Researchers have developed a method to generate sound directly from OLED displays, eliminating the need for traditional speakers. By vibrating specific areas of the display panel, they create audible sound waves. This technology allows for thinner devices, multi-channel audio output (like surround sound), and potentially invisible, integrated speakers within the screen itself. The approach utilizes the inherent flexibility and responsiveness of OLED materials, making it a promising advancement in audio-visual integration.
Samsung isn't directly acquiring Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Denon, Marantz, or Polk Audio. Instead, Samsung is increasing its existing investment in Sound United, the parent company that owns those audio brands, for $350 million. This deal builds on Samsung's previous minority stake in Sound United acquired through its Harman subsidiary. This deeper investment strengthens Samsung's presence in the premium audio market.
Hacker News commenters generally express skepticism about the value of this acquisition for Samsung. Several point out that Sound United, the company being acquired, doesn't actually own Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), but merely licenses the brand for use in headphones and soundbars. This is seen as a significant distinction, as B&W's core speaker business, considered its most valuable asset, remains separate. Others question whether Samsung can effectively manage these diverse audio brands, given their distinct histories, target markets, and engineering philosophies. Some predict cost-cutting measures and a decline in quality, while others suggest Samsung's primary motivation is acquiring patents and established distribution channels rather than the brands themselves. The lack of actual ownership of B&W is a recurring theme and a source of confusion and disappointment amongst the commenters.
CJ Mapp is a free, open-source, cross-platform MP3 file editor designed for bulk processing. It allows users to edit MP3 metadata (like title, artist, album, etc.) and perform actions like converting case, finding and replacing text, and numbering tracks, across multiple files simultaneously. It features a spreadsheet-like interface for easy manipulation and supports regular expressions for more complex operations. The project aims to simplify large-scale MP3 tagging and management.
HN users generally praised the MP3 File Editor for its simplicity and focus on a specific task, bulk editing MP3 metadata. Some expressed interest in features like album art support, a GUI version, and command-line functionality. One commenter appreciated the project as a lighter alternative to more complex tools like Mp3tag. A few others shared alternative solutions, including command-line tools and Python scripts, highlighting the diversity of approaches for manipulating MP3 metadata. Some users also debated the relevance of ID3 tags in the streaming era.
Facebook researchers have introduced Modality-Independent Large-Scale models (MILS), demonstrating that large language models can process and understand information from diverse modalities like audio and images without requiring explicit training on those specific data types. By leveraging the rich semantic representations learned from text, MILS can directly interpret image pixel values and audio waveform amplitudes as if they were sequences of tokens, similar to text. This suggests a potential pathway towards truly generalist AI models capable of seamlessly integrating and understanding information across different modalities.
Hacker News users discussed the implications of Meta's ImageBind, which allows LLMs to connect various modalities (text, image/video, audio, depth, thermal, and IMU data) without explicit training on those connections. Several commenters expressed excitement about the potential applications, including robotics, accessibility features, and richer creative tools. Some questioned the practical utility given the computational cost and raised concerns about the potential for misuse, such as creating more sophisticated deepfakes. Others debated the significance of the research, with some arguing it's a substantial step towards more general AI while others viewed it as an incremental improvement over existing techniques. A few commenters highlighted the lack of clear explanations of the emergent behavior and called for more rigorous evaluation.
This blog post details how to improve the GPD Pocket 4's weak built-in speakers by configuring PipeWire's DSP (Digital Signal Processing). The author uses pw-cli commands to implement a simple equalizer with bass boost and gain adjustments, demonstrating how to create and load a custom configuration file. This process enhances the audio quality significantly, making the speakers more usable for casual listening. The post also explains how to automate the configuration loading at startup using a systemd service, ensuring the improved sound profile is always active.
Hacker News users generally praised the detailed instructions for improving the GPD Pocket 4's speakers. Several commenters appreciated the author's clear explanation of the PipeWire configuration process, particularly the step-by-step guide and inclusion of the configuration files. Some users shared their own audio tweaking experiences with the device, highlighting the noticeable improvement achieved through these adjustments. The effectiveness of the described method for other small laptops or devices with poor audio was also discussed, with some expressing interest in trying it on different hardware. A few commenters noted the increasing popularity and maturity of PipeWire as an audio solution.
Wondercraft AI, a Y Combinator-backed startup, is hiring engineers and a designer to build their AI-powered podcasting tool. They're looking for experienced individuals passionate about audio and AI, specifically those proficient in Python (backend/ML), React (frontend), and design tools like Figma. Wondercraft aims to simplify podcast creation, allowing users to generate podcasts from blog posts or other text-based content. They offer competitive salaries and equity, remote work flexibility, and the chance to contribute to an innovative product in a growing market.
The Hacker News comments on the Wondercraft (YC S22) hiring post are few and primarily focus on the company itself rather than the job postings. Some users express skepticism about the long-term viability of AI-generated podcasts, questioning the potential for genuine audience engagement and the perceived value compared to human-created content. Others mention previous AI voice generation projects and speculate about the specific technology Wondercraft is using. There's a brief discussion about the limitations of current AI in replicating natural speech patterns and the potential for improvement in the future. Overall, the comments reflect a cautious curiosity about the platform and its potential impact on podcasting.
DrumPatterns.onether.com is a new website for creating and sharing drum patterns. Users can build rhythms using a simple grid-based interface, choosing different sounds for each element. Created patterns can then be shared via a unique URL, allowing others to listen, copy, and modify them. The site aims to be a collaborative resource for drummers and musicians looking for inspiration or seeking to easily share their rhythmic ideas.
HN users generally praised the drum pattern sharing website for its simplicity and usefulness. Several appreciated the straightforward interface and ease of creating and sharing patterns, finding it more intuitive than some established digital audio workstations (DAWs). Some suggested improvements like adding the ability to loop patterns, change tempo, and export in various formats (MIDI, WAV). Others discussed the technical implementation, wondering about the sound font used and suggesting alternative approaches like Web Audio API. The creator actively responded to comments, acknowledging suggestions and explaining design choices. There was also a brief discussion about monetization strategies, with affiliate marketing and premium features being suggested.
OpenAI has introduced two new audio models: Whisper, a highly accurate automatic speech recognition (ASR) system, and Jukebox, a neural net that generates novel music with vocals. Whisper is open-sourced and approaches human-level robustness and accuracy on English speech, while also offering multilingual and translation capabilities. Jukebox, while not real-time, allows users to generate music in various genres and artist styles, though it acknowledges limitations in consistency and coherence. Both models represent advances in AI's understanding and generation of audio, with Whisper positioned for practical applications and Jukebox offering a creative exploration of musical possibility.
HN commenters discuss OpenAI's audio models, expressing both excitement and concern. Several highlight the potential for misuse, such as creating realistic fake audio for scams or propaganda. Others point out positive applications, including generating music, improving accessibility for visually impaired users, and creating personalized audio experiences. Some discuss the technical aspects, questioning the dataset size and comparing it to existing models. The ethical implications of realistic audio generation are a recurring theme, with users debating potential safeguards and the need for responsible development. A few commenters also express skepticism, questioning the actual capabilities of the models and anticipating potential limitations.
AudioNimbus is a Rust implementation of Steam Audio, Valve's high-quality spatial audio SDK, offering a performant and easy-to-integrate solution for immersive 3D sound in games and other applications. It leverages Rust's safety and speed while providing bindings for various platforms and audio engines, including Unity and C/C++. This open-source project aims to make advanced spatial audio features like HRTF-based binaural rendering, sound occlusion, and reverberation more accessible to developers.
HN users generally praised AudioNimbus for its Rust implementation of Steam Audio, citing potential performance benefits and improved safety. Several expressed excitement about the prospect of easily integrating high-quality spatial audio into their projects, particularly for games. Some questioned the licensing implications compared to the original Steam Audio, and others raised concerns about potential performance bottlenecks and the current state of documentation. A few users also suggested integrating with other game engines like Bevy. The project's author actively engaged with commenters, addressing questions about licensing and future development plans.
IEMidi is a new open-source, cross-platform MIDI mapping editor designed to work with any controller, including gamepads, joysticks, and other non-traditional MIDI devices. It offers a visual interface for creating and editing mappings, allowing users to easily connect controller inputs to MIDI outputs like notes, CC messages, and program changes. IEMidi aims to be a flexible and accessible tool for musicians, developers, and anyone looking to control MIDI devices with a wide range of input hardware. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux and can be downloaded from GitHub.
HN users generally praised IEMidi for its cross-platform compatibility and open-source nature, viewing it as a valuable tool for musicians and developers. Some highlighted the project's potential for accessibility, allowing customization for users with disabilities. A few users requested features like scripting support and the ability to map to system-level actions. There was discussion around existing MIDI mapping solutions, comparing IEMidi favorably to some commercial options while acknowledging limitations compared to others with more advanced features. The developer actively engaged with commenters, addressing questions and acknowledging suggestions for future development.
Smart-Turn is an open-source, native audio turn detection model designed for real-time applications. It utilizes a Rust-based implementation for speed and efficiency, offering low latency and minimal CPU usage. The model is trained on a large dataset of conversational audio and can accurately identify speaker turns in various audio formats. It aims to be a lightweight and easily integrable solution for developers building real-time communication tools like video conferencing and voice assistants. The provided GitHub repository includes instructions for installation and usage, along with pre-trained models ready for deployment.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and potential applications of the open-source turn detection model. Some questioned its robustness in noisy real-world scenarios and with varied accents, while others suggested improvements like adding a visual component or integrating it with existing speech-to-text services. Several commenters expressed interest in using it for transcription, meeting summarization, and voice activity detection, highlighting its potential value in diverse applications. The project's MIT license was also praised. One commenter pointed out a possible performance issue with longer audio segments. Overall, the reception was positive, with many seeing its potential while acknowledging the need for further development and testing.
Listen Notes, a podcast search engine, attributes its success to a combination of technical and non-technical factors. Technically, they leverage a Python/Django backend, PostgreSQL database, Redis for caching, and Elasticsearch for search, all running on AWS. Their focus on cost optimization includes utilizing spot instances and reserved capacity. Non-technical aspects considered crucial are a relentless focus on the product itself, iterative development based on user feedback, SEO optimization, and content marketing efforts like consistently publishing blog posts. This combination allows them to operate efficiently while maintaining a high-quality product.
Commenters on Hacker News largely praised the Listen Notes post for its transparency and detailed breakdown of its tech stack. Several appreciated the honesty regarding the challenges faced and the evolution of their infrastructure, particularly the shift away from Kubernetes. Some questioned the choice of Python/Django given its resource intensity, suggesting alternatives like Go or Rust. Others offered specific technical advice, such as utilizing a vector database for podcast search or exploring different caching strategies. The cost of running the service also drew attention, with some surprised by the high AWS bill. Finally, the founder's candidness about the business model and the difficulty of monetizing a podcast search engine resonated with many readers.
Ggwave is a small, cross-platform C library designed for transmitting data over sound using short, data-encoded tones. It focuses on simplicity and efficiency, supporting various payload formats including text, binary data, and URLs. The library provides functionalities for both sending and receiving, using a frequency-shift keying (FSK) modulation scheme. It features adjustable parameters like volume, data rate, and error correction level, allowing optimization for different environments and use-cases. Ggwave is designed to be easily integrated into other projects due to its small size and minimal dependencies, making it suitable for applications like device pairing, configuration sharing, or proximity-based data transfer.
HN commenters generally praise ggwave's simplicity and small size, finding it impressive and potentially useful for various applications like IoT device setup or offline data transfer. Some appreciated the clear documentation and examples. Several users discuss potential use cases, including sneaker authentication, sharing WiFi credentials, and transferring small files between devices. Concerns were raised about real-world robustness and susceptibility to noise, with some suggesting potential improvements like forward error correction. Comparisons were made to similar technologies, mentioning limitations of existing sonic data transfer methods. A few comments delve into technical aspects, like frequency selection and modulation techniques, with one commenter highlighting the choice of Goertzel algorithm for decoding.
Driven by a lifelong fascination with pipe organs, Martin Wandel embarked on a multi-decade project to build one in his home. Starting with simple PVC pipes and evolving to meticulously crafted wooden ones, he documented his journey of learning woodworking, electronics, and organ-building principles. The project involved designing and constructing the windchest, pipes, keyboard, and the complex electronic control system needed to operate the organ. Over time, Wandel refined his techniques, improving the organ's sound and expanding its capabilities. The result is a testament to his dedication and ingenuity, a fully functional pipe organ built from scratch in his own basement.
Commenters on Hacker News largely expressed admiration for the author's dedication and the impressive feat of building a pipe organ at home. Several appreciated the detailed documentation and the clear passion behind the project. Some discussed the complexities of organ building, touching on topics like voicing pipes and the intricacies of the mechanical action. A few shared personal experiences with organs or other complex DIY projects. One commenter highlighted the author's use of readily available materials, making the project seem more approachable. Another noted the satisfaction derived from such long-term, challenging endeavors. The overall sentiment was one of respect and appreciation for the author's craftsmanship and perseverance.
Mixlist is a collaborative playlist platform designed for DJs and music enthusiasts. It allows users to create and share playlists, discover new music through collaborative mixes, and engage with other users through comments and likes. The platform focuses on seamless transitions between tracks, providing tools for beatmatching and key detection, and aims to replicate the experience of a live DJ set within a digital environment. Mixlist also features a social aspect, allowing users to follow each other and explore trending mixes.
Hacker News users generally expressed skepticism and concern about Mixlist, a platform aiming to be a decentralized alternative to Spotify. Many questioned the viability of its decentralized model, citing potential difficulties with content licensing and copyright infringement. Several commenters pointed out the existing challenges faced by similar decentralized music platforms and predicted Mixlist would likely encounter the same issues. The lack of clear information about the project's technical implementation and funding also drew criticism, with some suggesting it appeared more like vaporware than a functional product. Some users expressed interest in the concept but remained unconvinced by the current execution. Overall, the sentiment leaned towards doubt about the project's long-term success.
Mixxx is free, open-source DJ software available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers a comprehensive feature set comparable to professional DJ applications, including support for a wide range of DJ controllers, four decks, timecode vinyl control, recording and broadcasting capabilities, effects, looping, cue points, and advanced mixing features like key detection and quantizing. Mixxx aims to empower DJs of all skill levels with professional-grade tools without the cost barrier, fostering a community around open-source DJing.
HN commenters discuss Mixxx's maturity and feature richness, favorably comparing it to proprietary DJ software. Several users praise its stability and professional-grade functionality, highlighting features like key detection, BPM analysis, and effects. Some mention using it successfully for live performances and even prefer it over Traktor and Serato. The open-source nature of the software is also appreciated, with some expressing excitement about contributing or customizing it. A few commenters bring up past experiences with Mixxx, noting improvements over time and expressing renewed interest in trying the latest version. The potential for Linux adoption in the DJ space is also touched upon.
Elwood Edwards, the voice of the iconic "You've got mail!" AOL notification, is offering personalized voice recordings through Cameo. He records greetings, announcements, and other custom messages, providing a nostalgic touch for fans of the classic internet sound. This allows individuals and businesses to incorporate the familiar and beloved voice into various projects or simply have a personalized message from a piece of internet history.
HN commenters were generally impressed with the technical achievement of Elwood's personalized voice recordings using Edwards' voice. Several pointed out the potential for misuse, particularly in scams and phishing attempts, with some suggesting watermarking or other methods to verify authenticity. The legal and ethical implications of using someone's voice, even with their permission, were also raised, especially regarding future deepfakes and potential damage to reputation. Others discussed the nostalgia factor and potential applications like personalized audiobooks or interactive fiction. There was a small thread about the technical details of the voice cloning process and its limitations, and a few comments recalling Edwards' previous work. Some commenters were more skeptical, viewing it as a clever but ultimately limited gimmick.
Summary of Comments ( 58 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44112149
Hacker News users discussed the potential applications and limitations of the new OLED-based audio technology. Some expressed excitement about its use in AR/VR headsets, transparent displays, and automotive applications, praising the elimination of bezels and improved immersion. Others were more skeptical, questioning the audio quality compared to traditional speakers, especially regarding bass response and maximum volume. Concerns about cost and longevity were also raised, with some speculating about the potential for burn-in issues similar to those experienced with OLED screens. Several commenters also pointed out the technology's similarity to bone conduction headphones, noting potential advantages in noise isolation and directional audio. Finally, a few users mentioned existing piezo-based solutions for thin displays and wondered how this new technology compared.
The Hacker News post titled "High-quality OLED displays now enabling integrated thin and multichannel audio" generated several comments discussing the technology and its potential implications.
Several commenters expressed skepticism about the practicality and market viability of the technology. One commenter questioned the claimed advantages over traditional speaker setups, pointing out the limitations in bass response and overall sound quality that a thin-film speaker would likely have. They also expressed doubt about the technology being able to deliver a true multi-channel audio experience. Another user raised concerns about the longevity and durability of such integrated speakers, especially considering the potential for damage to the screen itself affecting the audio output.
Another line of discussion focused on the potential applications of this technology. While some saw it as a potential boon for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, enabling slimmer designs and potentially eliminating the need for separate speaker components, others questioned whether the marginal gains in thinness were worth the potential trade-offs in audio quality. One commenter suggested that the most promising application might be in wearable displays, like AR/VR headsets, where space and weight are at a premium.
Some commenters also discussed the technical aspects of the technology, questioning how the researchers achieved the claimed performance and expressing interest in the underlying materials and manufacturing processes. One user, referencing experience with similar technologies, speculated that the audio quality would likely be "tinny" and lack depth.
Finally, a few comments touched on the potential impact on accessibility, with one user suggesting that the technology could be beneficial for individuals with hearing impairments by allowing for personalized audio delivery directly to each ear.
In summary, the comments reflected a mixture of excitement, skepticism, and pragmatic analysis of the potential of this new technology. While some saw it as a promising development with a range of potential applications, others remained unconvinced of its practical benefits and long-term viability.