Kenwood launches new connected hi-fi range on Frontier's AURIA platform

By AI, Created 2:26 PM UTC, June 02, 2026, /AGP/ – Kenwood unveiled a new family of connected audio products at the High End Show in Vienna on June 4, 2026, using Frontier Smart Technologies’ AURIA module. The launch gives Kenwood a standardized platform for premium mass-market audio, with shipping expected to begin in Q3.

Why it matters: - Kenwood is using one connected-audio platform across multiple product types, which can cut development complexity and speed up launches. - Frontier’s AURIA module is positioned for the premium mass-market segment, where brands need advanced features without heavy certification or integration work. - The launch signals a long-term product strategy around a common wireless and streaming foundation rather than one-off designs.

What happened: - Kenwood announced a new range of connected audio products built on Frontier Smart Technologies’ AURIA turnkey module at the High End Show in Vienna on June 4, 2026. - The range includes the KSA-DX1, KR-W9000S, CR-ST900S, LS-1000S and LS-2000S models. - Kenwood said the products are aimed at the growing premium mass-market segment. - The company said the products will begin shipping in Q3.

The details: - AURIA supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE Audio, Bluetooth classic and hi-res audio as standard. - The platform also supports AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Internet Radio. - The new range spans large 4-inch display-based designs and headless devices. - Kenwood said the lineup shows AURIA can support many product form factors and user interfaces. - Some products include large, high-resolution displays for richer visual interaction. - Other models use headless architectures for wireless speakers, soundbars and portable devices. - Most Kenwood products in the range also include DAB+ digital radio using Frontier’s Kino4 chip. - The AURIA platform offers DAB+ as an optional fit. - The OKTIV app provides setup, content discovery and audio control. - AURIA APIs also let brands build their own app. - Frontier’s Internet Software Update service will push software updates in the field. - Frontier said that helps products stay current with cyber security legislation. - The platform supports Bluetooth Auracast for shared audio experiences. - AURIA delivers 192kHz, 24-bit high-resolution audio across all product types. - The platform is pre-certified and designed for cost-effective implementation. - Frontier said AURIA is in mass production and ready to integrate into customer projects now. - Frontier invited visitors to meet at the High End show in Hall X5, Stand T13, and provided a booking link: More information.

Between the lines: - Kenwood is standardizing on a single module to focus engineering effort on hardware and product differentiation instead of core connectivity work. - The mix of display-based and headless products suggests Kenwood wants one backend platform to serve several price points and categories. - Frontier is using the launch to show AURIA as a scalable platform for brands that want faster time to market and lower certification burden.

What’s next: - Kenwood said more products are already under development on the AURIA platform. - Frontier expects the new products to reach end users after the first Q3 shipments. - The companies are pushing the platform as a base for future connected-audio launches in the premium mass-market segment.