TCL wants to help you banish messy cables and extra remotes with a new smart soundbar that wirelessly connects to Roku TVs.
Launched at CES 2021, the TCL Alto R1 is the TV maker’s first foray into wireless soundbars and the first to feature Roku’s own WiFi Audio streaming technology. Simply plug the power cable in, turn it on and the device automatically pairs with your TCL Roku TV.
No HDMI or optical cable required – in theory, at least. Once the TV has detected the Alto R1, you’ll be walked through a simple on-screen set-up and given the chance to tweak the sound to suit your space.
Aside from cutting down on copper spaghetti, TCL says the device brings “ease of use with only one remote” and “regular and automatic software updates”.
As with wired, Roku-friendly soundbars you’ll be able use your TV’s existing remote to control the sound. You may also benefit from improved audio synching, although that’s yet to be confirmed.
So far, TCL has remained coy about the R1’s specs, price and release date but we do know that it will feature Bluetooth for music streaming. In the meantime, you may want to consider whether you’re willing to risk your cash on a soundbar that is tied to a single smart TV platform.
On the lookout for a wired soundbar? TCL is also launching two wired options in the second half of this year: the Alto 82i and Alto 8e.
The TCL Alto 82i is Dolby Atmos-capable, boasts built-in subwoofers, and support for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay. The Alto 8e will be bundled with a wireless subwoofer and upfiring Atmos speakers.
MORE:
Read all the latest CES 2021 news
TCL to launch 8K, Mini-LED and QLED Google TVs this year
Samsung 2021 TV lineup: everything you need to know
The BBC Sounds app is now available on Sky Q. BBC Sounds – the successor to iPlayer Radio – brings more than 80,000 hours of audio content, including live radio shows, podcasts, music mixes and more.
To open BBC Sounds, just say “Launch BBC Sounds” using voice search on your Sky Q remote.
Once you’re in BBC Sounds, you can bookmark shows to listen to later, pick up where you left off listening on other devices, subscribe to shows and get recommendations for other audio content.
BBC Sounds is the latest in a long line of apps to be launched on Sky Q, a list which also includes Disney+, Discovery+ and Amazon Prime Video.
“We know the value our customers place on BBC content so it’s great that they can access the best of music, radio and podcasts alongside their favourite TV, in one place, easy,” said Patrick Behar, Sky’s chief business officer.
MORE:
Find out how to watch HDR on Sky Q
These are the best films and TV shows on Sky and Now TV
Become a Sky ninja: 18 Sky Q tips, tricks and features
ViewSonic has announced a whole range of new monitors – including the ColorPro VP 3286 -8K also a 32 – customs 8K model for professional use. However, gamers should especially be interested in the XG 320 UG from the ELITE gaming series. Because this 32 – inch model promises UHD resolution at gaming-compatible 144 Hz, G-SYNC Ultimate with NVIDIA Reflex and thanks to mini-LED backlighting DisplayHDR – 1000 – support.
Who as a player value the mix of 3. 840 x 2. 160 pixels and high refresh rate, which up to now typically had to be a 27 – inch model like the ASUS PG 27 UQ grab. The 4K resolution to 27 inches Although it ensures a high pixel density, it would also fit well with larger diagonals or, depending on use, even better. Corresponding gaming models have already been announced specifically by ASUS and Acer, but are still not available. ViewSonics announcement of the XG 321 UG is now at least another sign that with gaming-ready 32 – inch 4K displays at least is to be expected.
Both the Acer and ASUS models as well as the ViewSonics XG 321 UG are likely to have the same AU optronics panel with mini LED backlight in 1. 152 Use zones. It also depends on the availability of the panel when the corresponding monitors can actually be available. The maximum brightness of the 32 inch Panels are given an enormous 1. 400 cd / m². As a supported HDR standard, ViewSonic formally only specifies VESA DisplayHDR 1000, but the brightness specification would also be for DisplayHDR 1400 pass. The XG 320 UG should be G-SYNC Ultimate certified and support NVIDIA Reflex. HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, USB-A / B and audio are announced for connections.
ViewSonic still owes further information – for example on ergonomics. Images show an example of a model from the Elite gaming series, but it is unclear which one is exactly. The ViewSonic XG 320 UG should be based on the established design of the series.
ViewSonic sets itself at least roughly to summer 2021 at the start of sales . A price, however, is not yet mentioned. By the way, there is also a sign of life from the ViewSonic ELITE XG 320 U. This 32 inch IPS model should also start with 3. 840 x 2. 160 Dissolve pixels and 144 offer Hz refresh rate, but only supports VESA DisplayHDR 600. ViewSonic is currently also assuming sales of this model will start in summer 2021.
Two years after the launch of new developments for Sony positional audio format 360 Reality Audio: tools for artists to create more easily songs with audio at 360 ° and possibility to use immersive audio in videos, including live performances
by Roberto Colombo published 12 January 2021 , at 12: 21 in the Audio Video channel Sony
360 Reality Audio had been one of the leading technologies ù interesting exhibited at CES 2019 and last year had shown interesting evolutions: now it is a technology that can be exploited on several Sony commercial products. Headphones came first, but recently Sony also introduced home speakers that offer the experience of spatial placement of sounds and instruments.
360 Reality Audio, not only in headphones
A few days before the opening of the digital edition of the CES 2021, in fact, Sony has announced the introduction of two new ones wireless speaker ?? SRS-RA 5000 and SRS -RA 3000 ??, able to play the tracks in format 360 Reality Audio, listenable through compatible music streaming services, c he incorporates three-dimensional sound positioning data.
At the rendering level the technology 360 Reality Audio is one of the most interesting among those that aim to give spatiality to sounds, even if played through headphones. One of the negative aspects of the coin is the fact that the songs must be remastered in the positional audio format to enable the rendering to 360 ° . Until now, the catalog available on the various streaming services – for example Tidal with Hi-Fi subscription – was not very extensive (Currently, the songs in 360 Reality Audio available are approximately 4. 00 0, with artists from Alicia Keys, Lil Nas X, Megan Thee Stallion, Noah Cyrus, Zara Larsson), but Sony has announced interesting news in this regard, with tools that make it easier to create audio content (and not only) 360 RA.
Sony and Virtual Sonics, Inc. have developed new content creation software, called 360 Reality Audio Creative Suite , to facilitate the creation of content in 360 Reality Audio by musicians and authors. The software plugin 360 Reality Audio Creative Suite is compatible with the main Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) . Virtual Sonics, Inc., will release the software through its subsidiary Audio Futures, Inc. at the end of the month.
Not only that, the positional audio format now also lands in video content, for example example live shows: Sony showed the first example last night, with a performance by Zara Larsson , available in format 360 Reality Audio on the Artist Connection app and viewable enjoying the all-round audio using the Sony enabled headphones (for example the WH – 1000 M4) and optimizing the sound reproduction in the app .
We remind you, to enable the technology it is necessary to take a photo of your ears via the Headphones app, to optimize playback based on to the person characteristics the ear, the shape and the consequent absorption and reflections that allow us to position the sounds we hear in space.
The 2021 seems to be the year of the realization of wearable viewers. TCL’s proposal is formed by Wearable Display glasses, announced together with new tech accessories.
by Nino Grasso published 12 January 2021 , at 12: 01 in the Wearables channel TCL
TCL announced at CES 2021, several new features in its wearable line. Among these the TCL Wearable Display , the premium earphones MOVEAUDIO S 600 True Wireless and the latest MOVETRACK Pet Tracker .
TCL Wearable Display
The first commercially available product belonging to Project Archery, TCL Wearable Display , is a light and elegant eyewear with two Full HD OLED micro display 1080 p integrated . Those who wear the new TCL glasses can enjoy a view at 90 degrees from 4 meters away, with a density of 12 pixels per corner (PPD), practically everywhere without any restrictions.
To work TCL Wearable Display must be connected to a smartphone. The manufacturer promises full compatibility with hundreds of smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs equipped with a USB-C port and a display capable of supporting a resolution of 1080 p. Once connected, the device allows you to watch movies, play games and more, whether at home, on the road or anywhere else.
TCL Wearable Display will be available on the market during this year in some selected countries, but unfortunately we do not have more specific information yet.
TCL MoveAudio S 600
TCL MoveAudio S 600 are true wireless earbuds with Hybrid Active Noise Canceling and Transparency Mode and aim to deliver “immersive audio” and “crystal clear calls”, even when on crowded streets or on means of transport, thanks to the three microphones built into each earphone that allow active noise cancellation.
The earphones support Bluetooth 5.0 and smart sensing, technology that automatically plays and pauses music when the earphones are inserted or removed. Also present is Google Fast Pair, which allows a quick connection to the device. I TCL MoveAudio S 600 implement intuitive touch controls that make it easier to activate ANC, ask for help with Google Voice Assistant, switch from music to phone calls and manage playlists.
The autonomy declared by the manufacturer is up to 8 hours of music playback on a single charge and up to 04 hours of battery life when using the charging case. The earphones are IP certified 54 and will be available at from February to 129, 90 ??.
Other TCL Products
The company also launched MoveTrack Pet Tracker , which allows owners to virtually keep an eye on their pets. Attaches to a dog or cat collar and provides real-time multigeo location tracking using GPS, WiFi, and other technologies. TCL LinkHub 4G Outdoor CPE instead offers the ability to connect via 4G LTE at home, thanks to the 4×4 MIMO antennas and support for 4G Cat. 12. It is designed to be installed in outdoor environments thanks to IP protection 67. It will be available later 2021.
With the “launch”, or at least the presentation of some data of what will be the eleventh generation of Intel Core processors for desktop, codenamed Rocket Lake-S, will arrive new motherboards from the main manufacturers together with the new Intel chipsets of the series 500.
It seems that MSI has not wanted to wait and has shown the four main families of motherboards that will release the highest range of chipsets, the Intel Z 590 together with chipsets B 560 and H 510 ready to take full advantage of the Rocket Lake-S news , such as native support for PCI Express 4.0, WiFi 6E or USB 3.2 2×2 of 20 Gbps.
All four MSI families will use Intel chipsets Z 590, B 560 and H 510
We will have four main families, each with different models: the MEG, MPG, MAG and PRO ranges.
The MPG range will consist of the MPG Z 590 GAMING CARBON WIFI, MPG Z 590 GAMING FORCE, MPG Z 590 GAMING EDGE WIFI and MPG Z 560 GAMING PLUS
The MEG family will have among its ranks the highest-end models: MEG Z 590 GODLIKE with 10 GbE, new dissipation systems and improved sound Audio Boost 5 HD, other boards in the range will be the MEG Z 590 UNIFY and MEG Z 590 I UNIFY.
The PRO family, aimed at users of equipment for environments professionals such as businesses or offices but without losing the high performance of this platform, including the overclock characteristics of the Z chipset 590. It will consist of the models Z 590 – A PRO and Z 590 PRO WIFI and will have models with B chipsets 560 and H 510.
Finally, the MAG range will launch a new color scheme and will arrive with models with chipset Z 590 and B 553, both with Wifi included. They will be the MAG Z 590 TOMAHAWK WIFI and MAG B 553 TOMAHAWK WIFI.
The launch, as you can see on MSI’s own website, it will take place within 15 days, on 27 from January.
End of Article. Tell us something in the Comments or come to our Forum!
Dominic Moass 33 mins ago CES, Featured Tech News, Motherboard, Tech News
The latest 500-series chipsets from Intel are here, and that means a ton of new motherboards. MSI has entered the fray by announcing no less than thirty motherboards across the Z590, B560 and H510 chipsets.
For its 500-series motherboard, MSI is doubling down on the four product ranges we have come to know over the years – MEG, MPG, MAG and Pro. In total, the company has announced fifteen Z590 boards, twelve B560 boards and three H510 boards. Full details will become available during MSI’s keynote on Thursday, but for now the company has shared some initial information.
In general terms, all MSI 500-series motherboards support PCIe 4.0, with up to 64GB/s bandwidth. MSI’s Z590 boards will also come equipped with WiFi 6E and its 6GHz band. The company’s Z590 Gaming series are also seeing upgraded Audio Boost 5 codecs, which MSI says can ‘create a synergy effect which can amplify sound and have better gaming experience.’ The company’s Dragon Center software has also been updated with a new UI and integrated functionality like overclocking and RGB control.
As for its MEG series, MSI says these boards are best described as ‘exquisite and gorgeous’, and outlines a number of new features, including aluminium backplates on both the MEG Z590 Godlike and MEG Z590 ACE, designed to provide greater surface area for heat dissipation. The Godlike also offers a new ‘Frozr heatsink’ design as well as a stacked fin array.
The we come to the MPG boards, here MSI highlights the use of its M.2 Shield Frozr (M.2 heatsinks) and K7 thermal pads, designed to offer optimal SSD performance. MSI’s MAG range, including the popular Tomahawk boards, have been refreshed with ‘new colour matching’, while the Tomahawk boards offer graphite heatsinks. Lastly, the PRO series are designed ‘for common use’ and offer a new Frozr AI Cooling technology ‘which will detect CPU and GPU temperatures and automatically adjust system fan duty to a proper value’.
Here is the full breakdown of MSI’s latest 500-series boards:
Z590 Chipset
B560 Chipset
H510 Chipset
MEG Z590 GODLIKE
MPG B560I GAMING EDGE WIFI
H510M PRO
MEG Z590 ACE
MAG B560 TOMAHAWK WIFI
H510M-A PRO
MEG Z590 ACE GOLD EDITION
MAG B560 TORPEDO
H510I PRO WIFI
MEG Z590 UNIFY
MAG B560M MORTAR WIFI
MEG Z590I UNIFY
MAG B560M MORTAR
MPG Z590 GAMING CARBON WIFI
MAG B560M BAZOOKA
MPG Z590 GAMING FORCE
B560M PRO-VDH WIFI
MPG Z590 GAMING EDGE WIFI
B560M PRO-VDH
MPG Z590 GAMING PLUS
B560M PRO WIFI
MPG Z590M GAMIMG EDGE WIFI
B560M PRO
MAG Z590 TOMAHAWK WIFI
B560M-A PRO
MAG Z590 TORPEDO
B560M PRO-E
Z590 PRO WIFI
Z590-A PRO
Z590 PRO 12VO
MSI says its 500-series boards will be available on January 27.
KitGuru says: That’s a lot of motherboards… which takes your fancy?
Become a Patron!
Check Also
Black Ops Cold War’s Zombie mode offers week-long trial
Many online multiplayer titles offer sporatical free weekends, allowing those who have yet to purchase …
After Intel introduced its 500-series chipsets yesterday, ASUS has announced a swathe of Z590 motherboards across the ROG, TUF and Prime families. There’s some familiar names but a number of new features on show from these boards.
The first Z590 boards to be announced by ASUS include the ROG Maximus XIII Extreme, ROG Maximus XIII Extreme Glacial, ROG Maximus XIII Hero, ROG Strix Z590-E Gaming, ASUS Prime Z590-A and TUF Gaming Z590-Plus WiFi. As they are all Z590 boards, support is offered for Intel’s 10th Gen desktop CPUs and the upcoming 11th Gen Rocket Lake processors. Z590 offers 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes for discrete GPUs, and four PCIe 4.0 lanes direct from CPU for Gen4 SSDs.
The Maximus XIII Extreme is the top of the line Z590 offering from ASUS, with an 18+2 power delivery design, with ‘highly capable and efficient integrated power stages’. DDR4 memory up to 5333MHz is supported, while up to five M.2 SSDs can be installed, with three native slots and a further two via ASUS DIMM.2 slot. Connectivity highlights include 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports and 8x USB 3.2 Gen2 ports.
Maximus XIII Extreme
Maximus XIII Extreme Glacial
Maximus XIII Hero
ASUS ROG Z590-E Gaming
ASUS TUF Gaming Z590 Plus WiFi
ASUS PRIME Z590-A
The ROG Maximus XIII Extreme takes that same PCB, with the same key features as above, but slaps on a huge ‘full-coverage water block developed in tandem with the experts at EK’. ASUS says this block cools both the VRM and Z590 platform controller hub, delivering ‘the highest performance and the lowest temperatures in the most extreme gaming builds.’
Both of these motherboards also included ROG’s Fan Controller module, which mounts to a 2.5in slot and offers 6x ARGB and 4x PWN fan headers. ROG Clavis also comes bundles with these boards, which is a new USB-C DAC that ASUS claims can offer ‘the absolute highest signal-to-noise ratio and lowest distortion in the final analog output’.
Just below the top-end is the ROG Maximus XIII Hero. This offers a 14+2 power stage design, and a total of four M.2 slots – two of which are fed by the CPU, and two by the chipset. There’s also 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, 6x USB 3.2 Gen2 Ports, and 2x USB 2.0 ports. ASUS also makes a feature of the new Realtek ALC4000-series audio codecs which are supported on ROG and ROG Strix Z590 motherboards.
ASUS TUF Gaming brand has enhanced its reputation over the last year or so, and with the TUF Gaming Z590 Plus WIFI, ASUS offers 14+2 DrMOS power stages and a 6-layer PCB. There’s also 3x M.2 slots, a fanless PCH heatsink and a Realtek S1200A audio codec. Lastly, we come to the ASUS Prime Z590-A. This is ASUS’ more entry-level series, though it still boasts 14+2 DrMOS power stages. There doesn’t appear to be a rear Thunderbolt 4 port however, but there’s still 3x M.2 slots, two of which include integrated heatsinks.
ASUS says these boards will be available ‘immediately’ in the UK, though we haven’t spotted any on sale at the time of writing.
Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.
KitGuru says: Stay tuned for more Z590 coverage over the coming months.
Apple’s “Find My” interface, which was opened for third-party providers last summer, is now supported for the first time by completely wireless earplugs from an external company: Belkin has announced a corresponding model with its Soundform Freedom.
Belkin part of the Find My network With the introduction of iOS 14 Apple launched its so-called Find-My-System (“Mein Find “) made transparent. The corresponding app, which is part of the operating system, was initially only able to find iPhone, iPad, Mac or AirPods – as well as friends who shared their location. A new API now allows the integration of devices that are not made by Apple itself, which Belkin is the first audio device manufacturer to use.
A bit like the AirPods The Soundform Freedom are typical true wireless in-ear headphones whose style is slightly reminiscent of the AirPods. They are available in black and white, cost 140 Euro and are splash-proof in accordance with protection class IPX5 and are therefore also suitable for rain and jogging. They should run for eight hours at a time, the supplied QI charging case offers additional 20 hours. Ambient noise suppression for phone calls is integrated, but ANC as with the AirPods Pro apparently not.
Crowdsourcing to find According to the manufacturer, the Freedom Soundform can use Apple’s Find-My network, as is already possible with Apple hardware. The system works with a crowdsourcing approach, in which potentially millions of Apple devices can be used, which are exchanged via an encrypted network. In this way, stolen or lost devices without an integrated radio module should be able to be found.
criticism of Apple Strategy There was also criticism of the Find-My opening. The guidelines should be extremely strict. Third-party manufacturers who use the “Find My” app are not allowed to use any other services at the same time – apparently no longer their own. Belkin itself does not, however, because the accessories specialist does not yet offer its own find network. For companies like the tracker manufacturer Tile, which rely on their own infrastructure, this does not apply.
CES 2021 has its fair share of headphone launches, but a new Sennheiser pair always stands out from the crowd. The IE 300 in-ears are powered by a refined version of the company’s 7mm Extra Wide Band (XWB) transducer, and Sennheiser is promising superior sound to go with their professional audio-inspired design.
But perhaps what’s most noticeable about them is that there are no mod-cons: there’s no wireless functionality, no noise-cancelling tech. Instead, the focus is squarely on sound quality.
Sennheiser claims every component has been carefully tuned to refine the listening experience, from the optimised membrane foil designed to minimise vibrations and distortion, to the resonator chamber that removes masking resonances in the ear to enhance high frequencies.
The design is inspired by the world of pro audio – not only do they look the part, they should be extremely comfortable too. There are flexible ear hooks to help with fit, and both silicone and memory foam ear adaptors in three sizes.
They’re built to last, too. The cable is reinforced with para-aramid, making it more flexible and more hardwearing, while the gold-plated, Fidelity+ MMCX connector is housed in a recessed socket to make it more durable. Balanced cables with 2.5mm or 4.4 connectors are available as optional accessories.
The Sennheiser IE 300 are due in March, and will cost £259.
Thermaltake is expanding its case portfolio with the new Divider TG case series. Consisting of four chassis of differing sizes, the new Divider cases are characterised by their tempered glass front panel, triangular tempered glass side panel with a vent, and patented PCIe expansion slot system.
Ranging from ITX to ATX cases, the Divider TG series includes the Divider 500TG, 300TG, 200TG, and 100TG models. Both 500TG and 300TG will be available in both black and white (Snow), while the 200TG and 100TG will only be available in black. The 300TG will have a standard and an ARGB variant, but the 500TG will only be available with ARGB. The smaller 200TG and 100TG will only come in non-ARGB variants.
The first Divider series case to release will be the 300TG, a mid-tower chassis supporting ATX motherboards that allows you to showcase your system thanks to the use of 3mm tempered glass panels. Capable of fitting a graphics card up to 360mm long when a radiator is installed at the front (390mm without it), this case comes with a riser GPU support bracket to avoid any sagging. The “patented rotational PCI-E slots” allows users to mount the graphics cards to their liking, be it horizontally or vertically. Moreover, the 300TG cases come with 2x 2.5/3.5-inch drive bays and 5x 2.5-inch drive bays for your storage devices.
ARGB variants come with 3x ARGB 120mm fans at the front, and another 120mm fan at the rear. The non-ARGB variants only come with a single 120mm fan at the rear. Users can mount up to 3x 120mm fans or 2x 140mm fans on the front, a 120mm fan at the rear, up to 2x 120mm fan on the side, and a 120/140mm fan on the top. Radiator support is fairly similar to the fan support, allowing users to install a 360/280mm front radiator, 240mm radiator on the side, and a 120mm radiator at the rear.
This case features dust filters on the top, bottom, front, and right side panels, preventing dust from getting into your system. The built-in PSU shroud improves the PSU cooling while also hiding the cable clutter. The front I/O panel includes a USB-C 3.2 port, 2x USB-A 3.0 ports, an audio-in 3.5mm jack, and an audio-out 3.5mm jack. The RGB fans can be synchronised through the included ARGB controller and connected to a motherboard compatible with RGB software such as ASRock Polychrome, Asus Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, and others.
The Thermaltake Divider 300TG cases will launch in February. The remaining Divider TG cases will release later this year. The Divider 300TG will be priced at $79.99, the Divider 300TG Snow at $84.99, the Divider 300TG ARGB for $109.99, and the Divider 300TG ARGB Snow for $114.99.
KitGuru says: Which Divider 300TG chassis would you like to build in? Are you interested in any of the other Divider TG cases?
A little romantic candlelight is especially nice on dull autumn and winter days. With this smart solar candle hack, it’s easy at the push of a button.
Candlelight in the smart home: Modify LED candles and control them via smartphone In the beginning there was the LED candle Power supply One project – three results Part 1: Equip the LED candle with a Li-Po battery Part 2: LED candle via ZigBee Connect module to smart home Part 3: A solar charging station for the candle Article in Make Magazine 6 / 2020 read As a smart home enthusiast, I have set up a series of “scenes” in my self-built control center with which I can control lights, audio players, blinds and shutters as desired – depending on the mood. A scene was created for relaxed evenings that dims my lights and plays my favorite music. How nice it would be if one or two candles were lit – from the sofa, with the smartphone at the push of a button.
In the beginning there was the LED candle So I had the idea to modify the cheap LED candles of a well-known furniture chain so that I can control them remotely. The only problem: the power supply. Control via WLAN was out of the question, because the popular ESP 8266 -Microcontrollers need with their good and happy 97 mA much more current than a compact battery could deliver in the long run. Deep-sleep modes were also dropped early, as the candles could not have been switched on with a smartphone when the WLAN module was in power-saving mode.
So I started the “Smart Candle “thoughtfully shelved until I stumbled across an old Make online article during the Corona period. There it was explained how the authors had managed to remove the ZigBee module from an IKEA Trådfri lamp in order to reuse it in a separate, simple LED circuit. My interest was piqued.
Access to all contents of heise + exclusive tests, advice & background: independent, critically sound c’t, iX, Technology Review, Mac & i, Make, c’t read photography directly in the browser register once – read on all devices – can be canceled monthly first month free, then monthly 9, 95 € Weekly newsletter with personal reading recommendations from the editor-in-chief Start FREE month Start your FREE month now heise + already subscribed?
Log in and read Register now and read the article immediately More information about heise + Candlelight in the smart home: Modify LED candles and control them via smartphone In the beginning there was the LED candle Power supply One project – three results Part 1: Equip the LED candle with a Li-Po battery Part 2: LED candle via ZigBee Connect module to smart home Part 3: A solar charging station for the candle Article in Make Magazine 6 / 2020 read
Stereo and surround sound are fine and dandy, but what’s the next big thing in consumer audio? Sony would like you to believe its 360 Reality Audio format is top of the list.
Sony is working with a number of major record labels (including Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group), streaming services and other music organisations to refine a next-gen audio format that sits the listener smack bang in the middle of a 360-degree music listening experience.
But what exactly is Sony 360 Reality Audio? How does it work? And which products support it? You’ll find all that information, and more, below.
As it happened: Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format launched with 1000 tracks
What is Sony 360 Reality Audio?
Sony 360 Reality Audio is an audio format that uses Sony’s object-based spatial audio technology to deliver a full 360-degree audio experience. Its launch was one of Sony’s key CES 2019 highlights, but the service has come a long way since then, with more streaming partners and compatible products announced.
Its aim? To make the listener feel like they’re right in the recording studio or at a live concert watching their favourite artist. This is especially timely given that around the world, music venues are currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The format has been built using the open MPEG-H 3D Audio standard, which itself has been optimised for music streaming. It supports up to 64 speaker channels and allows audio coding to be done in different ways.
Engineers can map out and place everything including vocals, individual instruments and a live audience in any position inside a 360 spherical space. Different parameters can be altered for various elements, including distances and angles.
Sony’s teamed up with the Fraunhofer IIS (Institute for Integrated circuits) to open the format up for content creators and artists to take advantage of. At CES 2021, it made two further announcements: it added video streaming capabilities to 360 Reality Audio, and it developed a new content creation software called the 360 Reality Audio Creative Suite.
Sony is currently in talks with major music labels and streaming services about launching video streamed content later this year. And the 360 Reality Audio Creative Suite plugin software (which is compatible with popular digital audio workstation) will be released at the end of January.
These are the best Sony TVs you can buy
How can you listen to music in Sony 360 Reality Audio?
(Image credit: Sony)
To experience Sony 360 Reality Audio, you’ll need the right kit and compatible software.
To experience 360 Reality Audio on a pair of headphones, you’ll first need to download the iOS/Android app for a compatible streaming service. At the moment, these are Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music HD and nugs.net.
In case you haven’t heard of it, nugs.net is a streaming service for live concerts. It currently has over 10,000 concerts in its catalogue including artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
You’ll also need to be subscribed to the premium tier of said streaming service. If you’re currently enjoying Deezer’s Free tier, for example, you need to upgrade to Deezer HiFi to experience the new format. Other than that, it shouldn’t cost you extra.
MORE: Check out the best Sony earbuds
(Image credit: Sony)
Sony claims that 360 Reality Audio can be experienced “using headphones from most manufacturers”. It’s not exactly crystal clear what separates one pair of compatible headphones from a non-compatible pair, but Sony has been quick to highlight which of its own headphones will work on its official 360 Reality Audio site.
With select Sony models you can even use its Headphones Connect app to analyse your ear shape and help optimise the sound field for its new audio format. Open the app and you can scan both ears using your phone’s camera. The results are then applied to the app of your streaming service of choice.
Head to Sony’s site and you’ll be able to see a full list of compatible headphones, which include current What Hi-Fi? favourites (and Award-winning) WH-1000XM4, their predecessors the WH-1000XM3, and the WF-1000XM3 wireless earbuds.
(Image credit: Sony)
Of course, you can listen to Sony 360 Reality Audio using speakers, too. Sony recently launched two speakers that are compatible with the tech: the SRS-RA5000 and SRS-RA3000. They’re both wireless models, with Bluetooth and wi-fi onboard, and can link up to create a multi-room system. The RA5000 is compatible with Hi-Res music files too, and they both support Immersive Audio Enhancement, which upscales stereo sound so it has a surround effect.
Sony is also licensing the key technologies involved in 360 Reality Audio, meaning we should see more compatible devices come to market.
What can you listen to in Sony 360 Reality Audio?
(Image credit: Sony)
At present, you can stream over 1000 tracks in the format, including tunes from Mark Ronson, Pharrell Williams, Billy Joel and Jeff Beck.
Sony’s promising more tracks will be added via major record labels, plus over 100 songs recorded from live concerts, including the likes of CHARLI XCX and Kodaline.
Sony has also added video streaming to the format’s skillset. The aim is to recreate the feel of a live gig – very timely, given that music venues around the world are currently closed. It’s in talks with major music labels and service providers to begin streaming video content later this year, so stay tuned.
Which products support Sony 360 Reality Audio?
(Image credit: Amazon)
Besides headphones (and apps of compatible music streaming services), you can also experience Sony 360 Reality Audio on at least one speaker made by a third-party company: the Amazon Echo Studio wireless speaker (pictured above). However, you will need to be a subscriber to Amazon Music HD to take advantage.
The key to experiencing 360 Reality Audio in hardware, is that each product will need to have Sony’s custom decoder built-in. Sony has confirmed that it’s looking to make the new sound format available across a number of Alexa-enabled devices and those that support Chromecast built-in.
It’s also working with chipset manufacturers Media Tek, NXP Semiconductors and Qualcomm, so you can expect to see support for the format increase across more consumer kit moving forward.
Sony 360 Reality Audio vs Dolby Atmos Music
(Image credit: Dolby)
Now there just so happens to be another object-based audio tech in the offing from Dolby. Dolby Atmos Music is based on the company’s surround sound tech, Dolby Atmos, and allows engineers to either remix tracks and place sounds at specific points in your soundstage, or record live mixes in-studio, as long as they’ve got access to the necessary Dolby Atmos Music mixing kit.
Dolby Atmos Music tracks work on any home audio kit that supports Dolby Atmos, which does give this audio format an immediate advantage with TVs, soundbars, AV receivers, smartphones and tablets already geared up to support the format. Whether Dolby Atmos Music will be able to offer the same sort of 360-degree sound experience as Sony’s offering remains to be heard. But it’s certainly an exciting time for music listeners, as streaming enters its third dimension.
MORE:
Listen up! Dolby Atmos Music: everything you need to know
Find out Tidal vs Spotify – which is better?
These are the best music streaming services: free streams to hi-res audio
Records and cassettes can be digitized and dusted off with little technical effort using the free Ocenaudio software.
(Image: Martin Reche)
Crash course: digitizing records and cassettes with Ocenaudio Hardware requirements and structure Preamplifier for turntable Selection of the recording program Set level and test recording Improve sound Export songs Analog Sound carriers are back in vogue: Limited special editions of records achieve astronomical prices among collectors and bands in their twenties like to put their music back on the good old cassette. Not only does it look fancy on the shelf, it also sounds warmer and fuller to some ears on an analog player than a dead-compressed MP3. Vinyls and tapes have a few disadvantages, however: the former cannot be heard on buses and trains and the latter will age badly if improperly stored. As a backup and for enjoying music on the go, you can do digitization yourself for private purposes. This also largely covers the copyright, as long as you don’t circumvent copy protection or want to use the copies in public, e.g. for a DJ gig.
Hardware requirements and structure The The technical effort for digitization remains manageable: apart from a playback device with audio outputs, you only need an audio interface that converts the analogue into digital signals and forwards them to the PC. In addition, there are the appropriate connection cables and the computer. Used interfaces cost from 60 Euro, new models are available from around 110 Euro. Important: For stereo sound you need an interface with at least two inputs. The trade also offers models with only one entrance, it is worth taking a closer look here. For this article we worked with an old Focusrite Saffire 6 USB interface. A Sansui turntable and a JVC tape deck were used as playback devices, both of which have cinch audio outputs.
The interface (below) converts the analog signals from the playback device into digital signals. The preamplifier for the record player is on the interface.
(Image: Martin Reche)
In theory, with a suitable cinch-jack cable, at least the tape deck can be married off directly to the jack input of the sound card and the recording can be started. We advise against this, however: An interface not only offers better sound thanks to better converters and preamplifiers, but also allows optimal control of the signal using a potentiometer and direct monitoring via headphones. So you can hear during the recording whether the level is overloaded or whether you need to correct the level.
Access to all contents of heise + exclusive tests, advice & background: independent, critically well-founded c’t, iX, Technology Review, Mac & i, Make, c’t Read photography directly in the browser register once – on all devices read – can be canceled monthly first month free, then monthly 9 , 95 € Weekly newsletter with personal reading recommendations from the editor-in-chief Start FREE month Start the FREE month now Already subscribed to heise +?
Sign in and read Register now and read the article immediately More information about heise + Crash course: digitizing records and cassettes with Ocenaudio Hardware requirements and structure Preamplifier for turntable Selection of the recording program Set level and test recording Improve sound Export songs
The US electronics industry is starting the new year with some confidence despite the corona crisis. Compared to the record year 2020, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) expects a renewed increase in sales of 4.3 percent for the US market to 461 billion US dollars. Because of the pandemic, consumers at home are particularly dependent on technology in order to cope with everyday life with work, education and entertainment.
Fast Forward This accelerated the introduction of new technologies. “The pandemic has pressed the fast-forward button in terms of the adoption of new technologies,” said CTA chief Gary Shapiro on Monday ahead of the CES. “But the road to full economic recovery is still long and linked to the complex distribution of vaccines.” The industry has proven that it can make an important contribution in times of crisis.
The technology fair organized by the CTA takes place this year – how previously many other major events too – only virtually and not in Las Vegas. Nevertheless, numerous manufacturers use the fair to present new products and current developments. Apart from classic entertainment electronics, the CES is now a trend barometer and showcase for a wide variety of industries from the automotive industry to the healthcare sector.
Some of these trends, the progress of which can usually be read off at the CES every year ( or not), got a big boost in the pandemic. “When the economy is down, the hour for innovation strikes,” says CTA research director Steve Koenig. The Corona crisis strongly fueled the use of new technologies in a wide variety of industries.
Cloud & Entertainment The crisis is driving small and medium-sized companies as well as the public sector more and more into the cloud, from which giants like Amazon and Microsoft will benefit – but their other business areas will also be strengthened. According to the CTA, major advances can also be seen and continue to be expected in the health sector. At the CES, robots can be seen that can be used for care, disinfection or delivery.
The pandemic also acts as an accelerator in entertainment: streaming platforms and computer games urgently offer them necessary distraction at home. In the US, the trend towards multiple subscriptions per household continues. For video streaming, the CTA expects 2021 an increase in sales of 15 percent to around 41 billion US dollars, in the audio segment the total volume of subscriptions grows by 19 percent to 10 billion US dollars.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
