The prototypes available for demo will include a smart speaker, smartphones, an augmented reality headset, and an ultra-thin automotive speaker – all of which are custom-configured with sophisticated AAC-Dirac audio subsystems.
The smart speaker and smartphone demos compare their audio performance against their corresponding market-available alternatives – thereby showcasing an impressive performance upgrade.
The augmented reality headset demo will showcase a novel audio experience that, by positioning speakers just above the ears, produces immersive audio that effectively overlays the natural sound environment. The combination of advanced audio processing and high-performance micro-speaker arrays beam the sound to the wearer’s ears and minimise leakage to the surroundings.
The automotive speaker demo will explore how ultra-thin speakers that are embeddable in headrests, headliners, and other areas, can be used to create individual soundstages within a vehicle. All demos feature AAC’s new high-performance Super Linear Speaker.
“Milestone technology breakthroughs are often the result of collaboration between industry leaders, and our two-year relationship with AAC Technologies is an example of this,” said Erik Rudolphi, Dirac’s GM of Mobile. “Rather than continue to design our audio processing algorithms and micro-speaker technologies in isolation, we set out to design our technologies collaboratively. The performance upgrade achieved is revelatory, and we look forward to showcasing to the world a new calibre of listening experience at CES 2018.”
AAC Technologies’ COO Jack Duan pointed to various emerging market trends and new product categories that place newfound importance on sound experience in small devices.
“While the markets have prioritised visual experience over the aural experience, an industry-wide shift is now underway. Audio is no longer a secondary feature – but rather the feature that differentiates an exceptional user experience from one that’s underwhelming,” said Mr Duan.