Braun returns to audio after 28 years away from the industry with the announcement of plans to bring back the classic LE speaker range, set to make a first appearance at the upcoming IFA 2019 in Berlin, Germany.

As the company puts it, the launch will make a "perfect reintroduction to the heritage of Braun Audio," with a focus on the "purity of design, purity of performance and, above all else, the purity of sound." Further details on the speakers are scant, but Braun does promise "state-of-the-art technology and connectivity," within elegant and minimalist design. That said, actually making the speakers is British speaker maker Pure, with a license for the Braun name from owner Procter and Gamble.

Pro Audio Technology (PRO) announces a pair of loudspeaker series consisting of 3 models-- the S-12m, SR-12ai and SR-212ai, all designed to recreate the commercial cinema experience within the home theatre.

The loudspeakers replace 3 existing PRO models, namely the SCRS-12s, SCRS-12ai and the SCRS-212ai. Both S and SR series employ a 1.7-inch Ultra-Purity high-frequency compression driver mounted on an elliptical wide coverage horn. Designed for placement behind an acoustically-transparent screen, the S-12sm and SR-12ai feature a 12-inch 1400W long-throw woofer with a 4-inch voice coil.

Glasgow-based headphone maker RHA announces means to allow customers to use wireless headphones with just about any audio source with a 3.5mm or double 3.5mm jack-- the Wireless Flight Adapter.

While primarily aimed at use with in-flight entertainment systems (thus the name), the Wireless Flight Adapter is ideal to connect wireless headphones with devices such as the Nintendo Switch or a vintage piece of audio hardware. The pocket-size device promises up to continuous 16 hours of use on a single charge, and can stream audio simultaneously to two pairs of headphones.

Naim promises "significant performance upgrades" in the Nait XS 3 and Supernait 3, both featuring built-in phono stages for use with turntables, as well as any other audio source, including streamers and CD players.

The phono stages are based on classic Naim designs, and are crafted using "audiophile-quality" components. The company says it has managed to double the speed of the voltage gain stage, allowing for double the rate at which the speaker output stage can react, while the optimised second stage transistors do not need shielding by a cascode stage transistor. Removing the cascode means less amplifier stabilisation is required, bringing an uplift in sound quality.

As the Walkman celebrates its 40th anniversary, customers might start feeling nostalgic for the very idea of a portable cassette player. Enter Ninm Lab with the It's OK, a Bluetooth 5.0-enabled take on the Sony classic.

Ninm claims the It's OK is the first Bluetooth 5.0 portable cassette player, meaning it supports wireless headphones and speakers as well as traditional wired headphones via 3.5mm jack. Wireless connectivity seems to be the only concession to modern technology though, since the It's OK runs on AA batteries, just like the Walkman of old.

Yamaha announces a pair of soundbars-- the YAS-109 and YAS-209, both featuring native Amazon Alexa voice control and wifi connectivity with support for streaming services including Spotify Connect and Amazon Music.

The YAS-109 features built-in subwoofers for deep bass even in a compact size, while the YAS-209 includes a separate wireless subwoofer for flexible installation options and even more expressive bass. The built-in Alexa support provides volume control, and automatically lowers the volume of music or movies to help receive voice commands. The included remote has a dedicated button to initiate Alexa control, and Alexa can be muted or turned off completely when the soundbar is powered off.