00:00:00: Hey there, my name is Usheen Lonnie and welcome to Audio Talks presented by Harman.

00:00:05: Now this the podcast where we explore how sound shapes culture!

00:00:09: And this series as you might know already it's a JBL takeover.

00:00:13: that right.

00:00:13: so we are celebrating eighty wonderful years of JBL... ...and this series of audio talks will be taking back at eight decades of powering voices across studios, stages, cinemas and providing the soundtrack to our everyday lives.

00:00:28: We are also of course going be looking forward what's next in immersive audio innovation.

00:00:34: now have a think about that.

00:00:36: last time you pressed play button maybe it was on pair of headphones as you are on your commute, or beautiful headphones like these JBLs.

00:00:46: Or maybe it was a portable Bluetooth speaker that this lovely JBL speaker... Maybe you were at the beach just days ago?

00:00:53: Or maybe you're zoning out in your favourite video game late at night with a nice pair of earbuds!

00:01:00: So have to think about those moments because they sound very clear and not necessarily something you hear It's something you feel inside, so it is part of your experience.

00:01:10: Now today audio no longer tied to a device or place that moves with us, adapts and increasingly surrounds us.

00:01:19: And in this episode we are going to be exploring how the shift happened from the rise of portable social sound... ...to break through spatial audio which adds depth dimension and emotion to everything we listen too.

00:01:33: So, we're going dive into the latest generation of portable speakers powered by AI to deliver bigger smarter sound wherever you go.

00:01:41: and I'm gonna have a look at how audio is shaping culture from everyday moments for the world of gaming.

00:01:46: And i am delighted to be joined by two VIPs From The Harman Ecosystem.

00:01:50: Great To See You Again.

00:01:52: Carsten Olesen the President Of Consumer Audio At Harman.

00:01:55: How Are You Doing?

00:01:56: Welcome Back!

00:01:59: Fantastic.

00:02:00: And we are indeed getting the band back together as we welcome Back to The Podcast, as well Sharon paying the Senior Vice President of Global Engineering for Lifestyle Consumer Audio at Harman!

00:02:11: Welcome back Sharon.

00:02:12: how are you?

00:02:12: Hi it's a pleasure to be here Fantastic.

00:02:17: Well, it's a pleasure to have you both back on the podcast for this very auspicious eightieth anniversary JBL series.

00:02:24: so let's hit play together!

00:02:25: Let's start with yourself Carsten.

00:02:27: when you think about the phrase hitting play today versus ten to fifteen years ago what do you think has fundamentally changed in how we experience sound?

00:02:41: There's been tremendous changes to how the audio experience is being lived today versus just ten, fifteen years ago and that development I call it the unleashing of the audio-experience also very much fueled by what we called a wireless digital revolution.

00:02:57: The whole ecosystem of streaming audio And at the same time... ...the availability of wireless networks wherever we are today gives incredible amount of opportunities to experience audio.

00:03:10: So, also when you look at the type of audio experiences it's much more diverse than what was just ten fifteen years ago.

00:03:20: in these ten fifteen-years podcast channels like your own has become mainstream audiobooks gaming on the go all enabled by wireless digital revolution that we've seen the last fifteen.

00:03:33: Yeah, fantastic.

00:03:34: Okay and Sharon you've got a different perspective on this more from the engineering The technical side of things I mean how do you think that pressing play has changed in the past ten to fifteen years?

00:03:46: Absolutely!

00:03:47: i echo what you have introduced at the beginning And also what Carsten just described.

00:03:53: You know That whole environment People's behavior How they connect with music Has changed A lot.

00:04:00: So From an engineer perspective We're not just making the audio products for a fixed environment or fix tuning environments, design and preference use cases.

00:04:15: we have to look at whole wide range of the environment where usually people used different use-cases how they connect.

00:04:24: these products make it much more user friendly reachable whatever the music they would love to connect.

00:04:33: So that definitely measuring tools, tuning tools and data sharing.

00:04:38: that part.

00:04:39: well it's new challenges in the new sequence of the product comparing to ten years ago.

00:04:45: definitely a lot of very exciting interesting engineering moments also created in our work.

00:04:52: Fascinating, thank you both.

00:04:54: Okay we're going to move on the next question now.

00:04:56: Karsten your a bit of an OG.

00:04:57: You've been in The Field for some time and you have seen this shift from fixed systems To completely portable audio.

00:05:06: Now was there A specific moment when you realised that Audio Was no longer tied anywhere It's just available.

00:05:16: Yes, I think we realized you could see it coming from a long distance.

00:05:21: So about the time when we introduced our first totally wireless product that wasn't actually called Flip One... We didn't know there would be becoming a flip predecessor.

00:05:32: so at this point in time like around ten or two thousand and eleven years ago rapidly developing multiple directions as we talked about before.

00:05:43: Multi-channel audio and home cinema, podcast channels... We were also aware that our audio devices needed to function in many, many different environments.

00:05:53: That's so cool!

00:05:54: And Sharon likewise you have a perspective on this evolution and today you talk a lot about the idea of sound being very personal been very individual to the listener.

00:06:05: how do you think that idea has shaped modern audio innovation?

00:06:10: When we used to talk about consumer products listening device it is always like kind products, like we're more thinking about the product itself rather than experience.

00:06:24: Now this shifted from consumer accepting that device to now the consumers centric oriented devices and become more personal connected with each individual consumers.

00:06:36: so From engineering perspective it's a mindset change.

00:06:40: pretty much is not like To the device.

00:06:44: More standing on user point of view, what exactly this device should be.

00:06:50: And personal which means like where they're using the devices?

00:06:55: What is environmental there?

00:06:57: listening you know from that perspective or kind system would adapt to listeners?

00:07:03: usage of these?

00:07:05: do we need make it adaptive to environment noise?

00:07:10: That's where the adaptive ANC acoustic noise cancellation coming in, and also preference-based tuning makes the user be more connected with whatever they prefer to listen.

00:07:23: So equalization part become also connect through their personal use.

00:07:28: And then we're talking about multi channels.

00:07:31: We are talking about spatial sound.

00:07:34: All of this definitely AI supported measurement innovations will make All this technology is more interesting, more adapting to the personal uses.

00:07:46: So those are really the interesting innovation direction we're pursuing... ...to make these personal sound more connected with our users and have a pleasant

00:07:58: experience.".

00:07:59: That's fantastic!

00:08:00: I mean, PERSONAL is quite small word But it really contains so much technology, and innovation in detail.

00:08:07: And thoughtfulness about what's the best possible experience for the listener at the end?

00:08:11: So that's a really fascinating thank you!

00:08:13: And Karsten coming back to yourself I mean we've spoken about evolution away from the fixed systems... ...and now there is all.

00:08:19: this innovation started with the flip-back in a day.

00:08:23: but if you cast your mind back was there risk of JBL moving away from wired big box systems.

00:08:33: When Bluetooth audio was first introduced, it was maybe an earlier version.

00:08:37: how did you kind of navigate that?

00:08:39: You know in business we all carry a risk of missing a technology curve which may be differential to the health of your company.

00:08:49: but the brand of JBL has been vibrant for eight decades as we celebrate this eighty years anniversary And when you think about JBL, it's kind of evergreen.

00:09:00: It is like always relevant and I think that resilience the brand itself has been able to preserve... ...has really helped keep connection with its key target groups The music listeners, the music lovers out there musicians.

00:09:17: what have you That i think is key for JBL right?

00:09:20: That innovative spirit Always being relevant from Woodstock recordings even before The first powered audio movie cinema, right?

00:09:29: Recording studios.

00:09:30: It's such a heritage and that it still was so much future ahead... Right!

00:09:34: It is not really about staying safe in one place but always pushing the envelope embracing new technology doing it which honors that incredible heritage of JBL.

00:09:45: I really like that.

00:09:46: We're still involved in what we call vintage audio, right?

00:09:49: With horn-loaded speakers and your box speaker configurations That culture is still very vibrant Still very much alive.

00:09:56: So i would say that What you are doing on the wireless space with smaller portable solutions Is on top.

00:10:02: Right.

00:10:03: But it's just this.

00:10:04: audience Due to digital revolution has become dominant.

00:10:07: today When you look at streaming audio It's mostly consumed over Bluetooth Wireless Portable Speakers.

00:10:14: Yeah, and when you introduced the flip in particular I mean how did that kind of change what these consumers expected from their audio experience?

00:10:22: It was a part of our new ecosystem where you would have millions of songs in your pocket available everywhere And there wasn't need to be able to render these songs In a very easy way.

00:10:35: And Bluetooth became the dominant connectivity format for this situation.

00:10:39: so The Bluetooth speaker and the wireless ecosystem together prompted that change, this simplicity of bluetooth audio.

00:10:47: And of course you know we're enjoying audio these days in these social moments.

00:10:52: it's on the beaches It is in bars or balconies.

00:10:55: How much product design comes from human behaviour first rather than technology?

00:11:02: I want to add one point from an engineer perspective.

00:11:06: when were adding such a small speaker product range, people would think you know JBL famous on energy and powerfulness.

00:11:17: And on the dynamics.

00:11:19: can this speaker really deliver them?

00:11:21: I think in some way that portable speakers redefined their expectations and provided a lot of flexibility to our users and they never had it before.

00:11:33: so definitely i feel like at least in my life that put me, you know much more flexible.

00:11:40: listen to my favorite.

00:11:42: I always carry a speaker small one portable and with me when i'm traveling because it sounds much better When I listened to anything on my cell phones rather than plug into my ears excitement much, much better.

00:12:00: Regarding the design behavior related things definitely you know we're thinking more about what?

00:12:08: The behaviors and What kind of user environment that user would use.

00:12:14: I will think the design part definitely set some guidelines for how We need to engineering it And change our way off design actually Engineering at two not just by what it looks like.

00:12:29: Because, What It Looks Like implies a lot how it would work internally because if there's different shape with different behaviors that we'd like and use cases then the design inside engineering design will be completely different.

00:12:45: How much acoustic we need to provide but still needs to powerful?

00:12:49: Needed to be energetic?

00:12:50: Need To Be giving good full dynamics clear voice all of those engineers challenges we need to resolve.

00:12:58: It's really putting the customer at the center stage, right?

00:13:01: Its customers' centricity.

00:13:03: understanding these use cases as Sharon explains and I think that development from the engineering side has very much been how to render convincing audio from smaller and more compact, more portable devices have been leading that development right together with the mobility part.

00:13:27: Yeah, yeah totally.

00:13:29: I mean i do bring this gorgeous speaker with me when I travel sometimes and you know...I can use it as a soundbar!

00:13:35: It's like really it's not powerful does much good quality sound from such a small device.

00:13:41: It just makes such a difference, but Carsten I actually saw that both of you have been featured in this lovely commemorative magazine that we will link to the show notes and is celebrating JBL's eightieth anniversary.

00:13:52: And Carsten In your interview You mentioned about the importance of connectivity for the modern consumer?

00:13:57: The idea of connectivity for the consumer looked like from the JBL perspective.

00:14:05: We're living more and more in the world of ecosystems, there are several of them... ...and there's several protocols available as a starting point.

00:14:12: we always seek to be compatible through all ecosystems out there.

00:14:17: So no matter if you're streaming from any of the bigger platforms, we'll be able to render it No matter your Android or iOS.

00:14:25: It will be the same seamless experience.

00:14:27: right.

00:14:28: that's very important.

00:14:29: That is very key.

00:14:30: so We are not linked to anyone ecosystem.

00:14:33: I'd like To say that we Are building our own audio ecosystem that Is really diverse in its structure and compatible to all, that's what we are seeking.

00:14:43: Moving forward you can see that audio plays a really vital part of any ecosystem because any ecosystems in the end-of-the day needs a voice... And this voice is JBL or Harman Karan or any other of our great brains?

00:14:57: Absolutely!

00:14:58: I mean i have an iPhone myself and an Android device.. ..and i have speakers with AuraCast.... ...and just know whenever kind of hit that connect button, it's going to be amazing sound.

00:15:07: So you take all of the complicated under-the-hood stuff away and just bring them down into a single flip on your phone or a button in the device... It makes my life easier as music lover!

00:15:19: But I'd love to also reflect one of the trends our modern device landscape.

00:15:28: And that is personalization, its colors it's different designs.

00:15:32: and in fact you know we had the amazing spectacle of that wonderful artist Doja Cat bringing a kind of very swaggy JBL speaker onto their photoshoots with the Grammys...and there was big hit on fashion magazines.

00:15:44: I mean when do think speakers became lifestyle objects.

00:15:48: so not just audio devices but actually things like you would have as a fashionista or at home?

00:15:54: Simultaneously as the portable audio revolution kicked off, right?

00:16:00: You brought these devices with you.

00:16:01: And in the beginning we even called it personal audio because It's something that you carry with you and became kind of an extension for color.

00:16:10: how to express yourself Accessory program, right?

00:16:16: You bring in everything and put it on the table.

00:16:18: And uh... It's gonna look great!

00:16:20: Maybe even you're going to have matching your style.

00:16:22: Here we go, this kind of Swarovski-style JBL Goal.

00:16:26: I love it.

00:16:27: So i think that is what drives it To me absolutely.

00:16:32: Carsten was right.

00:16:33: Not only just a style or their favorite color For some people its identity.

00:16:39: They could own multiple skins colors of the things and matches with their fashion style, throwing expression on their feelings as well.

00:16:49: Absolutely Sharon I will never forget.

00:16:51: when we were at CES together all of us And you kind said listen We have a little preview in here.

00:16:58: In special room You had white version of The Party Box that was designed for ski slopes.

00:17:04: Oh my goodness!

00:17:05: That's genius, that is so good.

00:17:07: So like this technology is kind of fun.

00:17:10: it's alive and it fits into the lifestyle if consumers forever they want to enjoy it.

00:17:14: but Carsten you have in some interviews described sound as becoming alive and responsive.

00:17:22: now that Is very compelling to me.

00:17:25: tell us a bit more about what that actually means.

00:17:28: Well, it means several things at the same time.

00:17:31: To go back to what we talked about personalization and how we invest in unique customer experiences.

00:17:38: that's driven by proprietary technology right?

00:17:41: Just go back some of the basic technologies you find for instance on our upcoming new live series of headphones but not limited really.

00:17:50: first listening test is available as part hearing frequency.

00:17:59: responses are different.

00:18:01: So the opportunity to really personalize through a very, very high degree is now available right independent left side, left-right side measurements and EQing.

00:18:11: so you have personalized setup.

00:18:13: then when go into for instance spatial audio space The reason why spatial audio is relevant, not only in gaming but many spaces... ...is the fact that the spatial audio rendering provides believability in a virtual room.

00:18:32: That's the role of spatial audio and even teams calls or other calls are now using spatial audio to render more natural soundstage right?

00:18:41: The way the sound, echo, reflections are in a Virtual Room makes you understand Whether the room is small, whether it's large.

00:18:51: The science behind this is incredible its math based right?

00:18:55: So coming from that side personalization spatial audio and how... These systems respond to you as a person and how are you can influence?

00:19:04: it is in many ways leading our innovation.

00:19:07: And some of the works that we're doing, I was so called elapsed on the bigger scale were talking about several devices create a multi-channel sound field and how your balance that sound feel It really propels the audio experience to the next level, right?

00:19:23: And that is something we work with.

00:19:25: that Sharon and I are working in our development of our audio ecosystem.

00:19:29: How do you take different devices... ...that have different sizes, different frequency responses,... ..and put them together in one room...?

00:19:38: They auto-calibrate!

00:19:40: And they start playing perfectly synced together.

00:19:43: That's very powerful.

00:19:46: We started on tap.

00:19:48: And I think really will be for us leading in the future.

00:19:52: Also from, let's say a business consideration you know?

00:19:55: You buy one product and i think the access point is maybe a JBL flip... ...and to buy another one today.

00:20:01: that's a Bluetooth environment right!

00:20:03: You kind of connect these two devices together.

00:20:05: we are now launching the first generation of what they call AirTouch.. ..you don't need to tap any buttons just put them touch each other.

00:20:13: They connect and now you have a stereo sound state over Bluetooth LE.

00:20:17: So I go back to, one of the first questions that you asked how has audio evolution impacted business?

00:20:24: And listening experience... In some way the Bluetooth and portable audio revolution also went from stereo sound to mono-listening but now that same format is able render stereo.

00:20:39: Sharon showed her GoFive before.

00:20:42: it's fantastic But if you have another one, You'll be shocked when your listening to stereo from such two small devices.

00:20:50: I call it Two Go Fives as Sharon is probably the smallest stereo systems available on the planet.

00:20:57: Very convincing very powerful experience and something that we are both vested in right?

00:21:04: So thats where were going.

00:21:06: I can't wait to give that one a try, iIcan just see them bumping together and doubling the sound coverage.

00:21:11: That's great!

00:21:12: But you're talking about maths, calculations frequencies connectivity... Maybe I'm looking at you for this question Sharon?

00:21:22: Is there an element of AI under the word here or are using it to increase emotional impact on these musical moments ?

00:21:31: Yeah, absolutely.

00:21:33: We are already working on this aspect.

00:21:36: one of the very good things big data's modeling that whole thing instead off just solid data.

00:21:44: one two three four those single data.

00:21:46: they can be a sequence update us and also continuous updating.

00:21:52: whatever the model you are building, it's more like understand environment.

00:21:56: Understand the contextual settings.

00:21:59: so definitely that will make music setting more adaptive and personalized connect to emotions And with also further on we're researching biosensing part.

00:22:13: how exactly would connected without audio products?

00:22:18: that will add an extra layer to enable the AI together more powerful when we are doing audio settings.

00:22:26: We're looking at a whole aspect, how would enhance user experience by not let users understand all those underneath technologies their experiences become smarter and easier?

00:22:42: and stimulus.

00:22:44: I like that very much.

00:22:45: so basically you're giving consumers the option just to let the AI look after the technical stuff, make it work or happen in a beautiful way?

00:22:55: Can you tell us about the biosensing aspect of it?

00:22:57: does this mean these devices can maybe... ...tell how your feeling?

00:23:03: what is the aspect of biosensors there?

00:23:06: Biosensing technology isn't totally new But on the consumer product side of application layer, that accuracy.

00:23:15: how exactly can tell people's emotion.

00:23:18: That part still has a lot to do because talking about hearing, talking about saying eventually connect with our brains and help people really translate their emotions towards what they need or there reflecting what environment is into their brain.

00:23:37: What they hear, this is like a really very complicated mechanism.

00:23:43: what you feel about music.

00:23:45: so the biosensing part make connection but we have to do it in the right way.

00:23:51: and how do measure people's emotion?

00:23:53: How do you measure stress level?

00:23:56: Do they need relax?

00:24:01: All of these It's a mystery to a lot of people and they I don't think that really understand exactly.

00:24:09: And also very descriptively, we have a lot research A lot of engineering work ahead of us need to make all those solid connections.

00:24:19: biosensing definitely the very important part for our next step product.

00:24:24: That is phenomenal, my goodness.

00:24:26: Karsten I bet when you started working in the field of consumer audio things were quite different!

00:24:32: You know?

00:24:32: The idea that speakers can actually sense your emotions and give you the best possible experience.

00:24:37: maybe that's very relevant in automotive i'd imagine to kind of calm people down...to help them drive better..help.

00:24:47: Oh, yeah.

00:24:48: It's happening already right for instance in the cockpit of a car.

00:24:51: if you are not attentive to start driving it's observing You and its proposing you to take a break but while these technologies developing into very complex measurements and directions.

00:25:05: At the same time, there is another development that it has to be as simple an easy a seamless possible because not all our customers can be expected to be sound engineers And you also don't want to deal with it like this.

00:25:17: So experience had to be seamless.

00:25:20: You were mentioning ocean AI.

00:25:22: There's so many layers of aspects AI in products, AI enhancements of sound and measurements.

00:25:30: And understanding and analyzing bigger data sets... For instance we actually launched two guitar amplifiers recently.

00:25:37: And although stem separation exists, this was the first introvert device that's able to separate musical instruments real time.

00:25:47: and what it means for a guitar player is you'll stream any soundtrack of these amps or devices.

00:25:55: And now, with the push of a button very seamless you can take the guitar out and put your own guitar over it.

00:26:02: That's an example how AI technology unlocks completely new use cases... ...and this development is going so fast.

00:26:11: we launched these two devices just couple months back.

00:26:14: got enormous attention into it.

00:26:16: first because for the first time that are able to run algorithms on their edge.

00:26:23: It's not cloud connected.

00:26:24: So it super, super fast is all happens in the box.

00:26:27: and now what was really interesting as we will launch in I think next month The EasySync microphone for the partybox environment where We built that technology In a microphone.

00:26:39: so you can now stream with a click You take the voice out and you can now overlay with your own voice.

00:26:46: So, you don't need to look for karaoke tracks anymore because it's a JBL easy-sing microphone.

00:26:52: I mean everything becomes karaoke.

00:26:55: so these developments are going on as the datasets becoming more and more elaborate... ...so that we can separate in the future all instruments from which another guitar for instance took over back then.

00:27:07: you have acoustic guitars, electric guitars, synthesized guitars.

00:27:11: A guitar sound is different million ways and in the billion when you start this work for The Engine.

00:27:17: This is all zeros and ones, it doesn't understand what is what.

00:27:21: And in the ultimate case of stem separation maybe there's a possibility that we potentially could use technologies like that for ANC purposes to understand what noise is.

00:27:35: It gives you opportunities through sounds which you want to let in.

00:27:40: For instance your bicycling with headphones on but also great to detect rapidly approaching boss from behind, right?

00:27:48: Or in a home situation.

00:27:49: they're crying baby.

00:27:51: So AI in devices and AI system an orchestration layer plays a fundamental role today already And more so In the future.

00:28:01: I love it.

00:28:02: now there's obviously A lot of good kind Of safety applications that will make people's lives better.

00:28:07: But i am actually slightly fixated on That idea The karaoke mic!

00:28:10: So Id like to apologize in advance To my neighbors.

00:28:13: I do have massive JBL party box downstairs in our house and it is used for karaoke.

00:28:18: And I think without Mike, It's going to get a bit busier.

00:28:20: so thanks in advance and sorry to the neighbors but isn't Sharon while we have you here?

00:28:25: You know your obviously such brilliant engineering mind!

00:28:29: If could explain myself and wonderful listeners everyone is fairly familiar with surround sound by this stage But there's huge buzz around immersive audio.

00:28:40: So maybe Could you help us get up to speed with the difference between surround sound and immersive audio.

00:28:47: Well, around sound you're talking about sound around view right?

00:28:52: It's it's a sound around you but immersive like your more connected.

00:28:58: You don't really need to realize where this sound is because there are submerge into where you are And so that feeling is more like from user perspective.

00:29:10: It's the connection with what they want to hear, and there are more expressions of their feelings.

00:29:17: Of course we're building a lot more immersive feeling.

00:29:21: rather than you need know.

00:29:23: it is a stereo playing or five-channel or seven channel.

00:29:29: There could be infinity channels.

00:29:32: Channel is physical but Immersive is nonphysical.

00:29:37: That's what we are trying to achieve.

00:29:40: Right, right!

00:29:41: Okay thank you very much and I saw in one of your recent interviews that you said Immersive Sound is very much about participation.

00:29:48: Yeah...and presence And presence?

00:29:50: Could you double click on it for us?

00:29:53: So as we talk about the virtual feeling but also want this responsive mutually understand a responsiveness presence where you're visiting music Be part of that.

00:30:07: That's the connection part is very important because eventually coming to individuals, come into user.

00:30:14: it's a feeling It's what they feel good about The music about their life About wherever They are in the environment.

00:30:26: so that presence part I think Is very important for us To make our device be connected In the way it's more real.

00:30:36: That's so cool and you know I believe there are some aspects of neuroscience around this, immersive sound actually has a different impact in terms of memory emotion perception.

00:30:49: have you observed this yourself?

00:30:51: Yes!

00:30:51: Actually um i think Carsten touched that part for the when you were stressed driving in the car actually For us also looking at home environment or on-the-go when you're just doing simply exercise that part.

00:31:08: You know, you also need to understand right?

00:31:11: Are you winding down from a busy day coming home?

00:31:15: what exactly kind of music I want play?

00:31:18: but When i played is it really surroundings are right That I feel like I'm immersive and can relax?

00:31:26: sleeping issue for many people's Right.

00:31:30: so thats why also JBL.

00:31:32: now not only we try to provide the best sound but also the ambient environment with different lighting settings.

00:31:40: and lighting is not just singularly like you turn a red light, turned yellow lights.

00:31:46: It goes through your music it goes through expressive feelings And those things.

00:31:52: we are using the AI tool To work on making connection there.

00:31:57: you will see more coming out from us, and also we are adding sunskips to really create the virtual environment into your real life.

00:32:07: So for example if you're at home reading a book but imagine that I wish i could read books by the ocean then we can set the ocean waves surrounding in the background while And also, if you're playing your favorite music but thinking like I wish this is Amazon Forest.

00:32:31: You can add the frags on there and you can add a ring drops too.

00:32:35: so these kind of AI enhance layers we are adding more into our ecosystem.

00:32:41: So give them flexibility when user needs that they have it available rather than just dry audio equipment.

00:32:50: We put in lot things Karsten can add on from the product angle and, from that customer angle a lot of insights.

00:33:01: Why we're doing this?

00:33:02: Fantastic!

00:33:03: Yeah, Karsten I mean... That's a perfect cue.

00:33:05: i'm wondering is this part of a broader move of consumers towards experiential audio?

00:33:11: because it sounds very experiential as Sharon was talking about being immersed in being surrounded be in-the sound.

00:33:18: you know what's your take on this broader trend?

00:33:21: As we talked about, customer centricity is at the center stage.

00:33:26: And then what Sharon describes and what we're discussing here's really new technologies powered also by AI development unlocks new use cases right?

00:33:36: We have a lot of work in front us... ...and certain things that we call Horizon One Experience are already available today.. ..we've talked to few of them as well.

00:33:45: moving towards Horizon Two & Horizon Three will have an opportunity significantly deeper mixing and personal data, you know.

00:33:53: understanding heart rate in a deeper sense will allow us to send audio streams that are tailored to specific purposes.

00:34:03: Right?

00:34:03: For instance around sleep which is an increasing challenge today because we're living in the visual world where most of time we overloaded with visual processing.

00:34:16: so how do create safe spaces relief and how do you create relaxation?

00:34:22: And it can be as simple as bedroom systems where falling asleep to the sound of oceans coming, or rain.

00:34:30: This is also why biosensing comes in because... How does these audio impulses impact a human mind on body and how we detect that measurement if frequencies have desired results?

00:34:44: So this is one out of incredible exciting developments, but at the same time our developments are not only limited to that going broader and deeper.

00:34:53: And as we talked about how One of the fastest growing businesses in audio has been, you know.

00:34:59: The party box segment right?

00:35:01: How do use that very engaging, very lively device?

00:35:05: how to add new experience with AI driven microphones is where our head and minds are once you have critical mass.

00:35:14: for instance we had on party boxes last year more than one billion dollar sales just from party box.

00:35:22: about ten percent of whole Harman is party box.

00:35:25: What other elements are relevant for a party, right?

00:35:29: You go beyond the box.

00:35:31: you have all the light element and how we control this And how we sink it altogether in one easy seamless experience Is critical to us as move forward.

00:35:42: We talk new technologies.

00:35:45: Yes It's one more exciting element but also not leaving behind.

00:35:51: There's still so many advances to be done in the mechanical space, more classical electro-acoustic spaces.

00:35:58: talking about new driver technologies.

00:36:01: Talking about new mechanical structures replacement of classical drivers with MEMS drivers as we're working now on our new... to what Mark IV, our high-end technology platform for true wireless will contain new types of drivers like mems driver systems.

00:36:18: So that there's a lot of things happening in all areas and this is I think what makes it so exciting!

00:36:24: And today we talked about lifestyle and fashion and colors at the beginning of the session here.

00:36:30: yes Our design teams are following the fashion color trends... ...and thats super important.

00:36:36: But the layer that Sharon and I are working in is we see ourselves as an audio technology lifestyle company, right?

00:36:44: So there's more and more technology-based experience being unlocked here.

00:36:49: And when you do that in context and in sync with all of the other things... ...that's what drives JBL and Harman forward for the next eight decades!

00:36:58: Absolutely well yeah.. We're speaking about this whole journey at a really key moment, you're connecting the dots basically for me to have my best karaoke experience ever.

00:37:08: We are going to have that AI mic takes out a layer of Bowie and I can sing over it.

00:37:13: we've got lights that sync with music ,we can wheelover another party box and sync them up using AuraCast And uh...I just want to apologise to my neighbours because were gonna have so much fun.

00:37:23: Thank You JBL!

00:37:24: I'll tell my neighbours its all your fault.

00:37:26: Brilliant brilliant work.

00:37:27: i'm looking forward too.

00:37:28: But Sharon..i'd like come back to the whole side.

00:37:30: immersive audio.

00:37:32: Like you say, it's kind of a lifestyle consumer audio ecosystem.

00:37:37: Everything is connected and one of the things that really completely transforming the world of gaming is immersive audio.

00:37:44: now used to be that You could only have immersive audio on Really high-end systems but Now I have them in my beautiful JBL tour M threes.

00:37:52: Now Sharon what do you think?

00:37:54: That this means for The World Of Gaming To Have This Immersive Audio Environment That People Can Play In?

00:38:00: Yeah so A lot of people are playing internet games and virtual games.

00:38:07: This immersive audio is important because, as said earlier the presence of the gamers even though they're physically not in the same place this immersive feeling makes them like virtually standing together.

00:38:22: that interactive part of gaming headphones very important need to be true, and feeling real out of the five senses.

00:38:35: How many can we maximize too so that they really feel like this immersive feeling is catching them?

00:38:43: So in addition what you just said about Mark III headphones.

00:38:48: We have a sequence of quantum head phones aiming just for gaming.

00:38:54: even thinking more about gamers And gamer's behavior, definitely they're in a lot of parts.

00:39:01: They are different from our usual usage for the headphones that gaming part.

00:39:06: we were thinking about how exactly gyroscope should be designed?

00:39:11: How exactly emotion needs to be detected?

00:39:14: what kind of lighting settings could make it most bit similarize To their game play efficiency and biosensing Could Be Part Of That.

00:39:23: When The Hybrid Getting Up What Exactly will make the ambient to be more exciting, more presence.

00:39:30: Let them feel which is real although it's not real.

00:39:34: yeah those kind of things we are adding more and more intelligence part to work on.

00:39:41: in addition they're also physical parts.

00:39:45: what kind of transducers that were going And what kind of motion detection we need to use.

00:39:50: They not only see and hear, but they also need feel so that part were working on how exactly their fingers would feel their bodies, feel anything.

00:40:02: Jamie's headphone is not just for

00:40:04: years.".

00:40:05: What I'm getting loud and clear the next eighty-years of JBL are going to be even more exciting than in first eighty years.

00:40:10: so this incredible stuff.

00:40:12: Carsten looking forward where do you see biggest opportunity?

00:40:16: innovation?

00:40:18: In spaces like hardware or software experience maybe something else.

00:40:23: That's several, right?

00:40:24: I would say it is very much in the orchestration layer that we see big opportunities.

00:40:29: We talked about this before.

00:40:31: when you own one Harman device let us say if you have a value of one and buy another one for instance two goes.

00:40:38: You should think to be having a value or two but now actually what they can do together?

00:40:41: there are synergies between them.

00:40:42: Now you will have three because your stereo image.

00:40:45: So those are most simple examples as moving from vertical approach, you know, party box portable audio gaming audio and react this orchestration layer horizontally.

00:41:00: How do we make it all play together?

00:41:02: If you have partyboxed And if you have a gaming audio in the room You can sync up to light show that there's so many things that can be done.

00:41:10: We're working on integrating, I mentioned it before.

00:41:13: For instance using our portable audio devices as a rear channel in the surround sound system, multi-channel systems right?

00:41:20: And this is something that we will deliver already here this year where we combine different protocols together and always seamless!

00:41:28: That's magic because if you cannot be complicated then... ...then it won't work.

00:41:31: So few things were working with.

00:41:34: us are developing an audio ecosystem of JBLs that is compatible with all the other ecosystems out there.

00:41:44: JBL, next eighty years really creating lifelong customer engagement.

00:41:50: trustworthy credible company offers compatibility backwards and forward.

00:41:56: so you're sure when you invest into these products investing in something very relevant that is expandable by purchasing of other products and that unlocks new experiences.

00:42:08: So I think no matter the technologies, the future is experience-led And whatever technology comes in supports or unlocks its experiences.

00:42:17: it's something that will happen at a background.

00:42:20: It cannot be in the foreground because then we complicate storyline.

00:42:24: quite honestly... We'll miss that opportunity.

00:42:27: Right, that's great.

00:42:28: Karsten you just laid out what the future of hitting play actually looks like and it may even be simpler than hitting play.

00:42:34: things might just happen by themselves.

00:42:36: I love this to bits!

00:42:37: And Sharon What say you from your perspective?

00:42:40: What does a future-of-hitting play look like?

00:42:42: Karsten said very right.

00:42:45: From engineering perspective if we're talking about ecosystem The ecosystem connects and that experience what we are going to do.

00:42:55: So from an engineering perspective, there's a lot underneath or lots of things you need to support the ecosystem.

00:43:04: We have to build it up, architect it right?

00:43:07: And on top of all this, we also need to be very open-minded in order for us to embrace new technology into it.

00:43:15: so if I were talking about talking about more hardware, more software or something.

00:43:22: I think i would say like embracing all the changes and embracing other new technologies what we are going to have.

00:43:30: so if you're thinking about hardware part yeah maybe now it's an experience space that is more software yes or no?

00:43:38: Yes absolutely!

00:43:39: We need much more software compared twenty years ago compared to ten years ago, even five years ago.

00:43:46: we're talking about user experience programmable.

00:43:50: We are talking how exactly you would make the user experiences seamless with a lot of software to do.

00:43:59: but on other hand hardware needs support that this is really not supported once You need to architect the platform so it will be continuously reused.

00:44:10: And we also have the social responsibility on sustainability, right?

00:44:16: So all of this needs a hardware foundation.

00:44:20: From SOC to what kind of environmental friendly user would benefit from mechanical designs even transducer?

00:44:31: We are using more recycled materials for producers and newer transducers design and more efficient, use less power but provide better sound.

00:44:43: all of this.

00:44:44: So from JBL engineering perspective we are not changing our standard.

00:44:51: JBL Sound is still a super standard But We're having the right direction to go towards that standard embracing new technologies empowering with AI's and adopting newer development technologies into our systems.

00:45:09: That's a challenge but also very exciting to see is coming and it going my goodness.

00:45:16: okay, exciting times ahead TLDR.

00:45:19: all of the above watch this space!

00:45:21: And it's about bringing together in the best possible way for us listeners who will just get glorious, connected seamless beautiful easy experience thanks to the hard work of Karsten and Sharon.

00:45:33: And their teams at Harman.

00:45:34: so thank you both and all your colleagues for this beautiful next evolution of hitting play that you are all designing and making in reality.

00:45:42: but I have one more question For Both Of You!

00:45:44: It's One That We Ask All Our VIP Guests Everyone From Karl Cox To A.R.

00:45:48: Raman And That Is To Choose a Track For Our Title Playlist And it Can Just Be A Track That Makes You Feel Good Or A Track With The Story behind it.

00:45:56: It's all good, and we're going to start with you first Sharon.

00:45:59: Well one of my favorite songs And also we stand together as our leadership team last year at our annual dinner was queens, we are the champions.

00:46:11: We're the champions.

00:46:12: what a mic drop moment of very appropriate for the team at Harmonia JBL.

00:46:15: that's brilliant Sharon and Karsten how about your good self?

00:46:18: What do you add to the playlist?

00:46:19: I would have had the artist called Lofi from The Start which is really groovy kind-of groovy happy bossa nova type And FromTheStart because With JBL, eight decades of audio innovation.

00:46:33: Eight decades being part of the audio music scene we are not at the end We're just in a new beginning.

00:46:39: So from the start from the start.

00:46:41: A new beginning right there, that's just a perfect choice.

00:46:44: Karsten as well brilliant thank you.

00:46:46: and my own contribution to this episode playlist is going to be a tune by The Cinematic Orchestra That I love!

00:46:52: And i'm taking the theme very literally...the tune is called Evolutions and it is or Evolution Two should I say?

00:46:58: It's the Mr P mix and it features Fontelabass.

00:47:01: so that's a beautiful kind of mix of old and new has got an old soul in their new production and it just sounds completely timeless.

00:47:09: So listen..as we've heard today The future of audio isn't just about better sound, it's about deeper connection and the evolution of hitting play.

00:47:17: So from speakers that travel with us to sound that adapts in real time how we're feeling... ...to immersive experiences that place as deep into a moment….

00:47:25: …the way you listen is becoming more personal, emotional or alive!

00:47:31: A big thank-you for our wonderful guest.

00:47:33: Thank you so much to Karsten Olesen.

00:47:40: Thank you, Karsten.

00:47:40: And thank so much to Sharon Peng!

00:47:42: for the opportunity.

00:47:47: thanks to our audience.

00:47:48: It's just wonderful have you both on the podcast again.

00:47:51: thank you for sharing your insights, sharing your passion and giving us a glimpse into what's next.

00:47:56: so for more exclusive content some behind-the scenes goodies or maybe even some competitions find us over on Instagram.

00:48:01: we're easy to find it is at Audio Talks Podcast.

00:48:05: until next time!

00:48:06: Until Next Episode.

00:48:07: keep listening Keep Exploring And Keep Hitting Play.

00:48:10: See You Next Time.