apt-x audio compression technology set to extend CSR’s wireless audio leadership and enhances its expansion into new audio markets

Cambridge, UK – 28th July 2010 – CSR plc (CSR) today announced the acquisition of Belfast-based APT Licensing Ltd, (APT), following a successful three year collaboration under the CSR eXtension Partner Programme, which saw APT’s professional quality audio compression brought to consumers on CSR’s wireless audio platforms. The acquisition enables a tighter integration of the apt-x low latency audio compression CODECs with CSR’s next generation audio products. The acquisition also enables CSR to substantially strengthen its offering in the growing real-time streaming audio market for mobile and wireless consumer applications and support its expansion into broader audio markets.

CSR’s CEO Joep van Beurden commented, “In acquiring APT, CSR is buying one of the industry’s strongest audio IP portfolios and a 20 year heritage in audio expertise. The closer integration of APT’s IP with our own technologies will expand the market for its technology to more mainstream consumers and enable us to realise benefits that neither party could achieve independently. CSR is a leader in wireless audio, and the addition of APT will enable us to develop an exciting new generation of excellent quality, highly differentiated products that will further enhance the consumer experience. This will also serve to extend CSR’s capability in wireless audio platforms and help us to broaden our offering into new audio markets and revenue streams.”

“We’re very proud of what APT has achieved over the last 20 years and are delighted to be joining CSR in what is a very positive step towards the increased proliferation of the high quality CODECS, into broader mobile and wireless consumer applications,” said Noel McKenna, CEO of APT. “Both CSR and APT’s engineering teams share the same passion for audio and have proven their ability to collaborate successfully over the last three years. Through even closer integration of our CODECs with CSR’s wireless technology I see a very exciting future ahead.”

Hal Wilson of Crescent Capital, APT’s principal investor, commented, “the sale of APT to CSR represents the final chapter of this successful investment for Crescent with the company’s hardware division having previously been sold to the Worldcast Group in 2009.  We see CSR as been a natural fit for APT and wish the combined forces every success in ensuring the dominance of APT’s technology in the wireless audio marketplace.”

All seventeen of APT’s highly qualified and experienced full-time staff will become an integral part of CSR’s audio platform team, and CSR plans to retain the apt-x product brand.

Jonny McClintock President of Worldwide Sales for APTX said, “We are delighted to have i.Tech Dynamic on board as our latest apt-X licensee, they join a growing roster of Consumer Electronics brands who have committed to developing an apt-X enabled ecosystem of products for high quality Bluetooth Stereo audio. i.Tech Dynamic develop an exciting and innovative range of Bluetooth products and by licensing apt-X audio codec they have demonstrated a commitment to ensuring high-quality Bluetooth Stereo for end-users.”

Wendy Cho, Managing Director for i.Tech Dynamic states that “the apt-X codec is viewed as the final piece in the jigsaw for Stereo Bluetooth products to become consumer mainstream. Implementing apt-X into the i.Tech products is a clear statement of intent on our view of audio quality. It is the gold standard in terms of acoustic integrity and we look forward to reaping the rewards of this relationship for the months and years to come.”
 
Embedded in silicon and/or software, apt-X technology enables the streaming of CD-quality audio for Bluetooth A2DP at extremely low latency. Suitable applications for apt-X technology include headsets, speakers, mobile phones and portable media players.  Existing licensees of apt-X technology include Sennheiser, Altec Lansing, Creative Labs, Jaybird and Armour Home and the technology was awarded the ‘Best of CES’ by the Bluetooth SIG at CES in January.

The new ZiiSound D5 employs apt-X® coding for highest-quality, lowest-latency audio over Stereo Bluetooth wireless links.

The system removes the need for a conventional docking system used to listen to iPods and other portable digital players as the sound signal is beamed from the unit directly to the speakers.

The system has applications across the field, from gaming PCs to multimedia laptops and mobile smartphones.

In January of this year, Creative and APTX together won a prestigious Bluetooth award during the world’s biggest consumer electronics show, International CES.

“The new ZiiSound D5 wireless speaker system works with nearly every Stereo Bluetooth A2DP compatible device —the iPod and iPad, the iPhone and other smartphones, portable media players, e-books, and laptops,” said Mike Canevaro, VP of Business Development for APTX.

“Aesthetically, the ZiiSound D5 is a true design classic —and it really sounds every bit as good as it looks thanks to apt-X audio coding and Creative electronics design.”

Founded in 1989 as a Queen’s University QUBIS start-up, the business is now based on the Springfield Road and has direct sales offices in the USA, Japan and South Korea.

It provides industry-leading audio compression solutions to the broadcast, professional audio and consumer electronics industries and its apt-X audio codec technology has earned a reputation throughout the audio industry as the ultimate high-quality, low-delay audio data compression algorithm available.

Experience the Future of Pure Music Today with Wireless Speaker Systems That Work with All Compatible Stereo Bluetooth Portable Devices

SINGAPORE – 13 April 2010 – Creative Technology Ltd. today announced the release of a full range of wireless high performance speaker systems comprising the award-winning ZiiSound D5 and Creative Inspire S2 Wireless, as well as the Creative D200 and Creative D100. This new range of speaker systems offers wireless solutions to suit different lifestyles and defines how people will enjoy music from their portable devices from now on.

The state-of-the-art speaker systems work with any compatible stereo Bluetooth device – from mobile phones, portable media players to the iPhone, the iPod^†, the iPad, netbooks, notebooks and just about every Bluetooth A2DP enabled device.

Incorporating award-winning high quality wireless audio technology and speaker architecture tuned by Creative’s world class audio specialists for the best wireless audio performance possible, each speaker system is engineered to deliver the purest wireless audio in its class.

“Say good-bye to docking speakers because they are going to become a thing of the past. With the emergence of so many wireless capable mobile devices in 2010, Creative is now set to usher in a new era in pure music listening where you can enjoy music with your favourite mobile device through our range of wireless speakers,” said Joseph Liow, Vice President for Personal Digital Entertainment Products at Creative.

“This means that users are now free from the limitation of physically connecting or docking their mobile devices to their speakers to enjoy high quality music without wires – a new era in pure music listening has arrived!”

Listening to pure music wirelessly through a speaker system has never been easier, with 3 different ways to pair devices:

1. Connect the iPhone, the iPod^† and the iPad with the iPod Transmitter (included with   the ZiiSound D5 speaker system)

2. Connect via a USB Bluetooth Transmitter attached to the netboook or notebook (included with the Creative Inspire S2 Wireless speaker system)

3. Connect via the built-in Bluetooth feature on the mobile device

The ZiiSound D5 speaker system comes bundled with relevant accessories to connect to just about any Bluetooth device for the purest wireless music experience:

1. An iPod Transmitter to connect the iPhone, the iPod^† and the iPad

2. An additional USB Transmitter for notebooks and netbooks during the initial launch promotion period at www.creative.com/shop

Creative Pure Wireless Speaker Systems

ZiiSound D5 – Flagship One-Piece Wireless Speaker System
At the heart of Creative’s wireless speaker system line-up is the flagship ZiiSound D5 – the personification of pure wireless audio. This elegant speaker system with a contemporary look that complements any modern interior décor, is a recent winner of the prestigious German-based “red dot award: product design 2010” in the Audio Category for its outstanding design quality and product innovation selected by an international panel of top-class experts.

Incorporating award-winning Bluetooth technology*, apt-X audio codec and speaker architecture tuned for the best wireless audio performance possible, this state-of-the-art speaker system works with any compatible stereo Bluetooth device to deliver the most compelling wireless audio experience.

• Seamless wireless music streaming with any compatible stereo Bluetooth mobile phone, portable media player, netbook, notebook and just about every Bluetooth A2DP enabled device
• Works with the iPhone, the iPod^† and the iPad when used with the bundled detachable iPod Transmitter
• apt-X — high performance low latency audio codec for superior stereo Bluetooth audio
• Built with premium components
• Full-frame monocoque exoskeleton for maximum rigidity
• In-house acoustics tuning and modelling ensures striking accuracy, detail and atmosphere, setting new benchmarks in one-piece speaker system design
• High performance drivers and digital amplifiers for balanced and dynamic audio clarity
• Integrated AUX-In for connecting to other audio devices
• Charges the iPhone and the iPod^† while docked

Creative Inspire S2 Wireless – Award-Winning 2.1 Wireless Speaker System
The Creative Inspire S2 Wireless speaker system, winner of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group Best of CES Award 2010, exemplifies the best in the evolution of Bluetooth technology. Enjoy crystal clear audio from its two compact yet high-performance satellite speakers and the highly efficient Creative DIRECT-THROW subwoofer, which delivers dynamic mid-bass – bringing music to life instantly!

• Plug and play wireless audio with any USB notebook or PC (No software drivers required)
• Seamless wireless streaming from any compatible stereo Bluetooth notebook or mobile device
• apt-X — high performance low latency audio codec for superior stereo Bluetooth audio
• Creative DIRECT-THROW subwoofer delivers dynamic mid-bass users can feel
• Large slot type rear port tube for improved air flow
• Digital volume control with Headphone-Out for private listening and AUX-In for connecting to MP3 players

Creative D200 – One-Piece Best-in-Class Wireless Speaker System
The Creative D200, while sharing the same sonic soul as the flagship ZiiSound D5, offers similar excellent audio performance at a more competitive price. World class standard in audio tuning enables it to deliver exceptional audiophile-like smoothness in audio quality.

• Simplistic design and efficient amplifiers and precision drivers encased in a highly braced single shell chassis for a distortion-free soothing playback
• Bluetooth interoperability** allows fuss free wireless connection for music enjoyment with stereo Bluetooth compatible devices such as mobile phones, netbooks, and other mobile devices
• apt-X — high performance low latency audio codec for superior stereo Bluetooth audio
• Integrated AUX-In for connecting to other audio devices

Creative D100 – Wireless Boombox
The high-efficiency drivers encased in the rear ported enclosure allow the Creative D100 to deliver desired levels of loudness and impactful bass. This versatile and portable speaker system will be an instant hit and the best choice for an affordable wireless boombox.

• Plays high quality wireless audio and controls** music with the iPhone, netbooks and other compatible Bluetooth mobile devices
• Integrated AUX-In for connecting to other audio devices
• The Creative D100 is powered by mains power supply or 4 widely available AA batteries. It is truly portable, keeping the music going wherever users go
• Choice of vibrant colours to suit different lifestyles

Pricing and Availability
The Creative wireless speaker systems range will be available at the online store at sg.store.creative.com, The CREATIVE Stores at International Business Park and Marina Square and authorised dealers in Singapore.

• The ZiiSound D5 is currently available at the suggested retail price of S$399.00
• The USB Transmitter (Creative BT-D1) worth S$59.00 will be bundled free of charge with the ZiiSound D5 speaker system during the initial launch promotion period at the online store at sg.store.creative.com from 13 April 2010 while stocks last.
• Both the USB Transmitter (Creative BT-D1) and the iPod Transmitter (Creative BT-D5) are also available for purchase as individual accessories from mid May 2010 onwards at the suggested retail price of S$59.00 each.
• The Creative Inspire S2 Wireless is currently available at the suggested retail price of S$199.00.
• The Creative D200 and Creative D100 will be available from July 2010 onwards at the suggested retail prices of S$149.00 and S$89.00 respectively.

For more information about the entire wireless speaker system range, please visit www.creative.com/wireless.

^† Excludes the iPod shuffle

* Incorporates the same Bluetooth technology found in the Creative Inspire S2 Wireless Speaker System – winner of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group Best of CES Award 2010

** Supports A2DP and AVRCP profiles

About Creative
Creative is a worldwide leader in digital entertainment products. Famous for its Sound Blaster^® sound cards and for launching the multimedia revolution, Creative is now driving digital entertainment on the PC platform with products like its highly acclaimed ZEN^® MP3 and portable media players. Creative’s innovative hardware, proprietary technology, applications and services leverage the Internet, enabling consumers to experience high-quality digital entertainment – anytime, anywhere.

04/02/2010

The latest release from Jaybird is the BlueBuds Bluetooth Headphones, which utilize apt-X audio coding technology for cleaner, clearer, bassier highs.

With smartphones taking the place of standalone MP3 players more and more, it’s no wonder we have a proliferation of stereo Bluetooth headsets on the market. No stranger to this space is JayBird, which has been making uncharacteristically comfy sets for the past several years. 

Despite their small size, the BlueBuds manage to integrate a full array of tactile controls into the right earpiece. There’s a volume knob and buttons for controlling music playback and call functions. The headset is stylish, with rounded rectangular earpieces and muted silver and gray accents. They are also extremelu comfortable, based on the adjustable, contoured ear loops and angled earbud arms. The earpieces are connected via a flexible band that is designed to be worn at the base of the neck.

04/02/2010

APTX today announces the successful integration, test and commissioning of a wideband, full-duplex (2-way) voice-over-network (VoN) system for Microsoft Game Studios.

Engineered by APTX expressly for Microsoft Game Studios, this turnkey solution combines apt-X audio coding and special AoIP protocol software to enable high-quality, 2-way, voice telephony. The solution provided to Microsoft Game Studios is especially optimized for massively multi-player online games (MMOG) from Microsoft Game Studios in Redmond, Washington, USA.

APTX confirms that the apt-X codec and a new technology called stream-X are two of the major elements of this turnkey audio-streaming solution.  The first element, apt-X , is a predictive audio coding engine offering  significant bit rate efficient compression and delivering flawless, multiple-channel audio with imperceptible latency (delay); the second element, audio middleware code-named stream-X, is provisionally described as a packet-based data transport fabric for the retro-integration of high-performance HD-VoIP/LL-AoIP services in existing IP based Content Distribution Networks (CDN).  Originally developed for wireless digital networks and transport of HDTV Surround-Sound over AES pair, apt-X is one of several audio coding engines developed by APTX that can be integrated into stream-X.   As a stand-alone codec, apt-X has been widely used in Broadcast, Cinema and Consumer products, specifically Stereo Bluetooth.

Making the announcement from APTX’s North American offices in Irvine, California, Mike Canevaro, VP Business Development: “Every games studio knows that live, 2-way, voice-chat is absolutely essential to the flow of massively multi-player online games.  So, we’re absolutely thrilled to have delivered this key differentiating and compelling feature to Microsoft Game Studio.”

Canevaro continued: “The audio coding and transport technology that APTX has cemented into this particular infrastructure is unparalleled, both in its size and scope. And it has potential global reach.  There’s no reason why the same solution to this common challenge could not be deployed in other massively multi-player online gaming networks.”

 14/01/2010

From the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2010 in Las Vegas, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, Inc. (SIG) announced Creative and apt-X Creative Inspire S2 Wireless Speakers as the winner of its 5th Annual Best of CES 2010 Awards, an event held during CES to highlight the innovative and user friendly Bluetooth enabled products that will be making their mark on the consumer electronics industry in the coming year.

“As the industry prepares for a groundbreaking year in wireless technology, certain products stand above all others as outstanding Bluetooth enabled devices, bringing together functionality, innovative design, and a positive user-friendly experience,” said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director of the Bluetooth SIG. “The Creative Inspire S2 Wireless Speakers, the winner of the 5th annual awards program, exemplifies all these characteristics and more, capturing the best in the evolution of Bluetooth technology.”

Mike Canevaro, VP Licensing for APTX said, “Winning the Bluetooth SIG Best of CES Award is a fantastic endorsement of apt-X. It is considered by many to be the saviour of Stereo Bluetooth Audio and as such no product should go to market without apt-X.”

Fifty-four devices were submitted for consideration and were carefully tested and inspected by the Bluetooth SIG based on a variety of criteria including interoperability testing, containing expected profiles, and ease of use. Bonus points were awarded to those products that included Experience Icons on the product packaging or the product website, and also for products utilizing the newly adopted Bluetooth V3.0 specification. After ten finalists were selected, one overall winner was chosen.

Back this year was the category of User’s Choice where visitors to www.bluetooth.com/userschoice were given the chance to vote for their top pick from ten previously selected finalists and enter to win one of the finalist products. Voting opened December 8 and remained open until January 3. Over 300 votes were received and one winner was chosen as the fan favorite in addition to the overall Best of CES 2010 winner.  The User’s Choice winner for 2010 was the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000.

 30/12/2009

Audio design houses team to provide high-spec, low-cost, add-in module for passive-speaker OEMs that combines high-efficiency Class-D amplification with Stereo Bluetooth module plus apt-X based A2DP.

Audio design engineering companies APTX, Bang & Olufsen ICEpower, and Bluegiga Technologies have joined forces to produce a highly integrated module reference design and evaluation kit for speaker OEMs seeking to upgrade existing passive products to wireless active systems.  This new module concept combines Class D amplification from ICEpower, a wireless interface from Bluegiga, and audio coding software from APTX.  The collaboration between APTX, ICEpower and Bluegiga combines the core competencies of each company to produce a high-performance, easy-to-integrate solution that offers the following benefits to speaker OEMs: a comprehensive evaluation kit with proven hardware and firmware; accelerated new product development; supports the market shift to wireless and active loudspeaker systems; and establishes technology leadership through partnering with strategic manufacturers.

 Speaking at CES 2010, Stephen Wray, VP Licensing of APTX said:  “This is great news for speaker OEMs seeking to upscale their products from simple passives to cutting-edge wireless active technology.  ICEpower was one of the first audio companies to pioneer the industry transformation from analog to high-efficiency switching technologies.  With this new modular solution, electronics OEMs can now retro-fit existing passive loudspeaker systems, provide Bluetooth wireless interoperability, and deliver really professional audio quality that’s indistinguishable from wired speaker systems. This new modular solution delivers a very impressive dynamic range of more than 92dB at CD sampling rates (16bit/44.1kHz).”
 
ICEpower has raised the power-efficiency of the amplifier and power supply from the 50-70% found in traditional analogue designs, to 80-95% thanks to advance Class D techniques. This helps make audio devices much “greener”.

14/01/2010

APTX, the high-performance audio coding company, today announces that Altec Lansing, one of the world’s leading global brands in high-quality speaker and earphone products, has become the newest licensee of apt-X technology for use in Bluetooth A2DP wireless connected High-Fidelity Stereo audio applications. Altec Lansing (Milford, Pennsylvania) is the maker of the consumer electronics industry’s first “Works with iPhone” stereo speaker-dock system.

Embedded in silicon and/or software, apt-X technology – a suite of precision algorithms for high-performance, low-latency, professional audio compression – facilitates wire-free streaming of full-spectrum Stereo audio for Bluetooth A2DP enabled portable electronic devices, including “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” audio products, portable media players, mobiles and smartphones, e-book readers, netbooks and laptops, gaming consoles and TVs.

Commenting at CES 2010 on the announcement, Stephen Wray, VP Licensing of APTX said:  “APTX is delighted to service Altec Lancing’s new product development strategy needs for high-performance audio coding solutions to deliver high-quality, low-latency digital audio over wireless personal area networks, such as paired Bluetooth A2DP devices, and wireless home networks.  APTX looks forward to a building with Altec Lansing, a strong technology partnership founded on shared values in acoustic excellence and customer satisfaction.”

Altec Lansing created the original desktop PC speakers and the first “Made for iPod” audio dock. The company’s latest speaker systems feature bold new acoustic designs for listening on-the-go, watching movies, and interactive gaming. Wray added: “Audiophiles everywhere equate Altec Lansing’s trusted global brand with great sound and continuous innovation in personal audio.”