Just like that, IFA 2020 came and went, but there is a lot to celebrate at the Berlin fair. All the announcements can be overwhelming, so we’ll focus on the audio segment of the show in this round-up. From premium speakers to improvements in noise cancellation, these are the most interesting audio announcements at IFA 2020.
Continue reading: IFA 2020: The most interesting new smartphones
Harman Kardon Citation 200
Harman Kardon introduced their latest portable speaker, the Harman Kardon Citation 200. This smart speaker looks and sounds great, but that’s not all: it’s IPX4, which means it’s waterproof and the mix of woolen fabric is easy to clean.
The Citation 200 supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Just say “Hey Google” to play your favorite songs, set reminders, and more. Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay are both supported, so you can easily access your favorite streaming services. A tweeter, a mid-range speaker and two passive radiators are located in the cylindrical housing. The battery life is eight hours on a single charge, and the package includes a stylish charging cradle. If you need to take it to a friend and refill it, you can use a USB-C cable instead.
Although we don’t have a release date for the Harman Kardon Citation 200 yet, it will be available for € 349 in Winter Gray and Classic Black.
JBL Xtreme 3
The JBL Xtreme 3 is cut from the same fabric as the rest of the JBL Xtreme speaker line. It has a long cylindrical structure with bass radiators on both sides. The battery life has been extended compared to the previous version: With a single charge you now get 15 hours of gaming time. Although it is a large speaker, it is portable and intended for outdoor use, as indicated by its IP67 protection against dust and water. Adventurers can pick up the JBL Xtreme 3 in November for $ 349.95.
Asus ROG Delta S with MQA
Asus broke new ground at IFA 2020 with the release of the first gaming headset with MQA Audio. This means that the Asus ROG Delta S USB-C gaming headset reproduces engaging sound that mimics what you would hear in 3D space rather than stereo mode. This is incredibly important for gamers as it makes it easier to see exactly where important sounds are coming from (such as the steps of an enemy). The ROG Delta S uses the ESS 9281 codec with a Quad DAC converter and can even be used to listen to MQA audio from music streaming services like Tidal.
We will update this article when we have more information on availability and pricing.
Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless
The Sennheiser CX 400BT True Wireless combines high quality audio with a functional design. Sennheiser prioritizes audio quality first, but that doesn’t mean the build and design fall by the wayside. On the contrary, these premium earphones use the same drivers as the noise-canceling Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 and a nifty, minimalist design. The headphones use Bluetooth 5.1 firmware and support aptX, AAC and SBC. No matter who is listening, everyone can benefit from high quality Bluetooth audio.
Touch controls are integrated into the flat screen housing of the earphones and enable direct access to virtual assistants. Noise-canceling microphones are embedded to ensure clear audio transmission. The listeners are promised an impressive battery life of seven hours, with the case offering an additional 20 hours of playtime. The headphones will be available in black and white on September 15 for $ 199.95.
Qualcomm Adaptive ANC
Qualcomm has a hand in almost everything. The chip maker recently announced Qualcomm Adaptive ANC, a dedicated processor that promises to improve real-time noise reduction performance. This means that headsets with Qualcomm Adaptive ANC will optimize noise cancellation no matter how the headset fits, much like the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live. It is a technological achievement to develop a technology that intelligently adjusts the intensity of the noise cancellation despite a poor fit. The noise suppression adapts to your specific environment and the transitions between noise environments are smooth. The technology will be available for Qualcomm 514X series Bluetooth SoCs.
Continue reading: Best of IFA 2020 Awards: The best new technology