Sony’s PlayStation division, Sony Interactive Entertainment, has acquired Audeze, a gaming headphone maker. No details of the transaction were disclosed, but Sony said that the acquisition will enhance SIE’s efforts to innovate the audio experience of PlayStation games.
Audeze is based out of Santa Ana, California, and is known for its innovative and high-end headphones that use patented technologies and unique planar magnetic drivers and are aimed at consumers as well as recording professionals, including sound engineers at many game development studios. Audeze designs and manufactures its planar magnetic drivers and professional headphones in its California facility.
“Audeze is a premier brand for headphones, and this acquisition highlights Sony Interactive’s focus on innovation and providing the best audio experience to PlayStation players,” said Hideaki Nishino, Senior Vice President, Platform Experience at Sony Interactive Entertainment. “We’re excited to bring Audeze’s expertise into the PlayStation ecosystem, building on the great strides we’ve made with PlayStation 5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech and the Pulse 3D wireless headset”, he added.
The acquisition will enable SIE to leverage Audeze’s expertise and technology to enhance the audio experience of PlayStation games. Apart from that, SIE also confirmed that Audeze products will remain multi-platform and available for other devices even after the deal closes.
Read More: Players can now stream PS5 games at 4K over cloud as Sony begins Public beta
Sony’s new audio products
The announcement from Sony comes at a time when it has introduced its first set of wireless earbuds. Called the Pulse Explore, the earbuds are aimed at providing a portable audio experience with dual microphones and AI-enhanced noise rejection capable of filtering background sounds. It also offers lossless audio and comes with a charging case.
A USB adapter that’s included with the earbuds is required for PlayStation Link. The PlayStation Link USB adapter will be sold separately as a standalone item and can be used on PC and Mac. Pulse Explore can simultaneously connect to a PlayStation Link-supported device (PS5, PC, Mac, or PlayStation Portal) and a Bluetooth-supported device.