An audio apparatus includes: a receiver which receives audio data transmitted by a broadcast method from an external apparatus; a sound emitter which performs sound emission of the audio data received by the receiver; a generator which generates sound emission control information relating to sound emission of other apparatus which can receive the audio data; and a transmitter which transmits the sound emission control information generated by the generator to the other apparatus.

An audio apparatus includes a receiver, a sound emitter, a generator, and a transmitter. The receiver receives audio data transmitted by a broadcast method from an external apparatus. The sound emitter performs sound emission of the audio data received by the receiver. The generator generates sound emission control information relating to sound emission of other apparatus which can receive the audio data. The transmitter transmits the sound emission control information generated by the generator to the other apparatus.

An audio system (10) has a headphone unit (12) and a speaker unit (14). The headphone unit is configured to receive wirelessly transmitted input signals from which an audio output is derived. The headphone unit is provided with a first connector unit (20) and the speaker unit is provided with a second connector unit (22). The speaker unit is configured to permit the headphone unit to be docked with the speaker unit so that the first connector unit and second connector unit connect to enable transmission of signals from the headphone unit to the speaker unit to enable the speaker unit to provide an audio output based on wireless input signals received by the headphone unit.

An entertainment system is provided, the system comprising a portable media device configured to simultaneously produce an audible output signal and a plurality of vibratory output signals, the audible output signal representing a multi-track recording comprising a plurality of individual recorded tracks, each vibratory output signal based on at least one individual recorded track; and a plurality of actuators positioned at various locations on a user's body, each actuator configured to receive a respective one of the vibratory signals and to vibrate based on the received signal. A method of mixing a multi-track vibratory recording is also provided, the method comprising utilizing an entertainment system to feel vibrations representing individual recorded tracks on different locations of a user's body; and for each actuator, selecting at least one of the tracks based on suitability for driving the actuator, and providing, to the actuator, a vibratory signal derived from the selected track.

A sound pickup device includes a sound pickup unit, a mounting part, and a communication unit. The sound pickup unit includes a microphone array including a plurality of microphones. The sound pickup unit generates an acoustic signal that corresponds to ambient sound that has been picked up by the microphone array. An electronic device is mounted on the mounting part and the electronic device includes a camera that generates image data by imaging surroundings. The communication unit transmits the acoustic signal to the electronic device.

A personal device docking station can include a base, a neck with a stationary and non-stationary portion and a rest pad that can hold a personal device such as a smartphone or tablet. When a personal device is docked in the docking station, bidirectional audio feed is established between the personal device and the docking station. A user can receive audio feed from the docking station's speakers and transmit audio feed via a plurality of microphones. The rest pad of the docking station can have a window or cutout that aligns with the camera of the docked personal device. The non-stationary portion of the neck can include multiple motorized rotation heads that allow for horizontal and vertical rotation of the rest pad and docked device.

An audio control and distribution system in a location, comprising a first wireless media device connected to a local network, the network operably connecting the media device with at least one of: (1) a media player and (2) an audio output device, and with a remote media source operably connected to the local network. The location of the local network is one of (a) a home, (b) an office, and (c) an automobile. The system also includes a second media device comprising at least one of (i) a media player and (ii) an audio output device. The second media device is also connected to the local network and is controllable by the first wireless media device.

Systems and methods are disclosed in which a playback device transmits a first sound signal including a predetermined waveform. In one example, the playback device receives a second sound signal including at least one reflection of the first sound signal. The second sound signal is processed to determine a location of a person relative to the playback device, and a characteristic of audio reproduction by the playback device is selected, based on the determined location of the person.

A dock and an operation method therefor are provided. The dock is suitable for propping up a mobile communication device. The dock includes an audio-receiving circuit, a rotating module, a communication circuit, and a controller circuit. The controller circuit is coupled to the audio-receiving circuit, the rotating module, and the communication circuit. The controller circuit transmits at least one of a plurality of audio signals generated by the audio-receiving circuit to the mobile communication device through the communication circuit, and determines an audio direction of an audio source according to the plurality of audio signals. The controller circuit controls the rotating module to rotate according to the audio direction, so as to bring the mobile communication device face toward the audio source.

The disclosure provides a personal media system including a base station and a wireless earbud. The personal media system interacts with a smartphone for wireless pairing. The base station has a connection hole to receive the wireless earbud. When the wireless earbud is plugged into the connection hole, the base station and wireless earbud form an integrated body.