Frontier Silicon has launched the latest upgrade to its award-winning Venice 6.5 connected audio solution. Venice 6.5 already offers Spotify Connect streaming capability; this new version adds multi-room audio synchronisation technology.

This upgrade enables Spotify Connect users to play music through up to five speakers simultaneously, streamed directly over their Wi-Fi network and controlled from the user’s smart device. This gives the convenience of mobile control while freeing up the smart device for other activities (e.g. receiving calls, Internet browsing).

The platform also supports Spotify’s one-button playback and playlist pre-set features, which allows users to resume play of their last listened stream or playlist, without having to use their mobile device. The same functionality is also available for DLNA, Internet radio and auxiliary inputs – with other modes to be added shortly.

For manufacturers, the system comes with a customisable mobile app to aid with wireless set-up and multi-room configuration. Alternatively, a mobile SDK can be provided to brands preferring to integrate the multi-room environment into their own native apps.

Venice 6.5 is a turnkey solution that also supports Apple AirPlay, DLNA, Bluetooth control, Internet radio and USB audio.

Venice 6.5 with Spotify Connect and multi-room is available shortly. The first devices are expected to hit the market this fall.

Prem Rajalingham, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Frontier Silicon, said: “Frontier Silicon’s mission is to provide turnkey solutions and engineering support which enable customers to develop world-class connected audio products - quickly, easily and reliably.“

“Working closely with Spotify, we have developed a multi-room solution which allows wireless speakers, micro-systems, AV receivers, adapters and table-top radios to benefit from Spotify’s extensive content catalogue and provides an enhanced user experience allowing full control from a mobile device.“

About Frontier Silicon Limited

Frontier Silicon is the world’s leading supplier of integrated circuits and modules for digital radio and connected audio products. Frontier Silicon is part of the Toumaz Group, a pioneer in low-power wireless semiconductor and software technologies for the consumer audio and wireless healthcare markets.

The group is headquartered in London, England, with design centres in Oxford, Cambridge, Hong Kong and Romania. The company also has sales and technical support teams in Hong Kong, China and Japan.

Frontier Silicon’s audio products offer solutions for DAB/DAB+, Internet radio and connected audio - from silicon through software to production-ready platform designs.

Customers supplied by Frontier Silicon include Argon, Bang & Olufsen, Bose, Bush, Denon, Dual, Geneva, Goodmans, Grundig, Hama, harman/kardon, Hitachi, JVC, Magic Box, NAD, Onkyo, Panasonic, Philips, Pinell, Pioneer, Pure, Revo, Roberts, Ruark Audio, Sangean, Sanyo, Sharp, Sony, TEAC, TechniSat, Tivoli Audio and Yamaha.

Frontier Silicon is a trademark or registered trademark of Frontier Silicon Ltd.

Apple, iOS, iPhone, iPad and AirPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.