Labeled as the “Global Stage for Innovation”, CES (Consumer Technology Association) is the premier showcase where next-generation innovations are introduced to the global marketplace. With well over 175,000 attendees each year, the show has become a must-attend for consumer technology professionals and leaders.
Some of the featured products involve a futuristic theme, such as self-driving cars, augmented reality devices, enhanced artificial intelligence, and much more. These innovations are exciting and should be monitored, but what about upgrades to current trends that are already enhancing the way companies conduct their business and grow leads?
Not surprisingly, CES covers that too. Specifically, the innovations and upgrades to podcasts and technology influencing podcasts have continually been a critical component of the showcase.
Want to start your own podcast? We can help!
Simply put, podcasts are not just a passing trend for businesses looking to grow their reach. In fact, as you will read, podcasts are not only growing, but streaming companies are starting to incorporate new ways to personalize audio experiences for users worldwide.
Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster, or in the early stages of establishing a new audio setup, CES 2020 featured a number of new, can’t miss podcasting upgrades.
Below, we’ve listed some of our favorites.
Spotify Streaming Ad Insertion
Perhaps the biggest podcast-exclusive announcement of CES 2020 was Spotify’s move into targeted ads through Streaming Ad Insertion (SAI). Essentially, this means Spotify podcasts will become more measurable, interactive, and personalized.
Spotify’s move into SAI technology is an industry first for podcasting, as the upgrades include:
- Performance metrics for advertisers
- The capacity for creators to better monetize their content
- The ability to serve ads in real-time
The added metrics for advertisers and creators is not the only benefit of SAI technology either, as users will soon be able to interact directly with ads as well. As a result, this technology can drastically improve the user to advertiser experience overall.
For example, Spotify’s research shows that more than 80% of listeners have taken action after hearing ads during a podcast. Follow-up action usually includes researching the advertised product, connecting with the brand on social media, or by simply interacting with others about the product itself.
Moving forward, with SAI technology, podcast creators and advertisers can measure their brand’s impact while tailoring a podcast experience that is targeted, personalized, and attractive to each user. This should only enhance the already rapidly growing industry that is podcasting.
Audio-Technica Microphones
ATR Series
Prices: $19 – $149
Technical Details: Improved mics with USB-C connectivity, improved internal A/D converters, restyled designs
Audio-Technica introduced their new upgraded microphones at CES 2020 with the ATR series. In total, 12 new microphones are being offered, as virtually any type of microphone in the newly upgraded series can fit your podcasting operations. From shotgun mics to all-around microphones for studio and interview use, the ATR series maintains affordable, flexible options for amplifying your podcast in the most effective way.
In addition to the microphones, Audio Technica also unveiled the ATR2x-USB 3.5 mm to USB-C, which is a digital adapter converting any microphone or headphones into a USB-compatible device (must be 3.5 mm). Whether your podcast audio requires a studio mic, clip-on mic, or newscaster/in-the field microphone, the ATR Series by Audio-Technica has you covered.
AKG Lyra Microphone
Ultra-HD Multimode USB Microphone
Price: $149
Technical Details: Technical Details: High resolution 24-bit/192kHz converters, four-capsule mic array with four modes, plug-and-play setup (supports most platforms, Mac, Android, etc.)
AKG’s Lyra microphone is an ideal asset for any aspiring podcaster looking for a simple, yet effective setup. The plug-and-play feature allows for any podcaster, regardless of technical experience or expertise, to seamlessly connect the multimode USB microphone with their laptops, tablets, or phones. The 4k-compatible ultra HD audio quality allows for a quality sound as well.
Podcasters can also plug their headphones into AKG Lyra directly as well. Four modes allow for virtually any style of podcast (solo/group recording, wide stereo recording, etc.). If you’re looking for a quality, easy-to-use microphone setup for your podcast’s audio, then the AKG Lyra is a must-have.
Harmon Pro Headphones
AKG K361-BT and K371-BT
Price: K361 – $99 (each) / K371 – $149 (each)
Technical Details: 50mm drivers and copper voice coils, bluetooth 5.0 technology with built-in microphone for two-way communication, frequency responses of 15 Hz to 28 kHz
With a focus on the “mobile, on-the-move artist”, the K361-BT and K371-BT professional studio headphones feature the deepest bass and highest highs in their class. For creators involved with a heavy amount of mixing and editing, these headphones are ideal for hearing balanced, detailed audio, regardless of location.
AKG offers a superior listening experience with the largest-in-class 50mm drivers and pure oxygen-free copper voice coils. The largest generation bluetooth 5.0 technology allows for 40 hours of listening between charges as well. Adjustable and comfortable, the K361 and K371 are the perfect fit for artists and creators needing studio-quality audio to create, mix, and edit regardless of the location or outside noises.
Ausounds AU-Flex ANC Earphones
AU-Flex ANC | Wireless Neckband Earphone
Price: $199
Technical Details:Technical Details: Frequency response 20Hz-20KHz, active noise cancellation, Bluetooth transfer rate of 990kbs, rapid charge USB-C port, 22-hour battery life
An Innovation Award Honoree at CES 2020, the AU-Flex ANC is the first for Ausounds’ High Fidelity earphones. Several aspects of the Au-Flex are perfect for regular podcast listeners looking to have a seamless transition from audio to mobile use (such as calls, A.I., texts). For instance, noise cancellation technology offers listeners a chance to create, listen, and edit audio in virtually any location.
Do you live in a city, or have enjoy listening to podcasts on your commute to work? Then the AU-Flex ANC earphones are a must-have. Featuring an ambient mode, listeners can gain access to an open-back audio experience while hearing their surrounding environment (this ensures safety while traveling to work or listening to audio in an office setting).
With a Hybrid Planar Magnetic driver (only found in planar technology), the AU-Flex ANC offers a superior sound with drivers enclosed by dual-voice coils. This technology offers solid, studio-quality audio that’s perfect for any listener or creator to enjoy while on the move.
CES 2020 Recap
We’ve listed our favorite podcasting innovations from CES 2020, however, there are dozens of products from this year’s conference that you and your business colleagues might find interesting.
For award winning products, be sure to check out the CES 2020 Innovation Awards as well. In addition to a list of award-winning products, the CES website also provides topics, exhibitors, and contact information for any questions regarding the show.
(Be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s show in Las Vegas the week of January 6-9th, 2021)
Improve your Podcasting Experience
As you can see, CES 2020 offered plenty of new and exciting products and platforms that will no doubt influence the future of podcasting. The good news is that these products are not just exclusive to seasoned podcasters with a vast wealth of resources at their disposal.
If anything, CES 2020 showed businesses that podcasting can be an affordable and innovative method of growing outreach with easy-to-use devices and platforms.
Still have questions about where to start? Pepperland Marketing can help! Be sure to check out our podcasting services to help plan, produce, and promote a podcast campaign strategy for your business.
