LOS ALTOS, Calif., Jan. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DSP Group®, Inc. (NASDAQ:DSPG), a leading global provider of wireless chipset solutions for converged communications, and  HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets,  and devices, announced their cooperation implementing voice input technology, based on DSP Group’s SmartVoice Audio/voice SoC and HDClear™ far-field multi-mic algorithms.

DSP Group’s SmartVoice SoC with HDClear voice enhancement algorithms will become an important element of HARMAN’s Sonique Far Field Voice Input solution portfolio.  Sonique is a total voice solution that includes customizable, high performance microphone arrays, a suite of voice algorithms to accurately capture voice commands even in high ambient noise environments, full stack integration with popular natural voice engines, and low distortion speakers.

The cooperation with DSP Group will be for a unique three-mic configuration. This robust configuration is intended primarily for consumer electronics applications, such as a home hub, which can be easily integrated into a music devices, TV set-top boxes, or internet routers.

Parks Associates research shows that 41% of consumers in U.S. broadband households use a voice assistant application or device. “Companies are creating a world of devices that can be commanded naturally with the simplicity of a vocal command already,” said Dina Abdelrazik, Research Analyst at Parks Associates, “Improvements in the underlying technology, such as enhanced far-field capabilities, will lead to a better experience for voice-first activities. For instance, Parks Associates data reveal that 43% of people already use voice control to stream music while 14% use it to control a smart home device. These activities rely on an accurately captured vocal command by a device’s microphone.”

“By leveraging DSP Group’s SmartVoice technology, HARMAN will be able to quickly add a best-in-class voice-user interface to the Sonique portfolio of mic arrays for enhanced accuracy in high noise environments,” commented Dave Rogers, President of HARMAN’S  Lifestyle Audio SBU. “Our customers expect the highest level of technology from our products.  Working with DSP Group allows us to deliver our promise of an excellent user experience.”

“We are excited to collaborate with a market-leader like HARMAN, through our voice processing expertise,” added Ofer Elyakim, CEO of DSP Group. “We look forward to a very successful collaboration and see a perfect fit between our core competencies.”

For more information about DSP Group, HDClear, or its DBMD5 SoCs, please visit the company’s website. For more information about HARMAN, please click here.

DSP Group will exhibit its SmartVoice Technology at the Upcoming CES, Jan 9 – 12, Las Vegas. To schedule a demo session contact info@dspg.com

About HARMAN:
HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things.  With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 50 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. Our software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In March 2017, HARMAN became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

About DSP Group
DSP Group^®, Inc. (NASDAQ:DSPG) is a leading global provider of wireless chipset solutions for converged communications. Delivering semiconductor system solutions with software and hardware reference designs, DSP Group enables OEMs/ODMs, consumer electronics (CE) manufacturers and service providers to cost-effectively develop new revenue-generating products with fast time to market. At the forefront of semiconductor innovation and operational excellence for over two decades, DSP Group provides a broad portfolio of wireless chipsets integrating DECT/CAT-iq, ULE, Wi-Fi, PSTN, HDClear™, video and VoIP technologies. DSP Group enables converged voice, audio, video and data connectivity across diverse mobile, consumer and enterprise products – from mobile devices, connected multimedia screens, and home automation & security to cordless phones, VoIP systems, and home gateways. Leveraging industry-leading experience and expertise, DSP Group partners with CE manufacturers and service providers to shape the future of converged communications at home, at the office and on the go. For more information, visit www.dspg.com.

HARMAN Contact:
Carole Campbell
Communications Director, Lifestyle Division
Tel: +491718674151;
Carole.Campbell@harman.com

DSP Group Contact:
Tali Chen
CVP Corporate Development & Chief Evangelist
DSP Group, Inc.
Tel: +1(408) 240-6826
tali.chen@dspg.com