Posted Fri Jun 8, 2018 at 10:30 PM PDT by Steven Cohen
We've compiled the latest gear news, including the release of Onkyo's "Works with Sonos" firmware update, Dirac's new 3D audio tech for gaming, and more.
From product announcements and streaming app updates to general industry news and recent gear trends, keeping up with the latest tech news can be a daunting task. With that in mind, we're here to offer you a roundup of some of the latest gear and consumer electronics news that you may have missed.
For this edition, we're covering the launch of Onkyo's "Works with Sonos" update for select receivers, a new Dirac 3D audio solution for gaming headsets, and several upcoming monitors from MSI.
So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news:
Onkyo has announced the launch of its "Works with Sonos" firmware update for select network receivers under the Onkyo, Pioneer, Pioneer Elite, and Integra brands. Users with supported models can now download the upgrade.
"Onkyo has a well-deserved reputation for innovation in the home theater category and is a welcome ecosystem partner, adding Sonos' functionality to their line-up of premium brands," said Andrew Volyanetes, Director of the US Installed Solutions channel for Sonos. "Working with Onkyo and Onkyo USA demonstrates steps we are taking in our larger partner strategy. We want to work closely with the manufacturers that custom installers use most, like Onkyo. We also love that the integration allows our customers to decrease their time to music and get that magical Sonos experience when using a non-Sonos speaker."
Once updated, the "Works with Sonos" feature allows compatible receivers to integrate into a user's existing Sonos ecosystem through a Sonos Connect device. When the receiver is paired to a Sonos Connect, customers can send any music or source from the Sonos app to the unit. Likewise, users can group their receiver to other Sonos devices on the network.
Here's a full rundown of receiver models eligible for the update:
ONKYO
TX-NR585
TX-NR686
TX-RZ630
TX-RZ730
TX-NR787
TX-RZ830
TX-RZ920
TX-8270
TX-RZ1100
TX-RZ3100
PR-RZ5100
TX-8260
PIONEER
ELITE SC-LX901
ELITE SC-LX801
ELITE SC-LX701
ELITE VSX-LX503
ELITE VSX-LX303
ELITE VSX-LX103
Pioneer VSX-933
INTEGRA
DRX-3.2
DRX-4.2
DRX-5.2
DRX-7.1
DRX-R1.1
DRC-R1.1
DTM-7
DTM-6
DRX-7
DRX-R1
DRC-R1
Source: Onkyo
Dirac Research has announced a licensing deal to bring its new 3D audio surround sound solution to the gaming market. The tech will be implemented in an upcoming gaming headset from a leading Chinese consumer technology company.
"Dirac only enters a new market when we are completely confident that we have a solution that delivers a truly best-in-class experience for its end-users," stated Isaksson. "This is true of Dirac Unison in the automotive market, Dirac Live in the home theater market, Dirac Panorama Sound in the mobile market, and is most certainly true of our new 3D audio surround sound solution for the headset market. Our reputation is hard-earned, well-deserved, and will only be further bolstered as the gaming headset market experiences our 3D audio technology."
The licensed 3D audio solution has been designed to create an immersive and externalized surround sound experience tailored toward gaming, even on power-constrained devices. Likewise, the new gaming headset will also feature Dirac HD Sound tech for powerful and crisp music performance.
"With the flip of a switch, users of the new headset can toggle between two sound modes based on their activity – gaming or music listening," continued Isaksson. "The reality is that convincing a gamer that a helicopter is flying over their head or a hockey puck just hit the glass requires a different solution than reproducing music in the way the artist intended it – and this new headset delivers consumers the highest quality, most convincing audio in both scenarios."
Full details on the upcoming gaming headset have not been revealed yet, but the device is set to hit the market in the second half of 2018.
Source: Dirac Research
MSI has announced several new additions to its lineup of gaming products, including a new Oculux series eSports Gaming Monitor with NVIDIA G-SYNC Technology and new Optix MAG271CR/ MAG241CR Series Curved Gaming Monitors.
"MSI has always had a reputation for delivering high-end gaming products designed to provide a wholly enrapturing gaming experience for gamers," says Sam Chern, MSI Assistant Vice President of Global Marketing, "This year, MSI has elevated our gaming lineups to elite level with Intel's new 8th-generation CPUs laptops and desktops, gaming monitors, gaming motherboards and MSI Streaming Boost, gaming graphics card as well as gaming gears."
The Oculux NXG251 is a 25-inch 1080p monitor with a TN LED panel. In addition, the display features a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.5 ms response time, making it a great fit for fast-paced games. NVIDIA G-SYNC is implemented as well, allowing the screen to synchronize its refresh rate to the game being played, enabling a highly responsive, smooth, tear-free experience. Finally, the monitor also offers Mystic Light Sync tech, enabling personalized RGB lighting on the back of the unit. Availability has not been announced yet, but the NXG251 is expected to carry an MSRP of $599.
Meanwhile, the Optix MAG271CR/ MAG241CR series monitors use curved VA LED 1080p panels with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. In addition, the displays include the company's new Gaming Echo feature, which allows the RGB zone on the back of the panel to react to in-game audio and lighting effects. Finally, the monitors also implement Gaming OSD (on screen display) software, allowing users to control monitor settings like contrast, brightness, and black equalizer directly through the Windows desktop. Pricing and availability have not been detailed yet.
And rounding out the company's upcoming lineup is the new Optix MAG491C 49-inch monitor with an ultra-wide resolution of 3,840 x 1,080, a 144Hz refresh rate, and 3ms response time. The display is set to launch for an MSRP of $999.
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