Creative achieves next breakthrough with Super X-Fi by investing USD 100M and 20 years into R&D

Falling sales, reduced production and loss of investors’ interests – for the last decades, these are some of the negative stuff you’ve heard about our homegrown Creative Technology (“Creative”). However, this has not deterred Mr Sim Wong Hoo, founder of Creative, from continuing his fight in the struggling audio business and this year, they are coming back with their latest technology that aims to change the way how consumer experience audio entertainment – Super X-Fi. The Neo Dimension is fortunate to be invited to Creative headquarters to hear first-hand from Mr Sim on this technology.

Announced in the CES 2018, Super X-Fi received positive reviews from the media and audio experts at the event. This latest technology has also been named “Best of CES 2018”. Back in Singapore, this technology has sparked investors’ interests in the company. The stock (stock quote: C76.SI) has jumped more than 300% within a week and the rally does not show any signs of slowing down!

So what exactly is Super X-Fi?

To put it simply, it is a new audio technology designed specifically for headphones to produce an immersive surround audio experience to users. Mr Sim further explains that every person is unique and perception of “good audio” varies person-to-person. This perception of “good audio” is what he called individual’s custom sound map. The beauty of Super X-Fi is that it matches the audio output to the individual’s custom sound map by analysing anthropological features of one’s head and ears.

Creative has invested USD 100M in research on a perfect sound profile. For the past 20 years, they have run countless trials on rooms, sound systems, headphones and test subjects. With the help of an artificial intelligence (AI) engine, the anthropological features of a person’s head are extracted along with the dynamics of the targeted headphones, and the AI engine synthesizes them to create a multi-dimensional map of the desired room acoustics.

Using this synthesized SXFI map, Super X-Fi recreates the audio holography to create a magical listening experience for headphones, custom-made to each individual’s unique physique.

Despite the level of sophistication in the technology, the end-user experience is extremely simple. All users need to do is take pictures of their head with their phone, select their headphone type, and they can start playing.

Technology – Good or Bad?

Before the presentation started, they took images of my head and ears using a mobile phone. Then the technology analyzed the data and mapped a sound profile that is customized to me. I listened to the demo and it was mind-blowing! The surround sound I heard from the headphone was amazing and I even took the headphones off just to confirm that I wasn’t hearing the sound from the physical surround speakers. Judging from the guests’ reactions, they were equally or almost as impressed as I am.

As part of the demo, we get to hear other guests’ sound profiles and indeed, those sounded horrible to me.

We all know that everybody has their own perception on what is considered a “good sound” but no one in the industry could solve this decades-long problem. Creative’s Super X-Fi could be the game changer.

Mr Sim Wong Hoo analogize Creative’s Super X-Fi to a Color TV. He further elaborated, “Before TV you are watching black and white, then the switch of black and white TV to color TV; so we are now witnessing the switch right now!”

A Good Technology = A Good Business?

A good technology is an asset to the company but how much return you could squeeze from this technology depends on the strategies and business models.

For the past decades, Creative has been making losses. In recent years, it has been increasingly more difficult to compete with new and upcoming entrants in the market. The key success factor for Creative’s Super X-Fi would be to gain adoption in the market speedily by licensing this technology to headphones or smartphone markers. Speed is crucial, especially in the technology space.

As part of the plan, Creative will be launching a free Super X-Fi app where users could play downloaded content without purchasing any Creative headphones. Creative hopes to acquire 50 million users.

To get the full experience of Super X-Fi, users can purchase the dongle which Creative plans to sell at a competitive price point of USD 150 to attract consumers.

The free Super X-Fi app and the dongle will be available by mid-2018.

Creative, A Growth Stock Again?

Investors seem to be convinced that Super X-Fi is going to turn Creative around. It makes perfect sense for the company to focus on the headphones market given the projected high growth in the global market. Quoting Mr Sachin Mittal, a DBS analyst in a Bloomberg report, “If the product gains just 0.5 percent share of the global headset market in 2020, Creative would gain revenues of $232 million”

I believe that the growth of the global headset market is inflated in the Bloomberg report. Based on their statement, this puts the value of the global headset market at USD 46B. Several research papers suggest that the global market could be worth USD 11B to USD 20B by 2020 to 2025. Suppose we take a more conservative yet optimistic estimate of USD 20B, that would be approx. USD 100m of revenue by 2023 (more than 100% jump from Creative’s revenue in 2017!).

Without a doubt, Creative is a growth stock. However, high growth essentially means high-risk. The challenge for Creative is to sign their first purchase order to start the first mass-production of the chip. Now, it is hard to predict which headphone maker is going to give them the business. On the flip side, they are competitors as well. The strategies of launching app and dongle are sound but is it good enough for Creative to turn their enemy into Frienemy?

How about licensing their technology to smartphone makers? Smartphone leaders like Apple and Samsung have already started the battle in the audio space. Apple has acquired celebrity headphone brand Beats Audio in 2014 and has started to manufacture their own audio headsets. Samsung, on the other hand, has acquired a US-based audio specialist Harmon in 2016. Ever since then, they have been bundling AKG earphones, Harmon’s subsidiary, with Samsung Galaxy S’s series of phones. Now, the question is, “If not Apple nor Samsung, who else can Creative offer their technology to in the smartphone market?”

To the investors, is the risk worth taking?

Fundamentally, Creative is holding approx. USD 100M of cash and more importantly, it is debt-free as of now. They should have sufficient financial capacity to market this technology for the next couple of years (They should be able to weather through if this new technology fails).

However, this stock is likely to be volatile in the short term which could be an opportunity for speculative traders.

For long term investors, this stock is a high-risk-high-return play. As I have mentioned earlier on, the extreme scenario is unlikely to bankrupt the company, but the high volatility may be of concern to some investors. Based solely on the potential of this technology, this stock could be undervalued but sign of market acceptance has yet to be seen.

Important! Please Read: All comments and suggestions here are purely my opinions. Investors should exercise their own discretions before taking up any positions on this stock.

November 26, 2017May 18, 2020

Joint Review of Sudio Tre by The Neo Dimension and Poisonvine

For those who are reading my blog for the first time, you may be surprised to learn that this is actually the third time that The Neo Dimension is reviewing Sudio’s personal audio products. So far, the readers’ feedback regarding the last two reviews (Sudio Vasa Bla and Sudio Regent) have been positive. Some mentioned that they really enjoyed the interview that we have done with Poisonvine.com. There’s no snobby audio jargon, just a showcase of the product from a real user’s perspective. In addition, some of our male readers expressed that they liked reading a review from a female’s perspective. (Okay, we are a male-centric blog but hey, we do have posts that are family-oriented.)

If you haven’t already read our previous reviews, here are the links:

Sudio Vasa Bla – https://theneodimension.com/review-15-discount-code-sudio-vasa-bla-classy-device-busy-professionals/

Sudio Regent – https://theneodimension.com/poisonvine-coms-review-sudio-regent-wireless-headphones/

Today, we are inviting Poisonvine.com to take part in a joint review on Sudio’s latest offering – Sudio Tre, their first water-resistant wireless earpiece. This time round, we have designed a set of questions that will be posted to both Poisonvine.com (P) and owner of TheNeoDimesion (TND). The objective is to allow our readers to look at Sudio Tre from a male’s as well as from a female’s perspective.

Without further ado, below is the Q&A. Check it out!

Q1. What’s your first impression when you unboxed the Sudio Tre?

P: I have the white colour version of the Sudio Tre. The product is looks stunning. There are lovely rose tone buttons and accents at the bottom of the earpieces. It also comes with a matching pouch to carry the Sudio Tre in.

TND: Well, I got the black one. I like the fact that they keep the standard micro-USB charging port for Sudio Tre. I have several wireless earpieces and every single one of them used different charging port making it cumbersome to keep switching cables.

Q2. Sudio claims that this product is designed for an active lifestyle. Well, everyone has different ways of interpreting “active”. How did you guys use the product?

P: I use this product when I work out on my elliptical machine. Sudio Tre remains comfortable to wear even after an hour long cardio session.

TND: I bring this out for run. Similar to the Vasa Bla, the weight of Sudio Tre is very well distributed from one end to another. The addition of “wings” on the earbuds, does not impair the comfort and in fact, the wings’ reinforcement has made the earbuds harder to come off no matter how hard I shake my head.

Late workout at #gym. Tired and perspiring like mad. Feel very demoralizing when I can’t keep up with my previous running pace and worse, there is no music played in the room. Fortunately, I have brought my own wireless earpiece and mobile phone with me. Well, a little bit of comfort listening to some Japanese anime theme songs that I have saved in my phone. #sudio #instagadget #bluetooth #wireless #instaworkout P.s. if you are interested in getting the wireless earpiece #sudiotre, you can use my #promocode “NEODIMENSION” to receive upto 35% discount for #Singapore buyers.

A post shared by Neo Wee Wu 梁威武 (@weewu) on Oct 10, 2017 at 7:02am PDT

Q3. Which feature of the product appeals to you most?

P: This offering is quite similar to the old Sudio Vasa Bla, but in order to make it more friendly for sports, the earbuds have a wing tip so that it doesn’t fall out easily.

TND: It is not a bad idea to make this product water-resistance. In Singapore, the weather is either rainy or sunny. You don’t want to encounter rain during your run but in the event that happens, you don’t want your device to be spoiled by rainwater.

How long do you need to plank? Simple, time for one song. #sudiotre #gym #instagym #instagood #instasport #workout

A post shared by Neo Wee Wu 梁威武 (@weewu) on Oct 11, 2017 at 7:13am PDT

Q4. What do you hope to see in Sudio’s future products?

P: Recently “true wireless” headphones that have two separate earbuds (like the Sony WF-1000X) are increasingly popular. I hope to see Sudio come up with their own version in future.

TND: I hope their future products could add voice assistance or notification to inform the users on the bluetooth connection and battery usage status.

Availability

The Sudio Tre is retailing at SGD 139/- (after tax rebate of 20%). If you make the purchase online via Sudio’s website, shipping to Singapore entitles you to 20% tax rebate.

On top of that, readers of TheNeoDimension are entitled to an additional 15 % discount. You can use the promo code NEODIMENSION.

March 7, 2017May 18, 2020

Poisonvine.com’s review on Sudio Regent Wireless Headphones

Sudio has released their latest product – Sudio Regent Wireless Headphones. We managed to get hold of a unit for review. Instead of writing about how we feel about the product, we’ve decided to do something different this time and get a female blogger (poisonvine.com) to share with us her experience after using this product.

Q1. Have you heard of Sudio? What’s your first impression when you first got hold of the Sudio Regent?

I first got to know about Sudio until they launched the Sudio Vasa Blå. It left a very strong impression on me because the earphones looked stunning!

Sudio Regent exemplifies the Sudio’s design philosophy – minimalist, elegant and timeless. It’s definitely a beautiful headphone that you would want to show off to your friends.

We ask Poisonvine.com 4 questions on how she feels about the #sudioregent wireless headphones. To read her response, check out bit.do/sudioregentreview

A post shared by Neo Wee Wu 梁威武 (@weewu) on Mar 6, 2017 at 9:16am PST

Q2. Which genre do you usually listen to? And does the sound profile meet your expectations?

I listen to a rather wide variety of genres so it’s a bit difficult to say. For instrumentals, I prefer artists like Kenny G, Keiko Matsui, Kaori Kobayashi and Jessy J. For vocals, I like Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, Il Divo, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and Toni Braxton.

Anyway, I find that the Sudio Regent generally performs well for instrumentals, there is good clarity and balance. Unfortunately, the bass is a little weaker than I would like. For vocals, I find that the sound quality tends to be a bit airy.

#sudioregent #wirelesss #headphones

A post shared by Neo Wee Wu 梁威武 (@weewu) on Mar 6, 2017 at 9:13am PST

Q3. What’s the best (or worst) experience you had while using this product?

I like that the Sudio Regent offers both Bluetooth and wired option, which makes it very versatile and is ideal for travelling. The headphone is light and foldable, making it very portable. In addition, you can change the caps on the headphone and match the headphones to your OOTD.

The headphones sits on the ear and is generally quite comfortable. However, after prolonged usage, the headphone will start to feel a bit too tight for my head (maybe because I have a big head?) But for commuting I would not expect to wear this continuously for over an hour so it’s not a big issue.

Q4. Considering all factors: Design, features, sound quality and price, how do you rate the product?

I would give it a 6.5/10. It is definitely worthy of a consideration if you are in the market for portable headphones.

Availability

The Sudio Regent is available in two colors, black and white and retails for S$229.

If you are in Singapore, you will get a 20% off that price because of tax rebates. After the 20%, it becomes S$183.20.

Using my promo code “neodimension” at their site, it will give you an additional 15% discount. So in total, you pay just S$155.72 for the Sudio Regent.

On top of that, you will receive a free express shipping and a phone case.

Who is poisonvine.com?

Typical working class Singaporean who is a caffeine addict and an aspiring home barista. Like most Singaporeans, she loves food and travel. She believes that Google will eventually rule the world (“hail Google!”) and is waiting for the day when language is no longer a barrier because Google translate attained perfection. Also a die-hard Blackberry fan.

February 12, 2017

A Swedish Company is Trying to Improve Singapore’s Retail Sector

Axis Communications (Axis, stock quote: STO:AXIS ), a Swedish maker of network cameras, aims to redefine local brick-and-mortar store operations and customer engagement, with the launch of its video network solution today. The new solution offers HD TV image quality, intelligent video functions and analytic capabilities. These will support retailers in their efforts to remain productive, reduce manpower reliance, gain consumer insights, and ultimately, win back customers from e-commerce players.

“The consumer shift from brick-and-mortar stores to e-commerce have undeniably impacted traditional retailers. However, we believe that brick-and-mortar shops still have a competitive edge over e-tailers, and that is the human aspect of a shopping experience,” said Mr Magnus Zederfeldt, Director, South Asia Pacific, Axis Communications. “Customers want authentic experiences today, and it is thus imperative for traditional retailers to leverage emerging technologies to enhance this. If implemented effectively, brick-and-mortar stores can flourish.”

Magnus Zederfeldt, Regional Director South Asia Pacific Axis Communications. Source: Instagram user @weewu

Key highlights of Axis’ network video solution

Axis’ network video solution is capable of helping retailers in two key aspects:

1. Enhanced security

Axis network video solution provides high resolution store-wide image coverage that enables retailers to follow any suspicious behaviour inside and outside store, even after operating hours.
The new solution is able to distribute HD TV video over any kind of IP network or the internet, assisting investigators with crime and positive identification.

2. Enhanced customer experience

When placed strategically, the network cameras can assist retailers in recording, measuring and better understanding consumer activity and buying behaviour.
Retailers will be able to identify the popular areas in-store and optimise the store and display layouts accordingly.

Axis’ had previously launch its retail solution in the region, and some of its key customers include Hang Ten in Taiwan, and Volkswagen in China. Customers have feedback that the solution has not only helped to effectively reduce its operational costs, but also raised in-store surveillance and employee productivity.

“Competition against huge e-commerce players, such as Alibaba and Amazon, are heating up. As such, Singapore retailers must focus on delivering greater value to consumers through the implementation of digital initiatives in stores. This will enable local store owners to stand against e-tailers, and bring about enhanced experience for consumers,” said Mr Zederfeldt.

December 18, 2016

Ultimate Ears’ MEGABOOM App Now Can Connect More Than 50 UE Speakers (Almost) Instantaneously

The New Enhancement (called “PartyUp”) in the app allows users to connect to more than 50 Ultimate Ears (UE) speakers almost instantaneously. The new enhancement works well with the recenly announced UE Boom 2 as well as older generation of wireless speakers namely UE Boom (1st Gen) and UE MEGABOOM.

When asked about the rationale of the features, Charlotte Johs, General Manager of UE, explains,”Music connects people in extraordinary ways”. She further elaborates,””Now, friends come together, they can easily connect their speakers without worrying about limitations. Whether you are your crews are on a rooftop without a power outlet, or 50 of your closest pals are floating down a river without a dry spot in sight, PartyUp lets the party grow within seconds.”

PartyUp is now available through iOS and Android app stores.

December 1, 2016

Experience true wireless freedom with the Jabra Elite Sport

Jabra announces the arrival of its first true wireless sports earbuds, which is now available at S$368 from selected stores in Singapore (full list of retailers below). The Elite Sport, the first in line of the premium Elite franchise, will feature two completely independent wireless earbuds, packed full of audio innovations and fitness features designed with the active user in mind.

Jabra Elite Sport Unboxed. Source: Instagram user @weewu

True Wireless for Complete Freedom

The Jabra Elite Sport delivers a cord-free audio experience, with outstanding stereo sound for calls and music, as well as full sports functionality. With three ear gels, three sizes of ear foams and three wingtips, users are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the best fit for their ears. Active users no longer have to worry about an earbud slipping out at the wrong time during an intensive workout session.

Superior Audio Quality With Noise Cancellation

Featuring two microphones in each ear bud, the ear buds are designed to pick up your voice through the first microphone, while the other aims to pick up external noises. The Jabra Elite Sport can switch between the earbuds receiving the least noise, as well as remove the background noise by differentiating the separate feeds it receives on each ear bud, leaving only the crystal-clear clarity of your voice in any environment.

Medical grade credentials

Pioneers in sound from sports earbuds to hearing aids, Jabra (as part of the GN Group) has used its unique understanding of high-quality sound in the development of Jabra Elite Sport. Created in collaboration with engineers from ReSound, a specialist in medical grade sound solutions and a world leader in Smart Hearing Aids, Jabra Elite Sport draws on more than 145 years of experience in hearing innovation and fit.

Hear Your Surroundings While Running
When activated, the Elite Sport’s HearThrough technology allows the in-ear speakers to recreate ambient sounds, ensuring that runners are aware of their surroundings including unexpected incoming traffic and other dangers, while plugged in.

Both Mono and Stereo

The Elite Sport comes with two individual earbuds, offering users the option to use a singular earbud for mono playback and calls through its primary (right) earbud which communicates directly to the user’s smartphone via Bluetooth. The secondary (left) earbud, which connects to the primary earbud via near field magnetic induction, automatically reconnects when both earbuds are placed within 25cm, allowing for a seamless transition between conversation and stereo music.

The Perfect Fitness Gadget

The Jabra Elite Sport features a heart-rate sensor in its right ear bud that ensures an above 90% accuracy reading. Through its integrated app, users can gauge their fitness level via the VO2 Max measurement, as well as improve their run timings through the race-time predictor, and plan their workouts for maximum effectiveness with the recovery advisor. The updates are delivered in real-time via the intelligent in-ear coaching, ensuring an uninterrupted workout. The Jabra Sport Life app also captures and tracks your fitness development over time, providing a range of information to help you improve your fitness level in the future, including distance covered, pace, route, calories burnt and training effect.

The Elite Sport is sweat proof and comes with an IP67 waterproof rating. The earbuds have been tested to work for at least 30 minutes whilst submerged in up to one metre of water, making it the perfect fitness earbud under any weather and training conditions.

3+6 hours of Battery Life

With a talk and music battery life of three hours per charge, the Jabra Elite Sport is among the longest lasting true-wireless earbuds in the market today. The earbuds also come with an on-the-go charging case, which provides an additional two full charges, or six extra hours, of juice.

Works on both iOS and Android

The Elite Sport’s call and music functions supports all major smartphone operating systems with Bluetooth, while its performance tracking and fitness apps are available on both Android and iOS devices.

Three Year Warranty

As a training partner, Jabra Elite Sport has the added assurance of a three-year extended warranty in Singapore, the longest of any true wireless headsets.

Features and specifications:

Superior sound with up to three hours of music and calls (plus up to six hours additional charge from the portable charging case
Flexible wearing options with single or stereo earbud use
Advanced heart rate analysis with automatic fitness level testing of VO2 Max, recovery advisor and race predictor
In-ear audio coaching with real-time feedback
Integrated Training Management with Jabra Sport Life app
Three-year warranty against sweat and waterproof to IP67 rating
Secure fit – perform at your best with incredibly light, ultra-secure earbuds
Supports all major smartphone operating systems, including Android & iOS
Integrated Jabra Sport Life app and support for all leading third-party fitness apps

Pricing and availability

The Jabra Elite Sport (S$368) is now available at selected outlets from the following retailers and selected Jabra resellers:

Challenger
Harvey Norman
Best Denki
Nubox
Stereo
Connect IT
Lazada (Online – Preorder only)

September 18, 2016September 19, 2016

Event – SYFY TEAMS UP WITH SAMSUNG TO BRING HYBRID VR SERIES – HALCYON

halcyon-1-25fps-polish-00-02-07-02-still006

Syfy welcomes its original Hybrid Virtual Reality (VR) series, HALCYON, premiering on 22 September, Thursday at 10pm (Syfy, StarHub Ch 517).

To give viewers the ultimate Halcyon experience, Syfy Asia has teamed up with Samsung for the series to be available on the Samsung Gear VR. The partnership enabled Syfy superfans to get a sneak preview of the series with the Gear VR at the Singapore Toys, Games and Comic Convention (STGCC) over the weekend, while members of the press in Singapore were treated to experience select episodes from the series at the Samsung Experience Store at Vivocity.

Experience VR episode with Samsung Gear VR

HALCYON is set in 2040 and follows Julie Dover, a detective in the Virtual Reality Crimes Unit, as she investigates the first real-life murder to take place within virtual reality – a crime that shouldn’t even be possible – and the conspiracy she discovers behind it. Directed by BAFTA-nominated Benjamin Arfmann (Random Stop), Halcyon provides compelling cliff-hangers moving fans across TV, online and VR platforms to find out what will happen next.

The 15-episode series consists of 10 x 5-minute linear episodes available to binge-watch on TV (Syfy – StarHub Ch 517), online (http://halcyon.syfy.asia) and on VR (Samsung Gear VR). In addition to the 10 episodes, viewers will also be able to enjoy five special episodes that will be available exclusively via the Halcyon VR app, which can be downloaded from the Oculus store for US$4.99 (from 22-25 Sep) and US$9.99 (from 25 Sep) on the Samsung Gear VR.

The Samsung Gear VR allows users to enjoy Halcyon episodes in a truly immersive and cinematic manner. Episodes will alternate between short-form and VR to showcase a next-level entertainment experience that combines the immersive nature of VR with the narrative arc of a linear TV series:

vr-interface

Halcyon’s story can be understood from just its linear episodes, but watching both linear and VR episodes will allow viewers a more enriched experience. For viewers who only watch the linear episodes, a short recap of the previous VR episode will be played before each linear episode begins, to ensure that they will be able to follow the complete storyline.

Viewers in Singapore hoping to catch the series in both linear and VR will be able to do so with the Samsung Gear VR.

HOW TO WATCH HALCYON
TV: Premieres 22 September, Thursday at 10pm on Syfy (StarHub Ch 517)
Online: Available anytime from 22 September on http://halcyon.syfy.asia
VR: Available on Samsung Gear VR through the Halcyon VR app

September 11, 2016September 19, 2016

Jaybird Launches New Bluetooth Earpiece – Jaybird Freedom

We all know that Apple has dumped 3.5mm audio jack thinking that wireless- enable listening devices is the way to go! ( I have blogged about the obsolete of 3.5mm audio port like a year ago. Does that I mean I have more foresight than Apple?)

Not as if that is going to make a difference in how other headphone markers manufacture their products. Bluetooth is still currently the wireless standard for the audio devices.

Freedom Charging Clip that could be attached to the remote control of Freedom. Photo Credit: Jaybird

Jaybird announced Freedom Wireless Bluetooth® Buds, its fifth-generation of Freedom.

Highlights of the product

Small in Size, Big in Sound – Freedom is Jaybird’s smallest, secure-fit buds to date using a patented taper down design, reducing speaker diameter by 20 percent and never compromising on sound.
Ultimate Hands-Free Experience – wirelessly-connected to 2 devices simultaneously.
Never Miss a Beat –With the charging clip, you could extend the battery usage upto eight hours of playtime with the charger on. The charging clip could get you an extra hour of playtime with a mere 20 minutes of quick charge.
Universal Fit – Sweat-proof premium buds fit perfectly in any ear thanks to Comply^TMmemory foam tip and enhanced comfort ear fins. With over 12 different ways to personalize your buds, Jaybird Freedom’s slimmer profile fits comfortably for any lifestyle

Availability
Jaybird Freedom is available from 16 September onwards exclusively at all Jaybird authorized resellers for $259.00. The buds come in four fresh colors: Gold, Carbon (Black), Blaze (Red) and Ocean (Blue).

July 8, 2016September 19, 2016

Press Release – STINGRAY OPENS REGIONAL HEADQUARTER IN SINGAPORE

Stingray launches new office to serve growing demand in the Asia-Pacific region

Singapore, July 7, 2016 – Stingray Digital Group Inc. (TSX: RAY.A; RAY.B.), a leading business-to-business multiplatform music solutions provider, continues to expand its activities in the Asia-Pacific market. Stingray strenghtens its presence in this pivotal region with the opening of a regional headquarter in Singapore. This launch follows the recent acquisitions of iConcerts, a television channel that reaches more than 250 million households, and Digital Music Distribution PTY in Australia.

Stingray’s Singapore office will be headed by Mathieu Sibille who, in addition to his current position as CEO of iConcerts, will also act as managing director for Asia-Pacific. Mathieu Sibille will spearhead local operations, develop the company’s growth through strategic partnerships, and liaise with music industry stakeholders from Tokyo to Sydney.

“I cannot overstate the importance of the Asia-Pacific region to our global development plan,” said Eric Boyko, President, Co-founder and CEO of Stingray. “By 2020, Pay-TV subscriptions in the region will experience double-digit growth, making a permanent Stingray presence essential to propelling our current momentum. I am thrilled to count on the experience and expertise of Mathieu Sibille to expand our client network, and look forward to bringing our portfolio of curated products and services to even more music lovers.”

“We could not have selected a better location than Singapore, a hub of creativy and technology, to grow Stingray’s operations in the region,” said Mathieu Sibille, General Manager, Asia-Pacific for Stingray. “Singapore’s strategic location will allow us to respond in a flexible and reactive way to our current and future clients’ needs. The new Stingray office will serve as a major centre for our clients and will serve a key role in customer support, sales, and development.”

About Stingray

Stingray (TSX: RAY.A; RAY.B) is a leading business-to-business multi-platform music and in-store media solutions provider operating on a global scale, reaching an estimated 400 million Pay-TV subscribers (or households) in 152 countries. Geared towards individuals and businesses alike, Stingray’s products include the following leading digital music and video services: Stingray Music, Stingray Concerts, Stingray Brava, Stingray Djazz, Stingray Music Videos, Stingray Lite TV, Stingray Ambiance and Stingray Karaoke. Stingray also offers various business solutions, including music and digital display-based solutions through its Stingray Business division. Stingray is headquartered in Montreal and currently has over 300 employees across the world, including in Toronto, Miami, London, Amsterdam and Tel Aviv. Stingray was recognized in 2013 and 2014 as a finalist in the Top 50 of Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50^TM list, and figures amongst PROFIT magazine’s fastest-growing Canadian companies. In 2016, Stingray was awarded best IR for an IPO at the IR Magazine Awards – Canada.