Audio Devices
Sennheiser Intros TeamConnect Intelligent Speaker for Microsoft Teams Rooms
Sennheiser has announced an intelligent speaker Certified for Microsoft Teams, the TeamConnect Intelligent Speaker. Originally planned for launch at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2022, the new unified communications solution for mid-sized Microsoft Teams Rooms has now been launched.
With the TeamConnect Intelligent Speaker, Sennheiser is delivering a solution to support smart, focused, and inclusive meetings for up to 10 people, whether participants join remotely or are in the room. It features an omnidirectional speaker that covers a 3.5m radius and seven integrated beamforming microphones to achieve impeccable sound quality.
Through this Intelligent speaker, Microsoft Teams provides an automatic meeting transcript in real-time, identifying the individual people speaking by name, in case they have enrolled their voices. This provides an inclusive meeting experience for remote and hard-of-hearing participants.
“Sennheiser is known for our industry-leading TeamConnect Ceiling 2 microphone with TruVoicelift,” said Anne Guhn, Product Manager at Sennheiser. “This addition to our TeamConnect family offers an opportunity for us to expand into a different sized meeting room, at a price point that some might not expect from Sennheiser.”
Intelligent solutions, such as the integrated Cortana voice recognition software and automatic meeting notes, make an inclusive meeting experience possible for remote and hard-of-hearing participants. With multiple mounting options, long cables, and a variety of country-specific power plug adapters, the TeamConnect Intelligent Speaker offers an easy and flexible installation experience.
“Video conferencing tools like Microsoft Teams have become the communication backbone for many businesses and education institutions,” Albert Kooiman, Senior Director of Microsoft Teams Devices Partner Engineering and Certification, said. “The Sennheiser TeamConnect Intelligent Speaker does not only provide excellent meeting room audio but also unlocks the best speech technology. Only Intelligent Speakers offer the best speech transcripts.”
Microsoft Teams Rooms combines the virtual workspace of Microsoft Teams with real-world meeting rooms that feature AV equipment from Microsoft-certified hardware partners.
Audio Devices
Honeywell Launches Aviator Hi-Fi Speaker
Secure Connection a provider of electronic products based in Hong Kong and a Honeywell licensee, has announced the launch of its latest innovation—the ultra-premium Hi-Fi Speaker, the Honeywell Aviator. This state-of-the-art speaker delivers an extraordinarily immersive listening experience combined with unparalleled elegance.
Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the Honeywell Aviator seamlessly merges cutting-edge technology with superior craftsmanship, setting a new benchmark in audio excellence. This sophisticated speaker is designed to captivate both audiophiles and enthusiasts alike, offering exceptional sound quality paired with an exquisite design that enhances any home entertainment setup.
The Honeywell Aviator redefines luxury in home audio products, combining a sophisticated aesthetic with premium quality to establish a new standard for high-end home audio systems. At the heart of the Honeywell Aviator is its Proprietary True-Lossless 1MBPS+ Audio Codec and an impressive 240 watts of power, delivering unmatched clarity and fidelity for every note. With Bluetooth V5.3, the speaker provides a robust 30-meter range, ensuring seamless connectivity without interruptions.
A standout feature of this product is the advanced Lossless Dongle Connectivity, featuring Type C and Lightning connectors. This allows for exceptional audio quality and flexibility in connecting various devices, from the latest smartphones to a range of entertainment equipment. The sophisticated design ensures high-fidelity audio transmission, offering superior sound performance regardless of the device.
To further enhance the experience, the Honeywell Aviator includes Ambient Lights that add a soothing visual ambience, perfectly complementing its premium audio quality to create an immersive listening environment. The product supports Multi-Mode Audio-In, enabling effortless switching between Lossless Dongle, Bluetooth, and AUX inputs to match any listening preference.
Engineered for excellence, the Honeywell Aviator incorporates patented acoustic and audio technologies. Its All-Digital Processing for 5 Drivers creates a rich, layered audio profile, while the 5 Channels of the Amplifier and 3 Independent Sound Cavities work together to deliver dynamic and high-fidelity sound.
Mohit Anand, Co-Founder & CEO, Secure Connection, said, “In the rapidly evolving world of consumer electronics, innovation is not just our ambition but the very foundation for every product that we set out to design and build. With the introduction of Honeywell Aviator, we are redefining the essence of luxury in-home entertainment. “This state-of-the-art device stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to blending pioneering technology with exquisite design, delivering an unparalleled audio experience with stunning visual appeal. The Honeywell Aviator is more than just a product; in our view, it sets a new standard of sophistication with an unmatchable and immersive listening experience. This product has been crafted for those who demand the finest in both audio quality and aesthetics.”
Audio Devices
Sony Expands its LinkBuds Range with the LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Speaker
Sony has today added to its LinkBuds range with the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open wireless earbuds, and LinkBuds Speaker. Since the LinkBuds series first launched in 2022 with a unique ring design, its focus has been on comfort and linking the online and offline worlds. This continues within the new LinkBuds range with improvements made based on valuable customer feedback to offer a seamless always-on experience, without compromising on great sound. Comfortable, smart and designed for real life, the latest LinkBuds earbuds and speaker keep you connected to the people and entertainment you love and embody “Keep every world on”.
Designed for those with an active lifestyle, the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open feature new and light Fitting Supporters for all-day wearing comfort. The LinkBuds Open lets you experience a new kind of earbud with a newly developed open-ring design that keeps you connected to your surroundings. Plus, both models come in a range of colours to suit any style with different colour cases and supporters to tailor your look. Alongside these new earbud models, the LinkBuds Speaker is also being introduced. The LinkBuds Speaker is a seamless addition to the LinkBuds family. Auto Switch swaps playback between LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds S with the LinkBuds Speaker automatically depending on the situation for a seamless listening experience.
Sony is also continuing its collaboration with three-time GRAMMY-winning, multi-Platinum-selling, singer/songwriter Olivia Rodrigo on the LinkBuds series as part of Sony’s For The Music audio campaign. Following a successful collaboration on the LinkBuds S last year, LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open are also available in Olivia’s signature violet colourway. They have been designed in collaboration with the singer-songwriter herself and were designed with one thing in mind: her fans. Offering custom EQ settings to deliver an optimal listening experience as well as an EQ user interface selected by Olivia as well.
LinkBuds Fit
The LinkBuds Fit offer unrivalled comfort with newly developed Fitting Supporters and Earbuds Tips, seamless noise and ambient sound control and a range of colours to suit your style.
- Comfortable fit for an active lifestyle – For an even more secure and comfortable fit, even when exercising, Sony has developed new Air Fitting Supporters for LinkBuds Fit. The Fitting Supporters have a tail that is soft and hollow to reduce ear contact and therefore pressure, while the point of attachment is hooked and hard, to prevent accidental dislodging. This means in larger ears they fit nicely at the tip of the ears and in the middle for smaller ears. Combined, these encourage both comfort and security. The Soft Fitting Earbud Tips for LinkBuds Fit are included for reduced pressure and increased comfort.
- Stay connected with Ambient Sound Mode – Combined with excellent noise cancelling, Auto Ambient Sound Mode automatically adjusts ambient sound to match your surroundings so you can comfortably enjoy your music anywhere.
- Noise cancelling – LinkBuds Fit are equipped with the Integrated Processor V2, the same as in the award-winning WF-1000XM5. The chip optimises noise cancelling in real time according to your environment.
- Colours to suit your style – Available in black, white, green and Olivia Rodrigo’s violet colour, the LinkBuds Fit can suit any style. Plus, with a range of accessories including Fitting Supporters and Case Covers for LinkBuds Fit4 in a variety of style and colours, you can truly customise your earbuds to compliment any outfit.
- High quality sound – LinkBuds Fit provide exceptional audio and call clarity. Thanks for a specially designed driver unit Dynamic Driver X, also seen within noise cancelling earbuds the WF-1000XM5, the LinkBuds Fit offer richer, more details vocals. The diaphragm structure combines several different materials for the dome and the edge, achieving low distortion and clear sound quality. LinkBuds Fit also supports High-Resolution Audio Wireless and DSEE Extreme. Also, with Precise Voice Pickup Technology that optimally controls microphones on the outside and inside of the earbud, and advanced audio signal processing, conversations are ultra clear, even in noisy environments.
- Easy operation – With Auto Switch, Auto Play, Quick Access enabled features such as Amazon Music Play Now or Spotify Tap and voice control it’s even easier to access and enjoy your entertainment. Plus with Wide Area Tap, you can use double or triple taps in front of either of your ears to control your music playback so there’s no need to touch the LinkBuds Fit themselves to operate.
- Convenient, everyday use – LinkBuds Fit also features Multipoint Connection, instant play and pause, control with head gestures, built-in voice control and Speak-to-Chat. They also have a battery life of up to 21 hours of total playback and an IPX4 water resistance rating.
LinkBuds Open
Experience a new kind of earbud with the LinkBuds Open, with an open-ring design that keeps you connected to your surroundings. The new and light Fitting Supporters for LinkBuds Open provide all-day wearing comfort and are also available in a range of colours to match your style.
- Live in the moment – Featuring a newly developed ring driver, LinkBuds Open’s design lets you stay connected to your surroundings. The open ring driver unit at the centre of the diaphragm maintains audio transparency, so you can hear the world around you. You will hear when someone calls your name while you are on a call and stay connected to your friends while you listen to music. LinkBuds Open also feature Adaptive Volume Control, a smart feature that automatically optimises the volume based on where you are. You can enjoy lower volumes in quiet places and higher volumes in noisier places.
- All-day comfort – Like the LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open also feature Sony’s newly developed Fitting Supporters for a comfortable and secure fit. Plus, LinkBuds Open are built with an evolved geometric form that fits comfortably in the ear.
- Curate your look – LinkBuds Open are available in black and white as well as Olivia Rodrigo’s violet colour. You can tailor your look with customisable accessories including Fitting Supporters and Case Covers in a variety of colours and styles.
- Authentic, high-fidelity sound – LinkBuds Open offers well-balanced, high-quality audio with clear mid to high ranges, powered by Sony’s Integrated Processor V2 and a specially designed 11mm ring-shaped driver unit. A high-compliance diaphragm and powerful neodymium magnet were specifically selected to reproduce clear mid and high frequency sound. LinkBuds Open also support DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) and features precise voice pick up technology for ultra-clear, noise-free calls.
- Convenient, everyday use – LinkBuds Open are packed of intuitive features and controls such as Auto Switch, Auto Play, Quick Access, voice control and Wide Area Tap. Other features include Multipoint Connection, a long battery life of up to 22 hours of listening from your earbuds and an IPX4 water resistance rating.
New Sound Connect app
LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open are compatible with the renewed Sound Connect app. By using this app, you can personalise the earbuds by adjusting various settings such as the equalizer. The simple interface lets you dial in your ideal sound and shortcut settings and can even keep track of your recent listening history in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) healthy listening habits. When activated, Background Music Effect uses DSP to make audio sound as though it’s playing in your space, rather than feeling like it’s localised in your head – perfect for when you’re doing other tasks or want something a little less intense.
LinkBuds Speaker
Stay connected to your music all day long with smart features including Auto Switch that offer enhanced connectivity as well as excellent, well-balanced sound quality, despite its size. Talk and listen in total clarity and enjoy the freedom of mobility with a long battery life and a convenient carrying strap.
- Seamless sounds – Auto Switch swaps playback between LinkBuds earbuds and LinkBuds Speaker automatically, depending on the situation. What’s more with Quick Access you can enjoy one touch listening and Auto Play plays music according to your routine, for an even smoother experience. The clear, well- balanced sound is delivered with an X- Balanced Speaker Unit, a tweeter and passive radiators allowing for an enjoyable listening experience.
- Call quality – The LinkBuds Speaker has the best in class call quality of any Sony wireless speaker, articulating their speech for a clear conversation and using echo cancellation to ensure conversations flow smoothly.
- Your music on the move – The handy, detachable strap lets you take your LinkBuds Speaker wherever you go, whether that’s into another room or to the kitchen. Plus it’s dedicated charging cradle ensure convenient charging.
- Durable – With an IPX4 water-resistance rating, you can use it around water without worrying about splashes. And with a battery life of up to 25 hours, it can keep your music going all day long.
- Timeless design – LinkBuds Speaker is available in light grey and black to seamlessly blend into your home.
- Sound Connect App – LinkBuds Speaker is also compatible with the renewed Sound Connect app. New features such as Auto Switch, Quick Access, and Auto Play can be controlled through the Sound Connect app.
LinkBuds Fit is available from October with a suggested retail price of AED 899. LinkBuds Open is available from October with a suggested retail price of AED 899. LinkBuds Speaker is available from March 2025.
Audio Devices
Sennheiser Intros the MD 421 Kompakt
Sennheiser has introduced the MD 421 Kompakt, a versatile microphone that offers the legendary performance of its predecessor, the MD 421, in a more compact form factor. The MD 421 Kompakt features a cardioid pickup pattern, a remarkable dynamic range, and a redesigned mounting clip. It is designed to deliver crystal-clear sound reproduction in live sound and recording applications.
“The MD 421 is an incredibly versatile microphone. Since its inception in 1960, it excelled as a studio and a vocal microphone but was also used a lot in broadcasting, where it appeared with many celebrities of the time. Today, its successor, the MD 421-II, launched in 1998, is an all-rounder for multipurpose miking and well known to be used on drums, guitar cabs and horns,” says Bertram Zimmermann, Manager Live Sound & Studio. “It works on anything, capturing the sound source with precision, detail, and rich sound.”
The MD 421 Kompakt’s compact design is achieved by eliminating the bass roll-off switch found in previous models. This allows for a smaller microphone body without compromising on sound quality. The microphone’s frequency response of 30 Hz to 17 kHz faithfully reproduces both high and low frequencies, with a bass tube ensuring an accurate and extended low-end response.
“With the MD 421 Kompakt, we’re offering the same legendary sound and ability to handle high sound pressure levels, but with an incredibly compact form factor,” adds Jimmy Landry, Category Marketing Manager MI. The MD 421 Kompakt also features a new clip design that is integrated into the microphone housing for easy and secure mounting. The optional drum clamp securely screws into this clip, ensuring fail-safe mounting on drums.
The MD 421 Kompakt is designed to withstand the rigours of touring and heavy studio use. It features a rugged frame with a stainless-steel basket, a gold-plated XLR-3 connector, and a protective inner chassis enclosure. The MD 421 Kompakt is now available for AED 1099 with VAT, and the MZH drum clamp included is available for AED 1129 with VAT.