An audio output device comprises a loudspeaker and, four stem control inputs substantially even spaced on the upper surface of a housing. The stem control inputs are each divided into four segments, each comprising a touch sensor and an illumination unit. Each stem control input is associated with a different stem in an audio track for playback via the loudspeaker. Touching the segments of each stem control input results in the touch being detected and a touch signal being output by the respective segment. In response to a touch signal, the associated illumination unit is togged on/off and a property of the associated stem is varied during playback by loudspeaker.

An example computing system that maintains a playlist of media items for playback by one or more playback devices receives, from a first playback device, a request to play back the playlist and first operational data and also receives, from a second playback device, a request to play back the playlist and second operational data. The computing system provides the media items in the playlist to the first and second playback devices for substantially synchronous playback and, based on the first and second operational data, determines respective first and second advertisements. The computing system provides the first advertisement to the first playback device for playback during a given time slot designated for advertisements, and also provides the second advertisement to the second playback device for playback during the given time slot, such that the second playback device plays the second advertisement while the first playback device plays the first advertisement.

An example computing system that maintains a playlist of media items for playback by one or more playback devices receives, from a first playback device, a request to play back the playlist and first operational data and also receives, from a second playback device, a request to play back the playlist and second operational data. The computing system provides the media items in the playlist to the first and second playback devices for substantially synchronous playback and, based on the first and second operational data, determines respective first and second advertisements. The computing system provides the first advertisement to the first playback device for playback during a given time slot designated for advertisements, and also provides the second advertisement to the second playback device for playback during the given time slot, such that the second playback device plays the second advertisement while the first playback device plays the first advertisement.

The audio circuit has a volume circuit structured to process a DSD signal that contains DSD data and a DSD clock. The volume circuit has a first shift register and a replacement circuit. The first shift register holds N bits of the DSD data. The replacement circuit replaces (N−M) bits (0≤M≤N) corresponding to a gain set value, out of N bits stored in the first shift register, with a mute bit string having a mark rate of substantially 50%.

Methods and systems are provided for independent audio volume control. An example audio system may include a circuit for controlling one or both of generation and output of combined audio, with the circuit being configured to determine, based on user input, a mix setting applicable in the audio system to mixing of a first audio and a second audio when generating the combined audio, with the combined audio including at least a portion of each of the first audio and the second audio; determine a corresponding volume setting applicable at an audio output element of the audio system during outputting of the combined audio; and determine a corresponding delay applicable to one or both of the mix setting and the volume setting.

Methods and systems are provided for independent audio volume control. An example audio system may include a circuit for controlling one or both of generation and output of combined audio, with the circuit being configured to determine, based on user input, a mix setting applicable in the audio system to mixing of a first audio and a second audio when generating the combined audio, with the combined audio including at least a portion of each of the first audio and the second audio; determine a corresponding volume setting applicable at an audio output element of the audio system during outputting of the combined audio; and determine a corresponding delay applicable to one or both of the mix setting and the volume setting.

Left and right earphones are independently wireless such that the left and right earphones are not physically connected when worn by a user. Each earphone comprises a speaker, a body portion, and an earbud extending from the body portion. The body portion comprises a downwardly extending portion that extends straight downwardly when the earphone is worn by the user, a wireless communication circuit for receiving signals transmitted wirelessly to the earphone from a remote source, a microphone, a rechargeable battery, a memory and a processor. Each earphone is configured to receive from a remote computing device, and store in the memory, a firmware update.

Left and right earphones are independently wireless such that the left and right earphones are not physically connected when worn by a user. Each earphone comprises a speaker, a body portion, and an earbud extending from the body portion. The body portion comprises a downwardly extending portion that extends straight downwardly when the earphone is worn by the user, a wireless communication circuit for receiving signals transmitted wirelessly to the earphone from a remote source, a microphone, a rechargeable battery, a memory and a processor. Each earphone is configured to receive from a remote computing device, and store in the memory, a firmware update.

Embodiments described herein provide for detecting presence of an object in proximity to a playback device and responsively performing one or more operations. In an example implementation, a playback device detects, via a proximity detector of the playback device, presence of an object in proximity to the playback device. In response to detecting the presence of the object, the playback device performs one or more operations.

Embodiments described herein provide for detecting presence of an object in proximity to a playback device and responsively performing one or more operations. In an example implementation, a playback device detects, via a proximity detector of the playback device, presence of an object in proximity to the playback device. In response to detecting the presence of the object, the playback device performs one or more operations.