Sony Interactive Entertainment (essentially the PlayStation wing) today announced plans to acquire Audeze, the company confirmed to TechCrunch. The Orange Country, California-based company is best known for its high-end headphones aimed at gamers and audio producers. The hardware often costs four figures, but the company consistently earns high ratings from reviewers and users.
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In a published by announcing the news, the companies are quick to note that operating under the Sony brand will not mean platform exclusivity (at least not at first). Audeze will continue to produce gaming headsets for competitors, including - presumably - the Xbox. However, it's almost certain that PlayStation-branded products will follow.
"Η Audeze is a leading headphone brand, and this acquisition underscores Sony Interactive's focus on innovation and delivering the best audio experience to PlayStation players," said Hideaki Nishino, SVP of SIE. "We are excited to bring Audeze's expertise to the PlayStation ecosystem, building on the great strides we've made with PlayStation 5's Tempest 3D AudioTech and Pulse 3D wireless headphones."
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Audeze, meanwhile, says the deal will give the company greater reach. It's a fact that's hard to dispute, given Sony's huge footprint. "Sony Interactive provides Audeze with a unique opportunity to expand our business as we continue our mission to provide best-in-class headphones to recording professionals, listeners and gamers," says CEO Sankar Thiagasamudram. "We also look forward to contributing to Sony Interactive's efforts to elevate the audio experiences of PlayStation to the next level".
In addition to its toy lines, Audeze also produces headphones and reference headphones and in-ear monitors for music production. Sony, meanwhile, is preparing to launch Portal, a $200 PS5 portable streaming device.
Sony has confirmed that the Audeze brand will continue to exist in the future and the company maintains offices in OC. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed "due to contractual commitments".
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source of information:techcrunch.com
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