, SCL6, it is a new codec seamlessly ensuring the best resolution possible regardless of bandwidth availability. Now named AIRIA by MQA Labs, the codec was developed to transform audio across wireless connections. Most recently, LMG successfully completed pilots for use as a distribution codec – perfect for streaming services.  As a transmission codec, it shines as a high-resolution codec with dramatic operational savings and reliability.

Early response from the industry around these new products has been positive.

“We are inspired by the reactions of our partners who are incorporating these technologies into their products,” explains Mike Jbara, Vice President & GM of LMG. “This is a milestone moment for us. We are committed to receiving and applying feedback from the market in how we apply our technologies and ensuring they are more flexible and accessible throughout the music supply chain.”

Formula 1 and AWS launch generative AI-designed trophy for Canadian Grand Prix and give fans a chance to create their own

Since 2018, Formula 1 has partnered with AWS to harness the power of its data both on and off the track, having developed the next-generation F1 car which launched in 2022 and an enhanced viewing experience for fans through data-driven F1 Insights powered by AWS, which have become a key aspect of the broadcast production on a race weekend.

Now, as the partnership continues to push the boundaries of innovation, Formula 1 is set to introduce generative artificial intelligence (generative AI) through AWS tools, to drive creativity and solutions throughout the sport, as well as increasing operational efficiency.

As an example of that increased creativity, AWS, the Title Partner of this weekend’s FORMULA 1 AWS GRAND PRIX DU CANADA 2024, will debut the first-ever generative AI-inspired F1 trophy. AWS explored a range of traditional, elegant trophy designs and applied generative AI to conceive the perfect award. The result is inspired by the research that went into the development of the 2022 F1 car, where AWS cloud technology was used to help formulate the car design, and represents an F1 car’s aerodynamic wake complete with details that celebrate the race’s home country including a maple leaf and Montreal’s St. Lawrence River. The trophy was crafted by a silversmith based in the UK, merging new technologies with the rich and elegant traditions of F1.

Formula 1 and AWS are also inviting fans to experience the power of generative AI first-hand by designing their own trophy. Using the PartyRock F1 trophy generator, fans are encouraged to get creative for a chance to win a trip to a Grand Prix in the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship. For more information on the competition, and the generative-AI trophy design process, visit here.

Looking ahead, the partnership will see the development of Statbot which will utilise the power of generative AI to effortlessly analyse historical data from the F1 archives to supply the broadcast production team with key facts and statistics quicker than ever before. It will feed the team with answers to specific questions that could include, “When was the last time a driver won their first F1 Grand Prix as a rookie?”, to which Statbot will give the answer: “Lewis Hamilton in 2007 at the Canadian Grand Prix”. Information is currently researched manually in preparation for, and during, race weekends but with the Statbot tool the production team will be able to access relevant information significantly faster during the broadcast.

F1 is also working with AWS to apply generative AI to the process of root cause analysis (RCA) to more efficiently identify and address the underlying cause of technological issues that occur off-track during races. This tool will enable F1 to investigate system errors by asking questions of logged data using natural language, thereby enhancing F1’s ability to maintain peak operational performance during races, minimise downtime and ensure a seamless race for teams, drivers, and spectators.

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Formula 1 said:

“For over six years, AWS has been an invaluable partner, revolutionising the use of data to enhance how we operate across the sport. Our worlds continue to merge as we look to game-changing technologies, like generative AI, to elevate both the on-track competition and off-track experience for fans. AWS’s commitment to innovation enables us to help push the sport forward and we’re excited to see the first-ever generative AI-inspired trophy on display in Canada this weekend and give fans the opportunity to showcase their love for F1 through the design of their own trophy.”

Neil Ralph, Principal Sports Industry Specialist, AWS said:

“Formula 1 cars generate more than a million data points per second and that’s just the start.  F1 captures additional data on the drivers, circuits, weather, and the amazing history of F1 itself. At the core of our partnership is the ability to extract valuable insights from all of this data.  With AWS’s generative AI capabilities, F1 will elevate its storytelling as historic data is effortlessly analysed alongside real-time events to engage fans with more dynamic and timely commentary. Together, we are redefining the way the sport is watched, raced and managed.”

Tech Review – JBL Soundgear Sense

The JBL Soundgear Sense are an open ear design pair of headphones which are now a trend and we have checked out about 20 different pairs now and look forward to testing JBLs offering,.

Like any open ear headphones these just sit on your ears rather than in them and loop around you ear to keep a secure fit these also come with an additional neck strap which is similar to other open ear headphones with no loop around the ears so I see what they did there.

These are clean and typical from JBL with a nice clean look and come in two colours so you decide amongst yourselves which suits you best. Unlike their headphones and earbuds the colours are limited but it is the same for all these open ear headphones.

They are secure and comfortable once on either with or without the neck strap so these are ideal for those into fitness, the gym jogging and any sport. Anyone can wear these in fact not just sports folk.

They have simple to use touch controls and and ergonomic design to suit most ears out there and these have an extra pivot point I have not seen yet on other offerings out there having three level adjustment rather than two that most have.

Sound is great here given the open ear design and for most this will be a new experience, they are not as loud as I would like however that is just me but they still deliver on the audio with decent highs lows and mids and testing an all genres they done pretty good, there is video mode too which gives you a better experience for watching movies videos and even gaming where no lag latency was noted nor tinny sounds on full volume.

You will not get the same quality of audio as you would in headphones or earbuds here but these do a great job overall there is no ANC as expected and that is one drawback of these kind of headphones but they also let you hear what else is going on so for cyclists joggers and gym goers they are ideal.

 

JBL Headphone App

 

Product Features:
  • JBL OpenSound technology
  • Enhanced dynamic sound
  • Up to 24 hours of battery life, plus speed charge
  • JBL Headphone App
  • Touch Control
  • Water Resistant
  • IP Code: IP54
  • Charging cable
  • Voice Assistant integration
  • Built-in Microphone
  • Hands Free Call
  • Sweat Proof
  • Speed charge
  • Rechargeable battery

BUY

Video Review

Mixx launches the upgraded StreamBuds Sports Charge 2 Wireless Earbuds to celebrate Global Running Day

Mixx, known for its premium, yet affordable, audio solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of the upgraded StreamBuds Sports Charge 2 wireless earbuds. With a 7-hour play time and a handheld charge case for an additional 25 hours, a choice of 3 EQ sound modes, touch sensor control and many more premium features, it is the perfect companion for an active lifestyle. Added features in this new model include Apple and Google compatibility, hands-free calling and USB Type C charging and the Sports Charge 2 earbuds have also had a complete physical makeover to make them more aesthetically pleasing and compact for increased portability. The StreamBuds Sports Charge 2 are available from MIXX in a choice of black, blue or burgundy all for an incredibly affordable £40. Check out our Mixx Streambuds Ultra and Solo review.
Preset EQ sounds and ease of control:
The touch buttons on the earbuds make controlling music an absolute breeze and users can play and pause, adjust the volume, answer or decline calls on the go and activate Google Assistant or Siri with a single touch. No need to pause the workout to look for a phone now! With the EQ presets, users can also choose between music, bass boost or voice dependent upon preference and the listening environment.
Quick charging:
The Sports Charge 2 earbuds offer 7 hours of playtime on a single charge with the handheld charge case adding another 25 hours of charge totalling an impressive 32 hours. In the unlikely event, a wearer runs out of juice, the quick charge feature gives 2 hours of additional playtime in only 15 minutes, so the music never needs to stop during a long workout or even a marathon! The digital display on the charging case shows the battery status of each individual earbud and the case itself so users can see clearly at a glance when a recharge is needed. Built in Qi Wireless charging is also available with the Sports Charge 2 for added ease.
Over ear hooks:
 
The over-ear hooks on the StreamBuds Sports Charge 2 are flexible loops that wrap around the ear to provide a secure and comfortable fit during physical activities. This offers stability and prevents the earbuds from falling out during hardcore workouts, making them an ideal choice for working out at the gym, for the daily run or a long cycle ride. For added comfort the earbuds come with 3 silicone ear cushions (small, medium and large) to ensure users get the best possible fit.
Eco friendly packaging:
 
MIXX makes a huge effort to keep packaging eco-friendly. Made with paper from sustainable sources, it is FSC certified. Any plastic used on the box is made from 30% recycled plastic and the whole package is 100% recyclable.
The MIXX StreamBuds Sports Charge 2 wireless earbuds are the ultimate partner for an active lifestyle and at only £50 offer true value for money too.
Main Features:
  • 7 hours play time on a single charge
  • *32 hours in total if you include the charge case
  • Touch sensor controls to play, pause, skip tracks and talk hands free
  • 3 EQ sound mode presets to choose from, Music, Bass or Boost
  • Handheld charge case
  • In-ear fit
  • Silicone ear cushions (small, medium, large)
  • Digital display screen
  • Siri and Google compatible
  • Over ear hooks for a secure fit

The Gemini mobile app is now available in more countries

The Gemini mobile app is coming to more countries across Europe and the UK, empowering users to supercharge their creativity and productivity with our AI-powered mobile app.

Today Google is rolling out the Gemini mobile app to more countries and territories, so users can get help from Gemini on the go. With the Gemini app on your phone, you can type, talk or add an image for all kinds of help: you can take a picture of your flat tire and ask for instructions on how to change it, or get help writing that thank you note. It’s an important first step in building a true AI assistant — one that is conversational, multimodal and helpful.

Google Gemini app on the Pixel 8 pro and Pixel 8a – techbuzzireland

To access Gemini on Android, download the Gemini app or opt in through Google Assistant, and you’ll be able to use Gemini by corner swiping, hitting the power button on select phones, or saying “Hey Google.” This will enable a new overlay experience that offers easy access to Gemini as well as contextual help right on your screen. Many loved voice features in Google Assistant will be available through the Gemini app — including setting timers, making calls and setting reminders — and there will be more support in the future.

Google remains dedicated to making Gemini available to as many people as possible. By expanding our language support and reaching new countries, we’re ensuring more people can supercharge their ideas with Gemini. Try the latest features at: https://gemini.google.com/

On iOS, access is being rolled out to Gemini right from the Google app over the next couple of weeks. Just tap the Gemini toggle and chat with Gemini to supercharge  creativity, get help writing social posts and even plan a date night.

Future Planet Expands Strategic Sustainability Leadership With Four Key Hires

Future Planet, the leading AI sustainability software company, has announced the addition of four key strategic appointments in response to significant market demand for sustainability software solutions.

The new roles and appointments are Orla Carolan as Executive Director of ESG Strategy & Compliance; Colum Kenny as Director of Sales; Mary White as Operations Manager and Simpal Sharma as Sustainability Solutions Lead.

Companies are under increasing pressure to implement robust sustainability strategies and comply with regulatory pressure like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). These four appointments will accelerate Future Planet’s vision to help companies achieve sustainable performance and compliance.

With nearly two decades of experience, Orla Carolan brings a wealth of knowledge from senior roles at Grant Thornton and JPMorgan Bank (Ireland). She recently worked on secondment with the EFRAG (European Financial Reporting Advisory Group) secretariat on the development of the sector-specific European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Orla is one of Ireland’s leading authorities on the CSRD and her leadership will be instrumental in helping Future Planet’s customers with ESG strategies and compliance.

Speaking on her new appointment, Orla said: “As a customer of Future Planet in my last role, I saw first-hand the benefits companies can get from a combination of sustainability expertise and smart software. I had to join the company. I’m delighted to work with Future Planet’s amazing team and their state-of-the-art technology to ease the compliance and reporting burden for more clients, and help these clients develop and achieve their ESG strategies.”

Drawing from over 12 years of multifaceted experience across research, engineering, and management consultancy, Colum Kenny joins Future Planet as Director of Sales to drive the company’s growth trajectory and solidify its position within the market.

Also joining Future Planet are Mary White as Operations Manager and Simpal Sharma as Sustainability Solutions Lead. With a career spanning more than two decades in people, communications, DEI and culture management, Mary’s expertise will be pivotal in overseeing day-to-day operations and spearheading strategic initiatives to propel Future Planet’s continued success.

Leveraging extensive experience in the manufacturing industry and a deep understanding of ESRS and CSRD regulations, Simpal’s proficiency in conducting research and benchmarking across multiple sectors will be invaluable in driving sustainable solutions forward.

On the new appointments, Debbie Power, Chief Commercial Office of Future Planet said: “The time is now. Companies are under pressure to embrace ESG strategies, not only as a compliance measure but as a core component of their business. However, while there has never been so much awareness, there are very few sustainability solutions to ease the burden. At Future Planet, we are here to help. Each of our new team members will be instrumental in empowering our customers to transform, as we help them shape their sustainability strategies, support their compliance requirements and simplify their ESG data management, to deliver real and tangible change.”

Future Planet was co-founded by software entrepreneur Donal Daly and sustainable supply chain expert Ingrid De Doncker in 2021. Learn more at futureplanet.com.

xMEMS Labs Debuts Cutting-Edge Reference Designs for True Wireless Stereo Earbuds and In-Ear-Monitors

Accelerating the adoption of solid-state micro speakers in consumer audio products, MEMS audio and semiconductor pioneer xMEMS Labs today announced the availability of two innovative reference designs for purchase at the xMEMS web store. 

The first unit, known as Harding, serves as xMEMS’ reference design for 2-way True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, while the other is for audiophile-level full-range in-ear-monitors (IEMs). Both are available for a limited time and in extremely limited quantities, with the goal of providing interested audio brands and manufacturers with accelerated time-to-market leveraging xMEMS’ patented designs. 

According to xMEMS VP of Marketing and Business Development Mike Housholder, by making these reference designs available for purchase, the company is giving brands the best possible starting point so they and their customers can immediately begin reaping the benefits of the world’s first all-silicon, monolithic MEMS micro speakers. 

“As we continue to build momentum and awareness around our MEMS-based technologies that deliver a better sounding speaker with greater production efficiency and uniformity, we’re doing everything we can to support every customer who understands the value of making MEMS speakers part of their future product story,” Housholder said. “That’s why we’re making available for purchase a limited number of our TWS earbud and IEM designs to any forward-looking brand or manufacturer seeking a roadmap for the fastest possible adoption of xMEMS technology.” 

In addition to the design itself, those who make a purchase will be able to request the complete xMEMS design files for each solution, including their acoustic, mechanical and electrical components. 

The Harding 2-way TWS earbud design delivers superior high-frequency response and clarity featuring Cowell, the world’s smallest solid-state micro speaker. Cowell serves as the tweeter for highly realistic mids and highs and is paired with a custom-designed 9-mm dynamic driver woofer that delivers thumping bass. This ANC-ready (Active Noise Canceling) design embeds a Qualcomm Bluetooth Audio SoC and three microphones per earbud for noise canceling.

All told, Harding is a turn-key ODM design that’s fully integrated with all the needed components and expertly tuned acoustics to enable a seamless transition from legacy coil speakers to all-silicon micro speakers in TWS earbuds. 

Montara Plus, the world’s highest output MEMS micro speaker, is the ideal full-bandwidth transducer for an IEM reference design that delivers sound pressure levels up to 120 dB @ 200 Hz. This USB-C IEM design embeds a hi-res audio DAC from Synaptics and a voice microphone for phone call and web support.

Furthermore, Montara Plus’ lightning-fast transient response and wide bandwidth (20Hz to >40kHz) achieve the highest fidelity and clarity in a simplified, single speaker IEM, creating a path to smaller, lighter, simpler IEM designs without the phase alignment and design complexities of multi-driver IEM implementations.

“We’re seeing demand for xMEMS speakers grow exponentially as brands all over the globe try to stand out in the market and streamline their production efforts. By selling these reference designs, we’re doing our part to ensure the switch to MEMS speakers is as smooth and efficient as possible so more brands, manufacturers and their customers can soon benefit from xMEMS’ industry-changing innovations,” Housholder concluded.

Tech Review – Majority MP3 Player Pro

Majority Audio recently launched the Majority MP3 Pro and we took a first look at it here if you want to check that out before we move along where we took a good tour of the UI and what to expect inside.

As stated in that article it has been a bit since I actually used an MP3 player and I went through some amount of those back in the day, like most if not all we now use our phones to consume music which is fair but for me this is like a dumb phone to an extent as it has taken me away from my phone and all the notions and not listening to my music to its full extent also this has been good for testing earbuds headphones and speakers too along the way.

The build quality is excellent here and it does remind me of how good some MP3 players did look and feel like, this also comes with plenty of on board storage and you can add your own via Micro Sd card which was ideal for me as I had a pile of music stored one from years ago but the album art was out of kilter however all the tracks still in place but then check my old laptop which gave me some more music with album art in most instances which never really bothered me however when you have a display it of course looks aesthetically better than a random image.

This does not look cheap and looks more premium than what you will pay for it with its color screen with buttons on the right side and a navi wheel on the front which at times for me took a while to get use to using being so long since I last used such a device.

The earphones that came with the device are not the greatest in the world but decent and give you great crisp and clear audio however you can connect to your own or even a speaker to really get things going, you can also use the built in speaker on the device but connecting it to a speaker is better but then again if you only want low volume or personal use the speaker is fine you can also use this to record audio on the go which is handy for taking notes they can be done in wav or MP3 files. You can also watch stored movies on this which is kinda cool so if you have any ensure to transfer to your SD card.

When it comes to sound it does a great job but I would also check source of music as many of my songs are on an SD card years old and I think partially corrupted when I added new music it sounded great with my own choice of headphones and earbuds this is not to knoch the earbuds that came with the device which are find for anyone not to hooked up on fantastic audio and the price you pay overall here you should not expect insane quality audio but with decent earbuds you will be fine and it is nice that they gave you earbuds in the first place as they are a dying item now with phones and other products normally shipped with such.

For the price you pay though today you are getting a sound robust quality product with a color screen and many other options not seen on MP3 players and good sound and also a distraction from your mobile phone with the ability to connect to external speakers.

Key Features of the Majority MP3 Pro:

  • 5.0 Bluetooth Connectivity
  • 4hr Charging Time
  • 65GB Internal Storage
  • Compatible with SD cards up to 128GB
  • Earphones included
  • Integrated Speaker
  • Dimensions: 4.2cm x 6.6cm x 1.8cm
  • Weight: 33g

BUY

Video Review

TRIBIT launches the upgraded StormBox 2 portable Bluetooth speaker.

TRIBIT, a global brand which aims to make high-quality audio accessible to all, today announces the launch of the upgraded StormBox 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. Following on from the success of its predecessor StormBox, the StormBox 2 now has upgraded features including a more stable and faster Bluetooth 5.3 allowing for a range of 30m, TRIBIT App compatibility for full customisation, TWS and 24 hour playtime. With 360°sound, 2 embedded full-range speakers and a 2*17W power output, the StormBox 2 truly packs a punch. The TRIBIT StormBox 2 is available from TRIBIT  for £63 and Amazon for £62.99.
360° surround sound:
It delivers the ultimate enjoyment and allows users to be fully immersed in the powerful 360° audio with this Bluetooth wireless speaker, delivering 34W peak power. Equipped with two 48mm full-range drivers, crystal-clear sound quality is guaranteed.
Music streaming day and night:
 
The StormBox 2 looks compact and light, but it’s a powerhouse when it comes to playtime. Armed with RunStretch technology, it can deliver an impressive 24 hours of playtime (tested at 60% volume without the XBass feature) perfect for long car rides or travel. Weighing only 580g and measuring 180mm x 69mm x 69mm, it’s easy to pack in a rucksack and take on hikes, camping trips, or holidays. The Bluetooth 5.3 and 30-meter wireless range mean there are no concerns about signal loss or dropouts, and it only takes around 4 hours to fully recharge. Better yet, the sleek yet robust design and waterproof rating of IPX7 make it the perfect companion for outdoor adventures, pool parties and trips to the beach.
Customisable:
A common complaint can often be based on personal preferences, some like more bass, some less. Some more treble, some less. The StormBox 2 has been upgraded to meet this need for personalisation. Via the TRIBIT App, the sound can be fully customised to match individual preferences and listening environments. Users can choose to switch between Audiobook, Classic, Jazz, Rock, and XBass (the default) or disable these pre-sets entirely as preferred. A customised EQ curve with nine bands that range from 80Hz to 13kHz can also be created. This includes different EQs, custom EQ, OTA upgrade and other functions.
One-click pairing: 
For users who enjoy a truly big immersive sound, TRIBIT has got it covered with the upgraded StormBox 2 which now allows for cross-model pairing! Double up the audio experience by pairing two StormBox 2 speakers or seamlessly pair with the StormBox Flow or XSound Plus 2 wireless speakers for a booming sound. Party mode can also be activated to elevate any gathering, boost the mood at parties, and enjoy the music brought by double the volume. It’s party time!