Apple and Android devices to boost audio industry

With an eight per cent overall business decline over the past 12 months, the component audio industry is looking to a new generation of products linked to the increase in demand for Apple attach and wirelessly linked devices, Channel News has reported.

A number of manufacturers are also developing Android applications, with brands such as Harman Kardon, Pioneer and Monster moving to devices with attach capability via tablet or smartphone using DNLA connectivity, Bluetooth, and other forms of wireless across various platforms like Apple and Android OS.

Pioneer, which is moving further towards mass retail and Apple stores is currently seeing a growth of 32 per cent for its audio products after dropping its loss-making plasma TV division.

The company has joined the likes of Yamaha, Bowers & Wilkins and Denon in developing new sound management devices that incorporate wireless and networking capability, DLNA connectivity and the new Apple AirPlay technology.

Marantz and Harman Kardon are due to release a range of products to compete with the new devices already announced by Pioneer, Denon and Yamaha.