On CE - For Dealers, Distributors and OEMs of Consumer Electronics throughout EMEA

Sonos might be looking to reduce dependence on 3rd party voice assistants with the acquisition of Snips, a Paris-based developer of an AI voice platform for connected devices. The cost? $37.5 million.

Founded in 2013, the Snips team counts over 50 engineering, machine learning and product development staff. The solution from the company features proprietary technology allowing for voice processing on the device, something it says allows for accuracy, efficiency and privacy while minimising footprint and dependence on the cloud. The voice assistant is also custom-built for specific tasks, and should run alongside other general purpose assistants currently available on the Sonos platform.

PopSockets, maker of the ubiquitous smartphone grips, combines the accessory with an AirPod case to bring about the PopGrip AirPods Holder, a means to stick the case to the back of the iPhone while making it easier to hold.

Originally designed for wrapping wired earbuds, PopGrips have expanded be anything from discs to better secure phones in one hand to means to make a fashion statement and even something akin to a wallet. The PopGrip AirPods Holder does not actually replace the charing case, mind. Instead, it holds the case, making it stick out on the back of the phone and ensuring the user does not forget it.

IDC profiles three companies taking the traditional audio-centric hearable device into a new direction through the addition of features and functionalities-- namely Bragi, Nuheara and Waverly Labs.

Wearable devices are currently growing in popularity thanks to fitness trackers and smartwatches. The introduction of business and enterprise application also brings such devices to the workplace. The same trend is going on with the smart earwear segment-- aka hearables-- with capabilities expanding the ways users can communicate.

Hearable devices hang on or plug into the ear. To count as such, the device must operate wirelessly and provide stereo sound while gathering and processing digital information. Earwear must also offer a more advanced feature, such as health and fitness tracking, modify audio (beyond noise reduction), language translation and the summoning of a smart assistant through either button or keyword detection, even if the assistant is running on another device.

Next Level Acoustics announces the Fusion Frame-- a soundbar designed for use with the Samsung Frame TV, featuring a picture-frame bezel, 4.4cm depth and no-gap mounting, the result of proprietary enclosure.

According to the company, the soundbar has an internal air-load management system and proprietary woofer capable of pushing deep natural bass from a shallow cabinet. Inside are a 1-inch soft dome tweeter from audiophile Danish driver maker Viva, as well as a proprietary crossover using high-grade precision components. A custom ultra-rigid sealed enclosure comprising a CNC-machined MDF and anti-resonant coating ensures the cabinet is vibration-free

Making the soundbar installer-friendly are recessed terminal cups with gold-plated heavy-duty binding-post/banana-jacks and recessed cable management channels for a no-gap mount. Customers can remove the magnetically-attached grille for access to cabinet installation holes to directly attach the bar with the included screws into wall studs or mounting to a wall via anchors.