Joint Venture Announced. Ark Electronics USA and Surfaceink Create ArxX Labs for Advanced Production-Ready Voice Solutions for Consumer Electronics
A new joint venture, ArkX Laboratories, was finalized at the CES 2020 show in Las Vegas. Ark Electronics USA and Surfaceink announced the JV to deliver production-ready Voice/Audio modules and custom integrations for Fortune 500 companies. Additionally, ArkX Labs will support start-ups and OEMs who want their own white label, voice-enabled smart technology devices and IoT products.
Ark Electronics USA serves leading consumer electronics, mobile communications, automotive, and industrial IoT brands. The company is a contract manufacturing and engineering design company based in the United States and China. Their combined technical expertise with agile manufacturing processes enables customers to create original products and solutions at scale.
Surfaceink provides full-system and consulting services for Fortune 500 companies and startups including its work on flagship products for global leaders. The company is a pioneering Silicon Valley product design and development studio. Among their clients are Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Dolby, Fitbit, Google, and Intel. Surfaceink was recently qualified as an Amazon Alexa Consulting & Professional Services Provider (CPS).
“In today’s competitive landscape, time-to-market is everything.”
said Eric Bauswell, CEO of Surfaceink, “With Ark’s manufacturing expertise and Surfaceink’s experience with advanced audio and voice product development, this joint venture offers OEMS and start-ups a better option in voice performance while reducing development costs and accelerating their time-to-market”
E.J. Constantine, Founder and Chief Executive of Ark Electronics USA, added,
“Talking to our customers both here and overseas, the need for a better voice experience in the market is clear. Brands want more control while mitigating the risks and costs of developing their solutions. Our production-ready solutions are designed and manufactured to enable them to do just that.”
ArkX’s provides an advanced line of ready-made development kits and audio/voice products, all powered by FlexArray™and Cirrus Logic SoundClear™ technology. ArkX’s Products are designed to outperform the market in far-field voice capture by delivering a better voice experience. The products meet or exceed all requirements for the Amazon Voice Services (AVS) premium rating product qualifications. They are Alexa-compatible and are compatible with other platforms as well. They are fully customizable for each company’s eco-system and can be applied to a wide range of products including soundbars, appliances, speakers, TV’s, voice controllers and gadgets. Ready for smart home applications, can be installed in ceilings, hubs, or in-wall.
Scott McNeese, Director of Voice Technology at Surfaceink noted:
“Our ArkX solutions add a new dimension to far-field voice by analyzing sound in 3D, unlike the 2-dimensional planar view of other technologies, increasing range and precision in capturing voice and suppressing noise. Twelve independent AEC’s also make it ideal for soundbars and surround sound solutions.”
ArkX Laboratories is led by executives from both companies to run day-to-day operations and sales. The company’s offices are located in San Jose and Irvine, CA, USA, as well as Qingdao, China.
