Example techniques relate to voice interaction in an environment with a media playback system that is playing back audio content. In an example implementation, while playing back first audio in a given environment at a given loudness: a playback device (a) detects that an event is anticipated in the given environment, the event involving playback of second audio and (b) determines a loudness of background noise in the given environment, the background noise comprising ambient noise in the given environment. The playback device ducks the first audio in proportion to a difference between the given loudness of the first audio and the determined loudness of the background noise and plays back the ducked first audio concurrently with the second audio.

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.

Example techniques relate to voice interaction in an environment with a media playback system that is playing back audio content. In an example implementation, while playing back first audio in a given environment at a given loudness: a playback device (a) detects that an event is anticipated in the given environment, the event involving playback of second audio and (b) determines a loudness of background noise in the given environment, the background noise comprising ambient noise in the given environment. The playback device ducks the first audio in proportion to a difference between the given loudness of the first audio and the determined loudness of the background noise and plays back the ducked first audio concurrently with the second audio.

According to an example embodiment of this invention, a method may include by a processor, receiving a configuration of a flexible muting pattern, wherein the muting pattern comprises a fixed part and an optional part; determining to activate the optional part of the flexible muting pattern; and preparing a message indicating to a network element that the optional part of the flexible muting pattern is activated. Apparatus and computer readable media are also described.

A headphone driver includes a pre-main amplifier and a main amplifier. The pre-main amplifier receives an input signal from first and second node and outputs the input signal to a third node. The main amplifier is between the third node and a fourth node. A first switch is between the fourth node and a fifth node. A second switch is between the fourth node and a sixth node. A third switch is between the fourth node and a seventh node. A fourth switch is between the fifth and seventh nodes. A fifth switch is between the first and fifth nodes. A capacitor is between the third and fifth nodes. A first feedback resistor is between the first and seventh nodes. A second feedback resistor is between the second and sixth nodes, and the sixth and seventh nodes are connected to a speaker.

A receiving device having a wireless transmission circuit arranged to form a logical communications link between the wireless transmission circuit and an audio output device. The wireless transmission circuit is arranged to communicate audio data to the audio output device via the logical communications link. A wireless reception circuit is arranged to receive user commands, and a first logic circuit is arranged to identify a mute command received via the wireless reception circuit. A second logic circuit is arranged to mute the audio data from transmission to the audio output device while maintaining the logical communications link.

A portable loudspeaker includes an electro-acoustic driver which creates sound waves when operated and a housing having a front side to which the driver is secured. The loudspeaker also includes a battery supported by the housing for providing electrical power to the driver and a cover having an upper portion and a lower portion, and secured to the housing which can be moved between (i) a closed position in which the upper and lower portions overlie the driver, and (ii) an open position in which the upper and lower portions do not overlie the driver and are substantially disposed beneath a supporting base of the housing. A controller controls operation of the loudspeaker. When the cover is moved to the closed position, the controller mutes the driver if the driver was outputting acoustic waves when the cover was moved to the closed position.

Systems and methods for handling silence in audio streams are disclosed. In one aspect, a transmitter detects a halt in an audio stream. After detection of the halt in the audio stream, the transmitter embeds a silence signal into the audio stream and transmits the silence signal to associated receivers. The associated receivers may respond to the embedded silence signal by “playing” silence or by using the silence signal to activate a silence protocol. In either event, the associated receivers do not receive the original audio halt and do not produce an unwanted audio artifact.

A radio module may be configured to receive a starter motor relay signal from a first control module indicative of a motor start. The module may in turn mute a sound device associated with the radio module and upon receiving a delayed accessory signal from a second control module indicative of a delayed accessory trigger, un-mute the sound device in response to receiving the delayed accessory signal.

This application describes methods and apparatus for selectively clamping a signal path (106) for an analogue audio signal to a clamp voltage, e.g. ground. Voltage clamping circuitry (200) is disclosed having a first switching device (201) in series with a second switching device (202) between a node of the signal path and the clamp voltage. The clamping circuitry is configured to be operable in: a first state where the first and second switching devices are both on to electrically connect the signal path to the clamp voltage; and also a second state to electrically disconnect the signal path from the clamp voltage. In the second state one of the first and second switching devices is configured to block conduction when the voltage at said node of the signal path is positive and the other switching device is configured to block conduction when the voltage at said node of the signal path is negative.