8 of the Hottest Audio / OTT Announcements from CES 2024
Courtesy CES
CES 2024, now running from January 9 to 12, has drawn significant attention, expecting over 150,000 industry attendees, with more than 4000 companies exhibiting.
The event, known for launching cutting-edge consumer technology, is showcasing the latest in audio tech, OTT developments, and more. It's a hub for witnessing current technology trends and innovations.
But CES 2024 is not just about big brands; it's also a platform for smaller companies to showcase innovative or experimental products. Let’s take a look into some of the hottest announcements from the CES 2024 show floor.
1. McIntosh and Sonus Faber Celebrate
Courtesy Sonus Faber
Announcing their 75th anniversary at CES 2024, McIntosh launched their MC2.1KW Monoblock Power Amplifier, boasting a powerful 2,000-watt output. This amplifier, priced at $50,000, features a tri-chassis design with one Output Module and two Power Modules, each housing a 1,000-watt amplifier. The design maintains McIntosh's iconic aesthetics with blue VU meters and glossy black glass front panels, adorned with special 75th-anniversary markings.
Sonus Faber, celebrating its 40th anniversary, introduced the Suprema 2.2 system. This $750,000 system pays homage to the brand's heritage speaker lines and includes the Suprema tower speakers and dual subwoofers. The speakers combine carbon fiber, wood, and CNC-machined aluminum, featuring eight front-firing speakers and two backfiring drivers. The system promises an exceptional audio experience, suitable for large spaces and power-hungry loudspeakers.
2. Neural Headphones Steal the Show
Courtesy Neural
CES 2024 has seen a focus on neural headphone technologies, with products like the Naqi Neural Earbuds and NeurGear's ZenBud. These headphones utilize advanced technologies to interact with the user's auditory nerves, offering new dimensions in audio experience.
The Naqi Neural Earbuds, developed by Naqi Logix, incorporate gyroscopic, muscle, and brainwave sensors. These earbuds offer control over various devices, ranging from smart home electronics to gaming consoles.
NeurGear's ZenBud uses ultrasonic sound waves to stimulate the Vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and stress resilience. This innovative approach in headphone design indicates a trend towards wellness-oriented audio devices.
3. JBL Releases their Live TWS 3 Series
Courtesy JBL
JBL introduced its Live TWS 3 Series, a significant leap in true wireless earphone technology. These earbuds feature a Smart Charging Case with a 1.45-inch LED touch display, offering real-time control and an upgraded audio experience.
The Live TWS 3 Series promises enhanced audio performance with Hi-Res Audio Wirelessly, JBL Signature Sound, and Bluetooth 5.3 support. Notably, these earbuds offer impressive battery life, with up to 50 hours of playback, perfect for on-the-go users.
JBL's showcase also included updates to their portable speakers and PartyBox series. These products feature innovative technologies like Auracast, promoting unlimited connectivity options for stereo or multi-speaker pairing.
4. Next Generation DSP News
Courtesy of Meridian DSP
British audio pioneer Meridian Audio has shown their advanced digital signal processing (DSP) technologies, designed to enhance immersive listening experiences in various environments, including electric vehicles (EVs), soundbars, and home audio solutions.
Meridian's demonstrations have included the DSP9 loudspeakers and new audio products benefiting from embedded Meridian DSP technologies. Notably, they introduced 'Bass & Space' technology, which enhances the soundstage without compromising power and impact, ideal for compact devices like portable speakers.
Meridian has also presented solutions for EVs, highlighting their Vibrohaptic Audio technology for automotive seating. This technology enhances audio experiences without requiring large bass speakers, showcasing Meridian's fresh approach to in-car audio.
5. Audio Pro Reveals a New Wireless Active Stereo Speaker
Courtesy Audio Pro
Swedish brand Audio Pro announced the C20 Wireless Active Stereo Speaker, building on the success of its C3 and C10 MKII speakers. The C20 offers a classic Scandinavian design, suitable for both music playback and enhancing TV audio.
The C20 supports various audio streaming methods, including Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Bluetooth. It also features connectivity options like TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect, ensuring versatile usage for modern consumers.
The C20 features a built-in moving magnet (MM) phono stage, allowing direct connection to high-quality vinyl turntables. Additionally, it supports HDMI ARC connections, enabling users to control the speaker using their TV remote.
Encased in an acoustically tuned wooden cabinet, the C20's Class D amplifiers offer a combined output of 190W. The speaker's design allows for the addition of an external subwoofer for enhanced bass. It also supports a stereo setup using two C20s and can integrate into a multiroom audio system with other Audio Pro speakers.
6. Dolby Changes In-Car Audio
Courtesy of Dolby
Dolby's presence at CES 2024 was marked by a showcase of their cutting-edge audio technologies. This included advancements in both home entertainment systems and personal audio devices.
Dolby Atmos, now a standard feature in mainstream cars, has transformed the in-car audio experience, with notable collaborations including Mercedes-Benz, Lotus, and Amazon Music.
Dolby Vision, set to be introduced in automotive entertainment, promises to enhance the visual experience, complementing the superior audio quality of Dolby Atmos.
Furthermore, Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, embraced by leading TV brands like Hisense and TCL, offers a seamless pairing of wireless speakers with TV sound systems, optimizing the Dolby Atmos experience for any room layout. Alienware and ASUS have also announced their first gaming PC monitors supporting Dolby Vision.
7. Bluetooth Releases Auracast
Courtesy of Bluetooth Special Interest Group
Auracast™ broadcast audio, showcased at CES 2024, marks a significant advancement in wireless audio technology. This innovative feature, developed under the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, changes the dynamics of how audio is transmitted and received.
Unlike traditional Bluetooth connections that pair one transmitter with a single receiver, Auracast™ allows for broadcasting audio to an unlimited number of receivers. This technology introduces exciting possibilities for both public and personal audio spaces.
For instance, in an airport setting, where multiple TV screens might show different channels, Auracast™ enables individuals to tune into the audio stream of their choice through personal devices. This capability can be replicated in various public spaces like gyms, bars, or waiting areas, providing a personalized audio experience without the chaos of overlapping sounds.
In personal settings, Auracast™ enhances the convenience and experience of using multiple audio devices at home. You can seamlessly switch the audio output from your TV to your headphones, or share music with friends using different speaker brands, all without the need for complex setups or specific brand compatibility.
8. Hear360 and Sonical Partner Up
Exhibitor Sonical, an innovator in open software platform for hearables, and HEAR360 will be partnering to demo real-time spatial audio engine across CosmOS’ growing ecosystem of plugins and apps, enabling manufacturers to offer customisable experiences that can be enjoyed on any wired or wireless headphones/earbuds, supporting Bluetooth, Ultra-wideband and WiFi.
Professional and consumer markets demand superior audio quality on headphones, but manufacturers have, until now, faced challenges with protracted development and integration of spatial technology. CosmOS meets the demand by providing access to, and streamlining integration of, audio technologies like HEAR360’s proprietary solutions, making it easy for headphone manufacturers to deliver premium audio as the artist intended.
Catch a demo of Hear360’s and Sonical’s latest tech at the Tech West, Venetian and Palazzo, Hospitality Suites.
From what we’ve seen over the past few days, we know CES 2024 has proven audio technology continues to innovate, and redefine our interaction with sound. From immersive audio experiences to brand new tech, this event has set the stage for a focus toward the future.
