ASUS Launches Blue Cave

ASUS Launches Blue Cave

-- Dual-band AC2600 router for smart homes combines Intel® WiFi technology and comprehensive family security in a unique compact design --

Fremont, CA (January 30, 2017) — ASUS today launched Blue Cave, a high-performance AC2600 Wi-Fi router based on Intel’s latest connected home technology that's built to meet the demanding needs of modern smart homes. Blue Cave is an easy-to-use, innovatively designed router featuring family-friendly features like easy PC-free network setup and control, via the intuitive ASUS Router App for Android and iOS devices. It's built to cope easily with the increasingly complex and bandwidth-heavy demands of smart home networks, offering superb multi-device performance powered by the Intel® Home WiFi chipset, comprehensive commercial-grade security with ASUS AiProtection, and out-of-the-box IoT integration with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT. “Combining years of ASUS experience in wireless innovation and Intel’s connected home technology, Blue Cave delivers ultrafast WiFi speeds throughout your home,” said Tenlong Deng, General Manager, ASUS Networking and Wireless Devices Business Unit. “Not only is it powerful with easy to use control features, its eye-catching design without external antennas blends perfectly with any décor.”

Elegantly Designed WiFi for Smart Homes Blue Cave combines ASUS engineering expertise and Intel’s home Wi-Fi technology to deliver ultrafast AC2600-class concurrent dual-band WiFi speeds throughout the home, ensuring smooth 4K UHD video streaming and gaming, and fast file downloads. With Intel’s latest technology, the router has more than enough capacity to handle the simultaneous data demands of multiple devices found in today’s smart homes plus dedicated bandwidth for software and security features. “Consumers are bringing more connected devices into their homes and need a network that can keep up now and in the future,” said Dan Artusi, Vice President and General Manager, Intel’s Connected Home Division. “We are collaborating with the industry to transform home connectivity and unleash a new era of smart home experiences. With a unique, eye-catching design, ASUS Blue Cave is a great example of an innovative solution based on Intel technology that fits into lifestyle aesthetics while delivering top performance.” Blue Cave has a strikingly compact design that fits anywhere. Blue Cave's unique styling and powerful performance are both made possible by ASUS’ sophisticated WiFi engineering. Internal antennas are often a compromise: they allow a cleaner external design, but they can be prone to performance-sapping interference. In Blue Cave, the location and orientation of the four fully-optimized antennas relative to each other and to the internal circuitry was engineered to deliver the best possible WiFi signal in all directions.

Ultimate Protection for the Whole Family Blue Cave incorporates ASUS AiProtection, the first commercial-grade security for home networks. AiProtection, powered by Trend Micro™, is free for the life of the product, and protects every connected smart device on the network, including IoT devices. Blue Cave incorporates Advanced Parental Controls, allowing users to keep a watchful eye on the family’s internet usage, and decide how much internet time or what apps each family member is allowed. State-of-the-art parental controls let users block specific categories of mobile apps and websites — and apply these settings to all devices belonging to a family member — while allowing free access to the rest of the internet. ASUS even expands that protection to other devices as Blue Cave includes a year's free Trend Micro™ Mobile Security package for two mobile devices and Trend Micro Titanium Antivirus+ for two Windows based PCs. Redemption instructions are included in the box. This offer is available until December 31, 2018.

Smart Home Ready Blue Cave is a smart router for smart homes. It offers out-of-the-box support for IFTTT and Amazon Alexa, so users can easily integrate Blue Cave into a smart home to make their lives easier. For example, a user could just tell Alexa to suspend the Wi-Fi during a family dinner to prevent interruptions, or use IFTTT to get an automatic email notification when children arrive home. Blue Cave enables endless possibilities for smart living.

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AVAILABILITY & PRICING ASUS Blue Cave is available now at a suggested MSRP of $179.99 USD at Amazon, Fry's, Newegg and other leading retailers in North America. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information or visit us at ASUS North America. Watch the story behind Blue Cave at ASUS-YouTube and learn more about our class leading Router App here.

SPECIFICATIONS¹     ASUS Blue Cave Antennas   4 x Internal dual-band antenna Operating Frequency   Concurrent dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi Data Rate   802.11b: up to 11Mbps 802.11a/g: up to 54Mbps 802.11n: up to 450Mbps 256QAM (2.4GHz): up to 800Mbps 802.11ac (5GHz): up to 1733Mbps Network Standards   IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IPv4, IPv6 Memory   128MB flash & 512MB DDR3 RAM I/O Ports   1 x Gigabit WAN port 4 x Gigabit LAN port 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 port Software   AiProtection, Amazon Alexa skill and IFTTT support, ASUS Router App, AiCloud 2.0, Airtime Fairness, Traffic Analyzer, Guest Network, VPN Server/ client, IPTV support, Mac OS Backup Controls   WPS button Reset button Power button DC Power Adapter   AC input: 100V~240V(50~60Hz) DC output: 19V with max. 1.75A current Package Contents   RJ-45 cable Quick Start Guide Power adapter Dimensions   6.3 x 6.3 x 3.1 in 160 x 160 x80mm (W x H x D) ¹ Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors. Full specifications are available at http://www.asus.com

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About ASUS ASUS is one of Fortune magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies, and is dedicated to creating products for today and tomorrow’s smart life. Our comprehensive portfolio includes Zenbo, ZenFone, ZenBook and a range of IT devices and components, along with AR, VR and IoT. ASUS employs more than 17,000 people worldwide and over 5,500 world-class R&D talents. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, the company won 4,385 awards and earned approximately US$13.3 billion of revenue in 2016.

beyerdynamic to present FOX Microphone at NAMM: The professional USB Studio Microphone for Music Recordings, YouTube Videos and Podcasting

beyerdynamic to present FOX Microphone at NAMM:

The professional USB Studio Microphone for Music Recordings, YouTube Videos and Podcasting

NAMM 2018 - BOOTH #14106

Farmingdale, New York - January 24, 2018 - beyerdynamic, a premier leader in audio technology, announced today that they will be displaying their brand-new FOX USB-C microphone at the 2018 NAMM Show, which is ideal for music recordings, YouTube videos, Podcasting and more.   FOX combines a microphone, preamplifier, AD converter and headphone amplifier – making it the easiest and best solution for in-studio, at home, or on-the-go recording.   

Studio-quality microphone technology

The beyerdynamic FOX features a high-quality microphone capsule, as found in professional studio microphones around the world. This large-membrane condenser microphone provides high sensitivity compared to common dynamic microphones. This means that even quiet sounds and the finest nuances can be captured perfectly. The cardioid polar pattern shields against rear-incident noise, providing ideal protection against background noise. The elastic suspension on the microphone capsule prevents structure-borne noise – eliminating footsteps and fret noises. The microphone capsule’s high quality is no accident: beyerdynamic has more than 90 years of experience in developing and constructing a wide variety of microphones. beyerdynamic has been responsible for the audio quality of countless music, sound and television productions. The new FOX provides beginners with access to the results of this extensive wealth of experience.

Plug-and-play, no complicated assembly

One of the great strengths of the beyerdynamic FOX is its simplicity. Microphone recordings normally require a preamplifier and an AD converter as well as a microphone. If you then want to listen to the recording, you’ll need a DA converter and headphone amplifier or loudspeakers. Not so with the FOX: A USB cable, a computer and a pair of headphones like the DT 770 are all you need to make first-class productions quickly and easily. The engineers at beyerdynamic have managed to fit all the components you need for professional recording into the compact FOX. Integrated Cirrus Logic converters offer up to 24 bit at a sampling frequency of 96 kHz – that means sophisticated studio quality.  However, set-up is still remarkably simple: a single USB cable links the microphone to a computer, the headphones plug directly into the microphone.

Range of functions and scope of delivery for an immediate start

The beyerdynamic FOX combines a microphone, preamplifier, converter and headphone amplifier – and is still accessible and easy to use. An adjuster on the front controls the volume for the powerful headphone amplifier. Another adjuster sends the microphone signal to the headphones, giving you instant control. A button on the back of the microphone regulates the gain and enables use of the FOX for especially loud sources. A mute button makes it easy to, for example, cut the sound of a cough during live online transmissions. Beyerdynamic supplies the FOX with a range of accessories for immediate use. A pop shield prevents disruptive popping noises when talking, a base allows you to position the microphone on a table or lectern, and a clamp allows you to mount it to a microphone stand. An orange USB cable sets an additional highlight, as well as a thread adapter 5/8-3/8, which is also included.

Studio quality on the move

Another advantage of the ultra-compact beyerdynamic FOX is the system’s portability. Instead of requiring a microphone, preamplifier, converter and a variety of connecting cables, the compact microphone and USB cable are all you need for perfect recordings when on the go. FOX is even compatible with mobile devices on iOS and Android with the right adaptor. This makes it easy to record with the highest sound requirements anywhere and with minimal effort.

FOX will be available from spring 2018 in many music specialist stores and in the beyerdynamic online shop at www.beyerdynamic.com/FOX. The recommended retail price is EUR 179. Follow the FOX to find out about pre-orders and special sales promotions.

About beyerdynamic

Over 90 years of experience in developing audio electronics, beyerdynamic GmbH & Co. KG, Heilbronn, Germany, stands for innovative audio products with top sound quality and ground-breaking technology.  All our products are developed in Germany and are manufactured mainly by hand – from hi-fi headphones to stage microphones to conference and interpreting systems.

New KENWOOD Amplifiers and Subwoofers Add Installation Versatility

New KENWOOD Amplifiers and Subwoofers Add Installation Versatility

New mono-block amps pair with Hi-Res Audio amplifiers and multimedia receivers LONG BEACH, CALIF., January 18, 2018 (MEDIAWIRE) – – With the release of new Hi-Res Audio amplifiers, KENWOOD has introduced a series of subwoofer and mono-block amplifiers that both complement the new products and provide better integration options for system designers. Two subwoofer amplifiers, a powered subwoofer, and a versatile woofer that can be had with or without an enclosure make up the 2018 offerings. With an MSRP of $450, the KENWOOD eXcelon XR601-1 is a single-channel power amplifier that is rated at 600 watts at two ohms. Its more powerful partner, the KENWOOD eXcelon XR1001-1, rates 1,000 watts at two ohms and carries an MSRP of $650. Both feature speaker-level and low-level inputs, include a bass control knob and are scheduled to ship this month. The new KSC-PSW8 amplified subwoofer features an eight-inch driver and 250-watt max amplifier in an enclosure suited for simpler installs under a truck’s rear bench seats. MSRP for the KSC-PSW8 is $350 and it will also ship this month. For custom installs, the KENWOOD eXcelon XR-W804 handles 300 watts RMS through its single four-ohm input. It features a new, evenly dispersed spider to improve durability and an oversized diaphragm for lower frequency response. Despite the larger diaphragm, the speaker is designed to fit into a standard 8-inch subwoofer opening. Shipping this month, the XR-W804 has an MSRP of $180. It will also ship as the KENWOOD eXcelon P-XW804B in a down-firing, vented subwoofer enclosure with an MSRP of $230. “Integration is the driving force of our industry,” said Tony Mercado, marketing manager for the KENWOOD brand. “As we build products to fit more vehicle applications, it only makes sense that our subwoofers and subwoofer amplifiers follow suit. Our new, low-profile amplifiers carry the same look as our Hi-Res Audio amplifiers, giving installers more system design options, whether the intent is show or stealth.” For more information on select models and features, visit www.kenwood.com/usa. About JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation and is a leading developer of imaging, home and car entertainment, and navigation products for the consumer market, two-way radio communications systems for public safety, private industry and amateur users, and video equipment for the broadcast and professional markets. For detailed information, call JVCKENWOOD USA at 1-800-950-5005 or visit us at http://us.jvckenwood.com, www.kenwood.com/usa and www.jvc.com.

New KENWOOD Flagship Multimedia Receivers Provide Premium Features Tailored to a Driver’s Music Media Preferences

New KENWOOD Flagship Multimedia Receivers Provide Premium Features Tailored to a Driver’s Music Media Preferences

Topline trio lets users prioritize DVD, navigation or streaming media LAS VEGAS, January 10, 2018 (MEDIAWIRE) – KENWOOD’s top eXcelon multimedia receiver lineup consists of two models that feature significant improvements from last year, as well as a new model that defines the current culture of portable media content. The DNX995S (MSRP $1,500.00) features DVD playback and onboard navigation by Garmin™, accessed through a 6.8-inch, high-definition capacitive touch screen with anti-glare / anti reflection coating and viewing angle adjustment. Favoring drivers who would rather use their phone-based navigation through a connection to the multimedia receiver, the DDX9905 (MSRP $1,100) offers the same feature set without navigation. And for those who fully embrace no-disc digital media, the new, mech-less DMX905S (MSRP $850.00) provides a larger 6.95-inch standard-definition screen thanks to the lack of a DVD transport, without navigation. All three models carry a feature set centered on expanding the driver’s smartphone-based entertainment and information apps. They include compatibility with Apple CarPlay™ (for iPhone® users) and Android Auto™ (for Android-based smartphone users), which enable safe use of smartphone navigation and entertainment apps through the KENWOOD receiver. Streaming music service TIDAL™ and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio are now accessible through Apple CarPlay. Android smartphone users can access the Google Assistant™, letting users get answers to questions, manage their schedules, make calls and control connected smart devices with their voice. They can also connect to Android Auto wirelessly, letting them leave their phones in a pocket or bag rather than use the phone’s USB cable to connect it to the KENWOOD receiver. Smartphone compatibility also extends to other apps. With the KENWOOD WebLink® platform application on a connected smartphone, users can access and control their Waze™ navigation, YouTube™ and Yelp™ accounts on the KENWOOD receiver display screen, as well as see the latest weather. KENWOOD WebLink works with a wired or wireless connection on the three flagship models, for both iOS and Android. Also part of the KENWOOD WebLink experience is NextRadio, a service that provides artist information, song titles and album art when listening to traditional AM/FM Radio. In addition, two KENWOOD features empower passengers to participate in the in-vehicle entertainment. KENWOOD Remote allows source selection, volume control and system equalization changes from a Bluetooth®-connected smartphone, and KENWOOD Music Mix lets up to five passengers play streaming or stored music from their Bluetooth-connected smartphones to create an ongoing music set. The flagship trio is designed to work as a standalone audio upgrade, connecting directly to two sets of speakers with internal amplification, or function as the center point of an audiophile system replete with separates, amplifiers and subwoofers. All include built-in HD Radio® are Sirius XM Satellite Radio-ready, connecting to the SiriusXM Connect SXV300 satellite radio tuner (sold separately). They will also control popular streaming services Pandora Radio® and Spotify® directly from the receiver interface. Three sets of gold-plated RCA-style connectors send five-volt signals to add-on digital signal processing or amplifiers. Each is capable of Hi-Res Audio playback, and audio is tailored with an on-board, 13-band equalizer with digital time alignment. Driving safety on the flagship models is implemented with two camera inputs, one of which is a dedicated rear-camera input that shows the rear view when the vehicle is put into reverse gear. Vehicle status can be monitored from the multimedia display with the addition of the ADS idataLink Maestro, a separately-sold interface that connects to the vehicle data bus to provide battery voltage, vehicle diagnostics and other information. Each model also includes connectivity to KENWOOD’s proprietary DRV-N520, a high-resolution dash camera and safety system that records incidents based on user settings. The DRV-N520 is controlled through the KENWOOD receiver, and its footage can be reviewed on the receiver’s display. “Our flagship models represent the best technology and user experience we have to offer,” said Tony Mercado, marketing manager for the KENWOOD brand. “However, we recognize that our best must align with how our customers consume content, and give them a feature set that fits their preferences. Expanding our topline choices to three receivers lets our KENWOOD eXcelon retailers and their customers build a premium, personalized in-vehicle experience.” For more information on select models and features, visit www.kenwood.com/usa.