MediaTek's MT8516 2-Mic to power Flipkart's MarQ smart home speakers

MediaTek and Flipkart have announced the launch of the new premium range of MarQ Smart Home Speakers, powered by MediaTek’s ultra-efficient MT8516 2-Mic Development Kit for Voice Services. Featuring a matte black finish to accentuate the Indian home décor, the MarQ Smart Home Speaker will be available for sale on Flipkart from Saturday, September 26. 

The association follows MediaTek’s recent announcement on enabling ‘Design in India’ by empowering the Indian smart devices ecosystem with innovative and technologically advanced solutions. The new smart speaker, featuring Google Assistant in Hindi and English, is designed, engineered, and made in India, for the Indian demographic. It offers users an aspirational and attractive addition to the smart household.

Engineered for a rich music experience with 6W speakers for better sound and music experience, Flipkart MarQ allows users to control everything with just their voice. The smart speaker can be used to dim the lights, pause the TV, or turn on the AC as it is compatible with several popular smart devices from renowned brands. With two far-field mics, the Speaker is designed to listen better and process voice commands easily, featuring two embedded far-field microphones, the speaker offers hands-free usage from anywhere in the house. With a moulded body and soft fabric finish, the smart speaker also offers a three-month free subscription to JioSaavn Pro for all your music requirements. 

Daniel Lin, Deputy Director for Emerging Markets at MediaTek says, “Content consumption in India has been increasing, aided by smart devices. Our collaboration with Flipkart will enable the roll-out of the new and interactive MarQ Smart Home Speakers equipped with voice assistant services. With enhanced speakers for a rich audio experience and interactive voice command, the MarQ speaker is an excellent addition to a smart home. MediaTek is focused on enabling ‘Make in India’ initiatives through associations with domestic device makers and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Flipkart.” 

The smart speaker is embedded with MediaTek’s MT8516 kit, an integrated hardware and software solution ideal for a wide range of voice assistant devices and audio applications. The solution features a quad-core ARM Cortex-A35 application processor, operating up to 1.3 GHz to process user inputs faster. The development kit provides a highly integrated and cost-competitive solution with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities built-in, and also integrates audio front-end and post-processing technologies. With MT8516, audio manufacturers can reduce the development time, effort and costs associated with designing and customizing smart speaker products. 

Dev Iyer, Vice President, Private Brands at Flipkart, comments, “MarQ has continued to bring innovative offerings to the market, with products that are crafted to meet the needs of Indian consumers. With MarQ Smart Speakers, we aim to fulfil the aspirations of Indian consumers who are looking to adopt a smarter living. Besides serving as a high-quality, contemporary music assistant, the Smart Speakers will allow consumers to get updates for almost anything, with the option of managing the device in Hindi, as we see the ‘smart trend’ move beyond just the metro markets. Made in India for Indian consumers, the MarQ Smart Speakers not only boost local manufacturing capabilities but also address the growing consumer need to lead a smart and technologically advanced lifestyle.”  

The MT8516 development kit will enable manufacturers to roll-out a range of smart devices including speakers, soundbars, smart home hubs, industrial applications and smart home appliances.