Samsung announced its 2026 audio ecosystem at CES, featuring new Q-Series soundbars and Music Studio speakers designed for immersive, multi-device sound that adapts to different rooms and moments, enhancing mindful living and seamless home entertainment.
Las Vegas' new venue, Sphere, is opening with cutting-edge technology including its unique bowl-shaped theater and 4D multisensory effects. The venue's audio capabilities, developed in collaboration with Holoplot, allow for precise control and movement of sound objects in three-dimensional space, creating a realistic and immersive audio experience. Sphere's visual capabilities, including its massive LED screen, are complemented by the development of a groundbreaking camera called Big Sky, which pushes the boundaries of filmmaking technology. These advancements have the potential to revolutionize the concert business and live entertainment industry, and Sphere's team has already filed over 60 patents to protect their innovations.
Dolby has announced a new feature called Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, which pairs TV speakers with wireless speakers in the room to optimize sound based on the room layout and speaker locations. This technology allows for customized Dolby Atmos sound profiles unique to each user's home, regardless of room size or furniture positioning. The setup is quick and easy, with acoustic mapping done using microphones inside the TV. FlexConnect adjusts the sound for each speaker, creating a more consistent immersive sound experience throughout the room. Interoperability with different manufacturers' products could be a key factor in the success of this technology.
Dolby has introduced a new feature called Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, which seamlessly pairs a TV's sound system with accessory wireless speakers to deliver a more extensive and immersive Dolby Atmos sound experience. This feature intelligently optimizes the sound for any room layout and speaker setup, allowing users to place wireless speakers anywhere in the room without compromising audio quality. TCL will be the first TV manufacturer to offer FlexConnect with its upcoming 2024 TV lineup, along with a line of wireless speakers optimized for the feature. However, this innovation will require a new TV and wireless speakers, limiting its appeal to those who recently purchased a 4K HDR television.
U2's Bono and The Edge took Apple Music's Zane Lowe on an exclusive tour of the new Sphere performance venue in Las Vegas, where the band will perform their album 'Achtung Baby' in full. The venue was built specifically for live performances and the arts, with immersive sound and no speakers. U2 will perform five shows at the Sphere between late September and early October, but the residency will not replace touring. Fans will need to be U2.com subscribers or register for Ticketmaster's Verified Fan scheme to obtain tickets.