audio News - CNX Software - Embedded Systems News

November 5, 2025November 5, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 4 Comments

Bluetooth 6.2 gets more responsive, improves security, USB communication, and testing capabilities

Bluetooth 6.2 specification has just been released with a range of new features to enhance responsiveness with shorter connection intervals, strengthen security against amplitude-based RF attacks, and improve communication with a new “Bulk Serialization Mode” that’s especially useful for USB Bluetooth LE audio applications. The new Bluetooth Core 6.2 specification also introduces various BLE Test Mode enhancements. If you feel like Bluetooth specifications are released more often than in the past, that’s normal because the Bluetooth SIG switched to a bi-annual release schedule. For instance, the Bluetooth 6.1 specification was just published last May, or about 6 months ago… Bluetooth 6.2 highlights: Bluetooth Shorter Connection Intervals (SCI) reduce the minimum Bluetooth LE connection interval from 7.5 ms to just 375 µs for faster responsiveness. The change will especially impact high-performance HID devices, real-time human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and latency-sensitive sensors. AR/VR and gaming applications will particularly benefit from the lower latency. […]

October 27, 2025October 25, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - No Comments

Review of Nextion 4.3-inch Edge Series HMI touch display

Review 4.3-inch NEXTION HMI Edge touch display

Today, we’ll review the Nextion 4.3-inch Edge Series HMI touch display. The company has recently launched the new Edge Series HMI touch displays for IoT applications that require better user interaction. It also supports video and audio playback, and everything can be configured relatively easily by the user using Nextion Editor software, version 1.68.1 or higher. The Edge Series HMI touch displays offer a wide range of screen sizes and formats to choose from, including a 2.1-inch round model (NX4848E021-011C) and a 2.8-inch round model (NX4848E028-011C), both with 480×480 resolution, as well as a 4.3-inch rectangular model (NX4880E043-011C) with 800×480 resolution. We received the NEXTION NX4880E043-011C Edge Series HMI touch display for review, along with accessories, namely an IO board and a speaker, so we can get hands-on and dive deep into the review. It’s versatile for all sorts of applications, from AIoT devices and vehicle control systems to medical […]

October 18, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - No Comments

MIPI SoundWire I3S (SWI3S) targets high-bandwidth, low-latency audio applications

The MIPI Alliance has recently released the SoundWire I3S (MIPI SWI3S v1.0) specification for high-bandwidth, low-latency audio applications which unify control and data over a single, power-efficient interface. SWI3S builds upon the two-pin, multi-drop architecture of MIPI SoundWire released in 2014, and offers higher bandwidth, low power consumption, much better noise immunity, and support for scalable multi-device topologies to meet the increasing requirements of embedded audio systems. MIPI SWI3S v1.0 supports data rates up to 76 Mbps against 24 Mbps for the earlier SLIMbus and SoundWire audio interfaces, and improves noise immunity by operating in “forwarded clock” or “differential low voltage signaling”. It also implements a range of new features such as Hubs, multiple PHY support, control CRC, power-saving techniques, and more. MIPI SoundWire I3S key features: Transports audio data, control commands, interrupt signals, and synchronization information over a unified two-pin link Forwarded bit clock single-ended (FBCSE) and differential low-voltage […]

October 13, 2025October 16, 2025 by Sponsored Post - 4 Comments

Arylic launches Up2Stream.net website for DIY audio enthusiasts (Sponsored)

Arylic has launched Up2Stream.net, a dedicated platform for the company’s DIY audio products, aiming to build a focused hub where makers can discover, innovate, and access tailored audio solutions. To celebrate the launch, Arylic is offering a 15% off welcome discount on all products available on the new Up2Stream.net website. This limited-time offer is the perfect opportunity for DIY audio enthusiasts to explore the platform’s offerings and start their next project with savings. A Hub for DIY Audio Innovation Up2Stream.net is more than just a website—it’s a community-driven space where makers can discover the tools and inspiration needed to bring their audio ideas to life. The platform showcases Arylic’s Up2Stream product line, including WiFi and Bluetooth audio receiver boards, amplifiers, and multiroom streaming solutions. Whether you’re upgrading a vintage stereo system, building a wireless speaker, or creating a multiroom audio setup, Up2Stream.net provides everything you need to innovate with ease. […]

October 8, 2025October 8, 2025 by Debashis Das - No Comments

Ampetronic Auri is a Bluetooth Auracast audio system for public spaces

Auri RX1 Receiver, TX2N 2 Channel Transmitter, and Docking Station

Ampetronic, in partnership with Listen Technologies, has introduced Auri, a Bluetooth Auracast-powered audio system/assistive listening solution designed for public spaces. It is designed to deliver clear, wireless audio to any Auracast-enabled device or dedicated Auri receiver without the need for pairing. The Auri system consists of the TX2N transmitter, RX1 receiver, and D4/D16 docking stations, managed through Auri Manager software. The TX2N features a 100 m coverage with balanced mic/line inputs, PoE, Audio over IP, and optional Dante support. The RX1 receiver features dual 3.5 mm jacks, an OLED display, and low-latency audio output for earbuds, headphones, or hearing aids. Docking stations become useful for charging, configuration, and network-based management for multiple receivers. These features make this system suitable for corporate, education, entertainment, government, healthcare, transport, and hospitality environments. Auri Auracast system specifications: Auri RX1 audio receiver Audio Output 2x 3.5mm TRRS jacks for wired headphones or inductive neck loops […]

September 16, 2025September 15, 2025 by Debashis Das - 1 Comment

ESP32-S3 wide touch display development board features a 640×172 touch LCD, AI voice support

ESP32 S3 3.49inch Touch LCD Development Board

Waveshare has recently introduced ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-3.49, an ESP32-S3-based wide touch display (640×172) development board for HMI and AI voice applications such as handhelds, smart panels, meters, kiosks, and small IoT dashboards. The device comes in two variants, where Case A supports a single 18650 lithium battery and Case B is designed for a 3.7V Li-Po battery. Both models integrate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, dual microphones with echo cancellation, speaker output, IMU, RTC, microSD card for storage, USB-C for power and programming, and there are also expansion pads for interactive touch, audio, and sensor-based applications. Waveshare ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-3.49 specifications: Wireless MCU – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3R8 CPU – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 @ up to 240 MHz with vector instructions for AI acceleration. Memory – 512KB RAM, 8MB PSRAM ROM – 384KB Connectivity – 2.4 GHz WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0 LE with support for long-range, up to 2 Mbps data rate, mesh network. Storage […]

August 30, 2025 by Debashis Das - 3 Comments

ESP32-S3-AUDIO-Board smart speaker devkit features a dual mic array, LCD/camera connectors, RGB LEDs

ESP32 S3 AI Smart Speaker Development Board

Waveshare’s ESP32-S3-AUDIO-Board is an ESP32-S3-based low-cost smart speaker development kit with a dual microphone array, a speaker header, echo cancellation, surround RGB lighting, RTC, microSD card storage, and expansion interfaces for LCDs and DVP cameras. The board integrates an ES8311 audio DAC and an ES7210 4-channel audio ADC, along with a PCF85063 RTC for timekeeping. It also supports Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 5 LE with both ceramic and IPEX antenna options, and takes power from a USB Type-C port or an optional 3.7V Li-ion battery with a charging circuit. The ESP32-S3 audio board offers GPIO/I²C/SPI expansion and seven programmable RGB LEDs. Waveshare ESP32-S3-AUDIO-Board specifications: SoC – Espressif ESP32-S3R8 CPU – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 microcontroller up to 240 MHz with vector instructions for AI acceleration Memory – 8MB PSRAM Wireless – WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0 LE + Mesh connectivity Storage – 16MB SPI flash, MicroSD card socket Display – Onboard LCD […]

August 15, 2025 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - No Comments

Aurawave AW100 modules aim to simplify Auracast and Bluetooth LE Audio product development

Aurawave AW100 Auracast Bluetooth LE Audio module

Cloud2GND and Ezurio (formerly Laird Connectivity) have announced the Aurawave AW100 series modules designed to simplify the development of Auracast and Bluetooth LE Audio products. Aurawave AW100PA modules are built on Ezurio’s BL5340PA and BL5340 modules powered by a Nordic nRF5340 wireless SoC, but the BL5340PA variant adds an nRF21540 RF front-end module to extend range and improve connection robustness. The module also integrates an AKM AK4558 audio codec chip with a good signal-to-noise ratio and low total harmonic distortion (THD). Aurawave AW100 specifications: Wireless module – Ezurio BL5340PA Series Module SoC – Nordic Semi nRF5340 Dual-core CPU Arm Cortex-M33 application processor @ 128MHz with 1 MB Flash & 512 KB RAM Arm Cortex-M33 network processor @ 64 MHz with 256 KB Flash & 64 KB RAM Wireless – Bluetooth 5.4 LE (Bluetooth LE 6.0 ready), Bluetooth mesh, NFC, Thread, Zigbee, 802.15.4, ANT, and 2.4 GHz proprietary (note: only BLE […]