Microchip Launches Wireless Audio Platform

Microchip has announced the first Wi-Fi audio connectivity platform that supports all of the major mobile and PC operating systems along with the DLNA standard. This includes seamless support for iOS/AirPlay, Android, Windows 8 mobile and PC, and Macin one solution. The JukeBlox 3.2 platform and software development kitoperates on all of Microchip’s existing JukeBlox network media processors and modules and further adds JB Cloud, which enables a new consumer experience by directly streaming cloud-based music services while using mobile devices as remote controls.  This eliminates the need for mobile devices to act as servers, where they consume power and must stop the music to take phone calls or support other personal audio functions, freeing them up to be personal communication and Internet devices.  Additionally, the SDK expands whole-home audio functions via JB MultiZone 2.0, enabling more robust and extensive simultaneous synchronized audio streaming and control to multiple JB-enabled devices in the home. This platform includes SoCs and modules for Wi-Fi networking and media processing, an application software layer for mobile devices and control interfaces, peripheral interfaces and control, and GUI options. The JukeBlox 3.2 SDK, paired with any JukeBlox network media processor or module, is available for sampling and volume production.  Pricing starts at $12.00 each for the company’s DM870A Wi-Fi network media processor chipset, combined with the JB3.2 software, in quantities of 25,000 units per year

MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY