Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has unveiled its Music Frame in India. A wireless speaker that looks like a work of art, the Samsung Music Frame comes with new features such as Dolby Atmos and wireless music streaming at just INR 23,990.

 The stylish wireless speaker blends seamlessly into living spaces like never before by doubling as a picture frame. Just like a real frame, the Samsung Music Frame allows users to display personal photos. Listening to music while looking at a framed photo of a precious memory or a piece of art adds new levels of depth to users’ experiences.

 The Samsung Music Frame will be available across Samsung.in and Amazon.in and across select offline stores. “Modern consumers are increasingly seeking products that not only blend functionality and aesthetics but also add visual appeal. This trend is driven by a desire for products that reflect their personality and style, and enhance the overall ambiance of their living space. The new Music Frame epitomizes exceptional technology in the form of a picture frame with its unique, elegant design while delivering a cinematic audio experience,” said Mohandeep Singh, Senior Vice President, Visual Display Business, Samsung India.

 The Music Frame offers users the convenience of wire-free listening while delivering superior sound quality that fills any space with rich, clear audio. Its personalized, framed artwork enhances home decor, reflecting Samsung’s passion for leveraging cutting-edge technology to elevate living spaces. This makes it a powerful addition to any household, providing stunning visual appeal and exceptional audio performance, all in one elegantly crafted device.

Dolby Atmos Technology

Immerse in a three-dimensional audio experience that surrounds from every angle, creating a lifelike soundscape that enhances listening pleasure. Be it watching a movie, listening to music, or playing games, Dolby Atmos technology elevates the audio experience to new heights, pulling users into the heart of the action.

 Consistent Sound Quality

Enjoy balanced and consistent audio quality from any corner of the room, ensuring an optimal listening experience regardless of location. The speaker eliminates uneven sound distribution and promotes crystal-clear audio throughout the room, making every seat the best seat in the house.

 Effortless Control

The Music Frame offers effortless control with built-in voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. Users can simply speak commands, and the Music Frame responds, enabling play, pause, track skipping, and volume adjustment without any manual intervention. This feature provides hands-free convenience and seamless control over the audio experience.

 Personalized Sound Optimization

Tailor the audio experience to the specific room environment with advanced room analysis and optimization technology. SpaceFit Sound Pro analyzes the acoustics of the room and adjusts the sound output accordingly, ensuring optimal audio quality tailored to the space. This technology transforms one-size-fits-all audio into personalized sound perfection

 Q-Symphony Integration

Users can utilize Q-Symphony for richer stereo sound by placing two Music Frames on either side of their TVs. For surround sound, users can place a soundbar in front of their TV and a Music Frame on the opposite wall to act as a rear speaker. With the SmartThings app, users can set the equalizer settings to their preferences.

Adaptive Audio Performance

Experience audio that adapts to the content in real time, delivering clear voices and detailed sounds optimized for every scene and volume level.

For More Information: www. news.samsung.com

The post Samsung Launches the Stunning Music Frame in India at INR 23990 appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Addressing increased bandwidth due to new standards, Blustream has announced two new USB3 devices to enable AV integrators to distribute and switch USB-C data signals with ease.

The first solution being introduced is the UEX3C-KIT, a USB extender kit utilising HDBaseT technology to extend USB 3.2 Gen1 signals up to 100m over a single CAT cable.

It allows up to two USB devices to be connected to a single USB host with support for a transmission data bandwidth up to 5Gbps.

The UEX3C-KIT is backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices and provides bi-directional Power over Cable (PoC).

The SW12USB is the second device to be unveiled. It is a USB 3.2 Gen2 10Gb switcher, supporting four USB devices that can be switched to two USB-C host connections.

It also supports auto switching between host devices using signal sense, or manually controlled via the front-panel push buttons, Web-GUI, TCP/IP.

For More information: www.blustream.co.uk

The post New USB3 Distribution Solutions From Blustream! appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Cabasse, a renowned French leader in the High-Fidelity acoustics sector, has partnered with Alphatec, a prominent distributor of professional audio and video equipment in India. This strategic alliance marks Cabasse’s debut in the swiftly expanding Indian market, promising to redefine luxury audio experiences for discerning Indian consumers.

A highlight of this collaboration is the launch of Cabasse’s latest luxury audio system, THE PEARL MYUKI, in India. Designed as a battery-powered, connected, ultra-compact, and elegant high-resolution active speaker, THE PEARL MYUKI embodies portable luxury. It features exceptional acoustic performance, integrating advanced technologies from Cabasse’s premium systems to deliver superior sound quality both at home and on the move.

THE PEARL MYUKI by Cabasse sets a new benchmark in portable audio with its impressive specifications. It achieves peak sound levels of 103 dB in mono and 109 dB in stereo, ensuring an immersive listening experience. Equipped with a Dôme 45 medium-tweeter and two 12 cm woofers, it offers balanced, detailed sound across a wide bandwidth of 30 to 23,000Hz. The speaker supports versatile connectivity options including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a 3.5 mm jack, USB-C, and SPDIF optics, accommodating various devices and file formats like MP3, WAV, and AAC. Advanced features such as automatic calibration and High-Resolution Multiroom functionality enhance user convenience. Compact and lightweight, measuring 186 x 174 x 180 mm and weighing 2.1 kg, it is designed for easy portability and includes a custom carrying bag for indoor and outdoor use.

“We are excited to introduce Cabasse’s premium audio solutions to the Indian market,” said a Cabasse representative. “With Alphatec’s extensive distribution network and market expertise, we aim to deliver a seamless and enriching audio experience to Indian consumers who appreciate high-end audio quality.”

Devasis Barkataki, Founder and Managing Director of Alphatec, commented, “This partnership marks a significant stride in bringing superior audio experiences to Indian consumers. We look forward to collaborating with Cabasse and introducing their high-end audio products, including THE PEARL MYUKI, to our market.”

The collaboration between Cabasse and Alphatec represents a milestone in the Indian audio market, offering consumers access to cutting-edge audio technology and superior sound experiences. With THE PEARL MYUKI, Cabasse aims to redefine how Indian consumers enjoy music, leveraging Alphatec’s distribution network and expertise to ensure a lasting impact.

For more information, visit www.alphatec.co.in or www.cabasse.com

The post Cabasse Enters Indian Market in Collaboration with Alphatec appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Samsung Electronics announced that its SMART Signage QxC has been honored in the prestigious “Green Signage – Hall of Fame” by invidis, a German digital signage consultancy.

The “Green Signage – Hall of Fame” recognizes sustainable digital signage products from display manufacturers around the world. This year, Samsung’s SMART Signage QxC series — specifically the QH55C model — has been recognized for reducing 168 listed carbon footprint metrics.

Samsung remains committed to eco-conscious initiatives across the product lifecycle, exemplifying its sustainability efforts with the latest SMART Signage Q series (QHC, QMC and QBC).

These SMART Signage Q series models feature an Eco Sensor feature that adjusts screen brightness based on the surrounding environment, allowing users to manage power consumption more efficiently. Additionally, the rear covers on these models contain 10% post-consumer materials (PCM) to reduce the use of regular plastic during manufacturing.

Apart from this “Hall of Fame” honor, the Q series has achieved several other notable certifications including:

·        Carbon Footprint certification from TÜV Rheinland – Making the Q series the first signage model to receive this award

·        ENERGY STAR 8.0 certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Recognizing the series’ energy efficiency

·        Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) certification from the Global Electronics Council – Acknowledging the series’ eco-conscious design and manufacturing processes

 For More Information: https://news.samsung.com

The post Samsung’s SMART Signage Achieves Top “Green Signage – Hall of Fame” Honor appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Bang & Olufsen and TIDAL are partnering to bring hi-res music experiences to Bang & Olufsen customers. The Bang & Olufsen App now has full integration and easy access to hi-res, lossless, and immersive spatial audio formats from TIDAL with more functionality and experiences coming.

“With the partnership, we are merging the best audio formats from TIDAL with high-end sound systems from Bang & Olufsen”, says Christoffer Poulsen, SVP of partnerships and business development at Bang & Olufsen. “We strive to bring the best music experiences to our customers, and the sound quality of music streaming is imperative to that journey. What we are delivering to our customers today is only the beginning, and we are looking forward to delivering even more in-app music experiences down the line.”

“TIDAL is delighted to partner with Bang & Olufsen who share a legacy in giving fans music experiences with best-in-class sound”, says Dan Murphy, SVP of partnerships and business development at TIDAL. “Listeners can now trust that they are experiencing music in high-quality audio formats when streaming TIDAL with Bang & Olufsen products. We understand the importance of sound quality for both artists and listeners and are excited to now make TIDAL easier to access in the Bang & Olufsen app.”

TIDAL offers most content in lossless quality and more than 100M songs in studio quality with FLAC, now available directly in the Bang & Olufsen App.      

For More Information: www.bang-olufsen.com

The post Bang & Olufsen App Integrates with TIDAL appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Jamie McKay, Sales & Marketing Director, Armour Home brings more than 25 years of experience in global commercial, sales and marketing roles within audio and technology industries. Jamie has successfully overseen multi-million-dollar sales and marketing campaigns across multiple international territories. In an exclusive interview with Smart Home World, he discusses marketing initiatives to grow Armour Home brands’ global presence and the new range soon to be launched. 

Could you provide insights into Q Acoustics’ journey, highlighting the milestones achieved as it redefined various market segments, from affordable to high-end, and introduced innovations like the Q Active wireless audio system?

The ethos of Q Acoustics from the very beginning has been all about delivering fabulous acoustic performance for a fair price and is also available at various price points. I believe that we are out-performing with this objective given the vast number of awards Q Acoustics has received across the world since its launch in 2006. There are many highlights in our journey, but the launch of the Q5000 series in 2023 marked the completion of our passive speakers range from entry-level to high-end range. Plus the Product of the Year Award from What Hi-Fi in 2023 for the Q5040 is the “icing on the cake” cementing Q Acoustics’ position as one of the leading speaker brands in the world.  When developing speakers, we are always looking to innovate be it in the use of Gelcore, BMR drivers point-to-point bracing, isolation plates in the Concept Series and more recently the C³ Continuous Curved Cone.  The development of Q Active follows this passion for innovation both in industrial design, the use of BMR drivers and the wireless technology to drive the Q Active audio system, which we believe is one of the most flexible, high-performing audio systems in the market with the added benefit that it has been designed for lifestyle living.

With your extensive industry experience, what potential opportunities do you envision for Q Acoustics in the Indian market?

While we’re witnessing a growing demand for our full range of passive speakers in India, Q Acoustic is currently focusing on two major areas: installation products and powered/streaming systems. Our new M40 Bluetooth micro tower exemplifies the latter, showcasing our dedication to innovation in this field.

While much attention rightly goes to our consumer-using Q Acoustic products, we also boast a robust range of installation products with wireless capabilities. This lineup will be further enriched with the launch of a unique wireless product in late summer. I’m excited to collaborate with MZ to further develop the installation product segment in the upcoming year.

The growth in the availability of music-on-demand services worldwide is shaping a new breed of music enthusiasts, prioritising convenience in their listening experience. India with its vast population and tech-savvy younger demographic, presents an immense market opportunity for audio brands.

In India, as in many parts of the world, the enjoyment of music holds significant importance in daily life. As we envision the next wave of products, it’s crucial to uphold Q Acoustics’ design ethos: delivering outstanding acoustic performance at an accessible price point while staying attuned to the evolving needs of diverse markets globally.

 How do you intend to utilize your partnership with MZ to introduce and establish Q Acoustics in India?

In any territory, having a seasoned partner is very important. With no office of our own in India, MZ serves as our vital link to the local market. They provide invaluable insights into consumer trends, guiding our brands and ensuring optimal market coverage. Collaborating closely with MZ, we tailor our marketing strategies to resonate with the core Indian customer base. Together, we aim to educate them about the diverse offerings of Q Acoustics, catering to both consumer and installation segments. As the importance of the install market grows, this partnership becomes increasingly crucial for all brands.

With a longstanding relationship spanning over 15 years, MZ is not just a trading partner but an integral part of our global business network, contributing significantly to our success worldwide.

Can you provide details on the range of audio products Q Acoustics intends to launch in India through its collaboration with MZ?

We have an exciting lineup of new introductions scheduled over the next few months, but at this stage, not all of the details are available to share so it will be a case of “watch this space” and look out for good news coming with a glimpse of what is coming on show at the High-End Show in Munich in May. We have just introduced the M40 which is our micro tower Bluetooth-powered system to go alongside our award-winning M20 unit. We have some exciting additions to our install range planned both with speakers and electronics, and we will be releasing more information on this as we head into summer. We also have some exciting news planned within our passive speaker range with more news to become available in the coming couple of months. Sorry I can’t be more specific, but we don’t want to ruin the surprise!

Could you elaborate on Q Acoustics’ line-up of wireless and powered speakers?

We launched the Q Active range back in 2020 and it was our first involvement with an active, streaming speaker and it was designed to be a completely networked-enabled home audio entertainment system. We followed this with the M20 which is an award-winning powered bookshelf model with Bluetooth connectivity that has achieved remarkable success since launch. We have recently launched the M20’s “big brother” the M40, in a micro tower format but with the notable inclusion of the C³ drivers that were introduced as part of our 5000 series range.  The market response and reviews for M40 have “blown us away” to the extent that we sold everything we had within days of the first products arriving in our warehouse.  88

According to industry experts, the powered speaker market is poised for significant growth shortly. As the younger generation transitions from `smartphones and headphones’ to more premium audio experiences, there’s a natural inclination towards consolidated systems offering convenience and sleek form factors.

For Q Acoustics, it’s crucial to offer solutions that are both user-friendly and cost-effective, ensuring a strong foothold in the market among future customers. In our ongoing discussions regarding future product development, considerable attention is given to providing comprehensive audio solutions that cater to all customer needs.

A key focus of our roadmap is the development of a powered wireless speaker solution, which aligns with the evolving preferences of consumers. Our next wireless product launch, slated for the last quarter of 2024, will be tailored specifically for the installation market, further solidifying our commitment to innovation and meeting the demands of our customers

In what ways does the 5000 series cater to apartments of various sizes and budget categories in the Indian market?

The 5000 series is our latest range and provides the bridge between our entry-level 3000i range and our premium Concept Series. The range offers 4 product finishes (Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood & Holme Oak) and 4 size options of product with 2 bookshelf and 2 floor standing models, with the award-winning Q5040 designed specifically for the smaller room/apartment with no compromise on acoustic performance.

Can you shed light on Q Acoustics’ offerings in Bookshelf and Floor-Standing speakers?

We have tried to curate our product portfolio so there is a relevant option for any customer looking for the best-performing speaker for their budget and home environment and I believe that the awards that we have received around the world would support that we have been successful at delivering an excellent choice bookshelf and floor standing options for our customers.  

For home theatre setups, what combinations and permutations do you recommend for Indian households using Q Acoustics’ products?

A very difficult question to answer in a short sentence. Sound is such a subjective thing so what works for one customer may not suit another and budget plays a big part in any purchasing decision. In each of our range offerings we have several home theatre bundles that will provide an initial 5.1 channel set up which can then be expanded on should the customer desire and we now have a solution from the entry-level budget at Q3000i to the high-end budget with Concept series.  For those not wanting a complete 5.1 system, our ranges can be implemented in 2.1 format and there is also M20 and M40, which can further be enhanced with a sub-woofer and offer an excellent alternative solution for those not wanting to invest in an AV receiver.  I believe Q Acoustics offers a solution for every budget and format to enhance a theatre/TV viewing experience.

Which receiver or amplifier pairs best with Q Acoustics loudspeakers?

Again, a very difficult question to answer as everyone’s tastes are different. We work a lot in combination with Cambridge Audio and will be using their electronics at the upcoming High End Show in Munich. Our products have a reputation for offering a “neutral’ listing experience, as there is no discernible effect in bass or treble from the speakers themselves, so that is something that needs bearing in mind when selecting an electronics partner. From a multichannel perspective, I spent many years working with Denon and Marantz so have a fondness for those products and believe that they pair well with Q Acoustics.

Which streaming protocols is Q Acoustics compatible with, and how does it enhance the user experience in Indian homes?

Q Acoustics is always evaluating the popular music streaming services and protocols that could be used with our products worldwide, to ensure a great user experience. The specific supported protocols and services will differ slightly from product to product, as they service different market sectors with varying customer expectations. We have products certified for Airplay 2, Google CAST, Bluetooth A2DP with AVRCP 1.5, Bluetooth aptX HD and Low Latency, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready and UPnP, and will be expanding this list of new products shortly. Popular music streaming services in India such as Spotify, Amazon Music and JioSaavn are all compatible with the supported protocols mentioned. Q Acoustics will always strive to support the best possible audio quality streaming to complement the award-winning products that we make, giving consumers in India peace of mind that they will be getting the very best out of our products. 

How does Q Acoustics ensure seamless connectivity and integration with India’s diverse smart home ecosystems?

 Q Acoustics has taken care to employ people with a wealth of experience in smart home and integrated systems automation spanning several decades. This in-house knowledge ensures that our current and future products can be engineered and supported to integrate with popular smart home products throughout the world. Part of the process is working closely with our international partners such as MZ to identify smart home products specific to a particular region, investigating how these can work with our products, and then working with the third-party manufacturer if required to prove the integration and publish a simple guide on how consumers or installation professionals can achieve the very best results. 

The post I firmly believe that Q Acoustics provides solutions for every budget and format, elevating the theatre and TV viewing experience to new heights. appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Integra has added the new DTM-7.4 Network Stereo Receiver to its advanced electronics lineup of custom integration products. Available now nationwide, this network receiver delivers audiophile-grade sound, improved connectivity, high-res streaming, and built-in voice assistants such as Google and Apple.

The DTM-7.4 is designed and built with the custom installation professionals in mind. The 2-channel,110-watts per channel stereo receiver features web setup, IP control, RS232, IR in/out and remote control and diagnostics, Roon Ready connectivity, HDMI 4in/1out, and supports 8K up to 40Gbps with ARC technology. Available to order now ($900 US) at authorized retailers, the receiver is ideal for zones that do not require surround channels, and is specifically designed for easy system integration for installers.

Add a full suite of built-in CI integration software tools and compatibility with Control4 SDDP, Crestron, Josh, Savant (and others), the DTM-7.4 seamlessly integrates into any home entertainment system, making installation less difficult.

Powered by 110 watts per channel at 8ohms, the DTM-7.4 features HDMI 2.1 4in/1out, supporting 8K up to 40Gbps visual content support, and HDMI ARC technology, three analog inputs, three digital audio inputs (two optical and one coaxial), dual-band 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi certified wireless LAN capability, gold-plated RCA terminals, patented discrete op amp circuits, and an isolated phono preamp with MM/MC that preserves delicate phono signals for enhanced clarity, pristine sound reproduction as it minimizes vibrations for an elevated listening experience.

The DTM-7.4 makes it easier to access and enjoy Hi-Res audio files with zero loss in audio quality. Featuring an AKM Premium 768 kHz / 32-bit Hi-Grade 2-Channel DAC, and Class G Amplifier ensures an efficient, accurate reproduction of audio signals across the entire frequency range.

In addition to its AM/FM tuner, users can easily access their favorite high-resolution music streaming platforms with this stereo receiver, which has been integrated with our partners at Roon, Tidal, and Deezer to transform any space into a haven of hi-fi sound.

The Integra DTM-7.4 is the ultimate music-loving enthusiast companion that offers a high-resolution listening experience that redefines your enjoyment of music at home.

For More Information www.integrahometheater.com

The post Integra Unveils DTM-7.4 Network Stereo Receiver appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Marantz unveiled the Model M1, its new ultra-compact, versatile, high-performance wireless streaming amplifier.

Carefully engineered to offer great sound from a wide range of streamed music services, the Model M1 also features analogue and digital input sockets to connect to physical music sources and a TV.

The amplifier has both the power and quality to be paired with a range of loudspeakers, from compact designs to substantial towers, and even ceiling or wall-mounted speakers. It features highly efficient high-power amplification and offers 100W of stereo output with extremely low distortion of just 0.005% THD via digital inputs.

A 2.1 channel experience can be had by adding a subwoofer and Model M1’s advanced configuration options allow for full adjustment of both high-pass-filter and low-pass-filter frequencies independently, along +/-15dB of subwoofer level trim.

Model M1 supports the full high-resolution music experience over streamed services, the network, or USB, including 24-bit/192kHz PCM support and provision for DSD. To ensure these high-resolutions signals are delivered in the best possible quality, Model M1 operates in the digital domain from end to end.

Users can use the HEOS app to access all the music services available on the HEOS platform, including the soon-to-be-released updates for TIDAL and Roon Ready support. In addition to HEOS, Model M1 supports Bluetooth, Spotify Connect and AirPlay2. Users can even play audio from a locally connected USB-A drive. Vinyl can also be played via a connection to a compatible record player (a model with an included phono stage or a separate, external phono amplifier) via the Model M1’s line-level RCA Analogue inputs.

The Model M1 can also be used as an alternative to a soundbar or an AVR when watching TV. Its included eARC HDMI input means simple one-remote control over system volume levels and power management using the TV’s supplied handset.

The onboard Dolby Digital+ decoding supports the latest audio codecs typically used by broadcast and streamed TV services in high quality. A range of useful adjustment functions provides an optimised experience. That includes a Dialogue Enhancer option to make voices more discernible when listening at low volumes, plus a Virtual mode that utilises Dolby processing to generate a large, 3D sound field from stereo-only content.

The new wireless streaming amplifier can share HEOS music across the home with other HEOS-enabled products in the Marantz portfolio, including both stereo and AVR components. It can also be partnered with other Model M1s and its compact design means that two units can be installed side by side in a standard 19” equipment rack.

The HEOS app gives users full control over the Model M1’s functionality even when the amplifier is installed out of sight. It is also compatible with a broad range of third-party control systems, including Crestron, Control4, and URC. HEOS also provides for IR learning so other brands of remote-control handsets can be used.

For More Information: www.marantz.com

The post Marantz Unveils Model M1, a Versatile Wireless Streaming Amplifier appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Crestron has announced significant updates to its Home OS 4, focusing on enhanced lighting support, expanded audio-over-IP capabilities, and improved functionalities in the myCrestron portal. The new Crestron Home OS 4.1 update aims to refine user experience and provide integrators with more tools to manage and configure smart home systems effectively.

Introduced last year, Crestron Home OS 4 is now equipped with its first major update since launch, dubbed OS 4.1. This upgrade will be available at no additional cost to existing customers and looks to improve the user experience with several new features and improvements.

One of the key updates in Crestron Home OS 4.1 is the improved support for various lighting ecosystems. The new version introduces digital lighting drivers for third-party devices, enabling seamless integration with popular lighting systems like Philips Hue. Users can now import lighting scenes directly from the Hue hub, making it easier to create customized lighting experiences.

In addition to Philips Hue, Crestron Home OS 4.1 also supports Lutron’s lighting systems, specifically the HomeWorks HQP7-RF-2 wireless processor. This expanded compatibility allows homeowners to integrate their existing lighting setups into the Crestron ecosystem without the need for extensive reconfiguration.

Crestron Home OS 4.1 also brings extensive support for a range of DM NAX audio-over-IP devices. This update includes compatibility with the DM-NAX-4ZSA-50 amplifier and the DM-NAX-XSP Audio Return Processor. Furthermore, support for audio edge devices such as the DM-NAX-BTIO-1G, DM-NAX-2XLRI-1G, DM-NAX-AUD-IO, and DM-NAX-AUD-USB has been added. These enhancements provide users with more options for high-quality audio distribution throughout their homes.

The inclusion of audio-over-IP support aligns with the growing trend towards IP-based audio solutions, which offer greater flexibility and scalability compared to traditional audio systems. By incorporating these capabilities, Crestron Home OS 4.1 promises that users will enjoy a seamless audio experience, whether they are streaming music, watching movies, or hosting parties.

The myCrestron portal, a cloud-based platform for managing, deploying, and configuring Crestron Home OS projects, has also received a series of updates designed to enhance dealer efficiency. New features include the ability to upload and download diagnostic files, which simplifies troubleshooting and system maintenance. This functionality allows dealers to quickly address issues without needing to be on-site, saving time and resources.

Another significant update is the integration of thermostats and temperature sensors, along with support for occupancy and motion sensors. These additions enable more sophisticated climate control and automation scenarios, enhancing the overall smart home experience. 

Advanced device settings and the ability to copy and paste configurations further streamline the setup process, making it easier for dealers to replicate settings across multiple devices or projects.

Crestron has also expanded the Home Configurator tool in Home OS 4.1. This tool now allows for the setup of digital inputs and outputs before dealers arrive at the job site. By pre-configuring these settings, dealers can expedite the installation process, reducing the time and effort required to get a system up and running.

These updates are part of Crestron’s strategy to provide a more integrated and user-friendly home automation experience. By expanding the compatibility with third-party devices and improving configuration tools, Crestron aims to cater to the evolving needs of both end-users and installers.

Crestron Home OS 4 was initially launched to offer a new level of interoperability and control over both Crestron and third-party devices within the smart home ecosystem. With these latest updates, the system not only enhances its core offerings but also ensures that users can have a more cohesive and controlled home environment.

The post Crestron Home OS 4.1 Update: Expanded Lighting, Audio-over-IP, and Portal Enhancements appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.

Sonos has introduced the second generation of its smallest portable speaker, the Sonos Roam 2 with several significant enhancements in design and functionality.

A key upgrade in the Roam 2 is the streamlined Bluetooth pairing process. Unlike the original model, which required initial setup on a home Wi-Fi network using the Sonos app, the Roam 2 allows direct Bluetooth pairing straight out of the box. This change enables users to start listening to their music immediately, eliminating additional steps. A new dedicated Bluetooth pairing button on the back of the speaker replaces the previous multi-functional power button, making the process more intuitive and user-friendly.

In terms of design, the Roam 2 retains its compact form factor but features aesthetic improvements. The Sonos logo is now monochromatic, blending seamlessly with the speaker’s color for a more understated look. It is available in five colors: Olive, Sunset, Wave, Black, and White, offering more variety compared to the original Roam, which had only two color options.

The Roam 2 continues to offer an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring it can withstand harsh environments. Its construction includes shock-absorbent materials, providing added durability for outdoor use. Despite its rugged build, the speaker maintains a sleek and modern appearance suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings.

Sonos has optimized the battery life of the Roam 2, providing up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, consistent with the original model. This makes it a reliable companion for extended listening sessions, whether at home or on the go.

The internal driver layout remains the same, featuring one tweeter and one midwoofer, delivering the high-quality sound Sonos is known for. The speaker supports Trueplay, which automatically adjusts the audio to suit the surrounding environment, ensuring optimal sound performance. Additionally, the Roam 2 includes the Sound Swap feature, allowing users to seamlessly transfer audio between any Sonos speakers within their system.

Key Features:

·         Simplified Bluetooth Pairing: Pair directly with a Bluetooth device without initial Wi-Fi setup.

·         Dedicated Bluetooth Button: New button on the back of the speaker for easy Bluetooth pairing.

·         Monochromatic Sonos Logo: Subtle design with the logo matching the device’s color.

·         Compact and Portable Design: Maintains a sleek form factor, ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

·         Extended Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge.

·         IP67 Rating: Dustproof and fully waterproof, capable of withstanding harsh environments.

·         Shock-Absorbent Materials: Built to be durable and resistant to drops and impacts.

·         Trueplay Tuning: Automatically adjusts audio settings to suit the surrounding environment for optimal sound quality.

·         Sound Swap Feature: Allows seamless transfer of audio between any Sonos speakers.

·         Available Colours: Comes in five colors—Olive, Sunset, Wave, Black, and White.

The post Sonos Launches Enhanced Roam 2 Speaker with Simplified Bluetooth Pairing and Stylish New Design appeared first on Smart Home World Magazine.