LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Frontier Silicon, a leading supplier of consumer audio technologies, announces that its Minuet platform has been chosen by Scandinavian audio pioneer, Zound Industries, to power its new range of connected audio speakers with Chromecast built-in under the Urbanears brand.
Chromecast built-in is a new audio technology, for global markets, which enables smart speakers to stream via Wi-Fi over 150 online music services, such as Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Pandora and iHeartRadio.
Frontier Silicon is one of a very small number of solution providers chosen by Google to work on this technology. Frontier’s Minuet platform provides a complete toolkit for brands and manufacturers to develop smart audio devices with Chromecast built-in, quickly and cost-effectively. Minuet also offers Airplay, Spotify Connect, Internet Radio, Mobile Apps and Bluetooth. Frontier recently updated its software so that all Minuet-based speakers now work with the Google Assistant, which means they can be controlled using voice via a Google Home device or phones running newer versions of Android. Frontier also developed the ‘Urbanears Connected’ mobile apps on iOS and Android through which consumers can access the enhanced control and features of their speakers.
Urbanears is part of the Stockholm-based Zound Industries group and is best known for its headphones and headphone accessories, including the world-renowned Plattan series. The company is releasing a line of Connected Speakers which bring connectivity and high quality sound to the multi-room listening experience. The user experience, designed in close collaboration between Zound and Frontier, is based on a top panel that gives instant access to cloud sources, and has seven pre-sets for local playback. To finish off the simplicity and uniqueness, you can press a single button to make the speaker join a multi-room group. The first two products in this line are the Stammen and Baggen – available in a range of stylish colours.
Anthony Sethill, CEO, Frontier Silicon, said:
“Frontier and Zound have worked very closely to develop a unique smart audio speaker which combines class-leading functionality and the highest standards of design – with a clear focus on simplicity and usability. We are delighted that Frontier’s Minuet platform offers the state-of-the-art technology at the core of this product proposition.”
Oscar Axhede, co-founder and creative director at Urbanears, said:
“We wanted to create a listening experience to bring the best of sound and connectivity into people’s homes, without listeners having to figure out how to make the technology work. Our technology partnership with Frontier has allowed us to achieve this goal.”
About Frontier Silicon Limited
Frontier Silicon is the world’s leading supplier of technology solutions for digital radio and smart audio products. Frontier Silicon’s audio products offer solutions for DAB/DAB+, Internet Radio and Wi-Fi enabled wireless speakers and soundbars - from silicon through software to production-ready platform designs. Customers supplied by Frontier Silicon include Bose, Denon, Grundig, harman/kardon, Onkyo, Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, Pure, Roberts, Sony, TechniSat, Yamaha, Zound Industries and many more.
Frontier Silicon is a trademark or registered trademark of Frontier Silicon Ltd. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
About Urbanears
Urbanears is at the forefront of human-centred design and innovation. Founded in Stockholm in 2008, the company has grown to see their headphones used by consumers all over the world. Today Urbanears can still be found in their hometown of Stockholm and continues to produce its famous headphones, but they have also now developed a wide range of high-tech electronic hardware products which are sold internationally by top tier high street and online retailers.
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