Q Acoustics follows on the M3 and Media 4 soundbars with a first soundbase-- the M2, an audio offering the company says can carry flatscreen TVs weighing up to 25kg.

The M2 measures 55cm wide and 34cm deep, and combines two 58mm Balance Mode Radiator drives with an integrated subwoofer. It is designed for both TV movie viewing and music listening, with individual modes for each use case. A MoviEQ function emphasises the bass further to enhance movie soundtracks and videogame action.

Total output reaches 80W, and the soundbase is fully braced and damped to reduce internal vibrations. BMR speaker technology allows it to deliver 180-degree sound spread, eliminating the listening sweet spot, while a 3-mode equaliser switch on the back allows one to alter bass levels according to where the unit is positioned.

Genelec presents the 7380 Smart Active Subwoofer at IBC 2017-- a subwoofer able to deliver both high SPL and an extended low-distortion LF response from a compact enclosure.

As the new flagship of the Smart Active Monitoring subwoofer range, the 7380 seamlessly integrates into any monitoring system, from stereo to multi-channel, as well large-scale 3D immersive setups. It carries a Class-D amplifier section, together with all benefits of Smart Active Monitoring technology, and pairs with Genelec "The Ones" series coaxial 3-way monitors for the creation of immersive systems based on the Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D and DTS:X formats.

The 7380 stands 718mm tall and 492mm deep, and features an 800W Class-D amplifier driving a custom 15-inch low-throw woofer. In turn this is combined with an LSE spiral enclosure to produce a maximum SPL of 119dB (123dB peak) plus precise low-frequency response down to 16Hz.

Control4 announces an extensive line of Triad-branded high-resolution audio products-- including the Triad AMS-24 and AMS-8 Audio Matrix Switches, Triad 8-Zone Power Amplifier, and Triad One Streaming Amplifier.

“Our new Triad multi-room audio products are designed to deliver high-resolution audio in every corner of the home, from the source to the listener’s ears,” Control4 says.  “Beautiful sound, elegant design, and high-performance are the core tenets inspiring the development of the new Triad multi-room audio lineup. Coupled with Triad’s comprehensive range of build-to-order premium speakers for home theaters, family rooms, whole-home or multi-room audio, and outdoor environments, the Triad product family is a very strong go-to high-fidelity audio solution for our worldwide dealers and end-customers.”

Voice-controlled smart assistants were everywhere at IFA 2017, as multiple companies took a stab at putting such capabilities, be it through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Microsoft Cortana, in a piece of hardware.

Surprisingly, while the show took place two assistant makers announced a partnership-- one allowing Alexa and Cortana to play nice with each other. Thus, Cortana users will be able to summon Alexa to shop on Amazon, while Alexa users get access to Cortana features such as calendar management and location-based reminders.

But back to the actual product offerings. On the Alexa side, Logiech UE Boom and Libratone Zipp wireless speakers get the Amazon assistant via update, as will the Bragi Dash earbuds. DTS also had a number of Alexa-enabled products, including the Phorus PS10 wireless speaker, Onkyo Smart Speaker P3 and Pioneer Elite Smart Speaker F4.

Wisdom Audio unveils the SC-2 and SC-3 system controllers at CEDIA 2017-- second-generation controllers designed to help solve acoustic problems through calibration tools able to solve audio distortions.

The SC-2 is a 2RU system controller offering 8-channel in to 16-channel out, while the SC-3 is a 3RU platform providing 16-channel in to 32-channel out. Both units operate at 24-bit 96kHz, and provide the necessary digital active crossover and digital EQ profiles for all Wisdom Audio loudspeaker. Another feature is Dirac Live, a platform the company says is optimised for sound enhancement technology.

The two controllers are designed to perfect sound in any listening room by removing resonances and acoustic problems in sound reproduction, creating a natural, realistic and transparent sound with tighter bass. They also reduce early reflections and room coloration without need for room treatments.

The grapevine has previously suggested Sonos is working on a voice-controlled speaker, and now we have proof in the shape of a filing with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

First discovered by Zatz Not Funny, the filing describes "product model S13," a "high-performance all-in-one wireless smart speaker" featuring "integrated voice control functionality with far field microphones." It also "will support multiple voice platforms and music services, allowing customers to effortlessly control their music on Sonos."

As such, one can imagine a wireless Sonos speaker with support for a wide range of smart assistants, including the obvious likes of Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. The FCC filing also includes an image of a new UI replete with a prominent microphone icon. This might either be a simple button or a touchable surface, like the one found in the Play:5.