Applications
Rode and Vortex team up to redefine remote audio
AMSTERDAM: Audio specialist Rode and British codec maker Vortex Communications have collaborated in a technology partnership that could change the way creators work remotely.
The collaboration integrates Vortex’s proprietary CallMe codec directly into Rode’s flagship production consoles — the RodeCaster Pro II and its smaller sibling, the RodeCaster Duo. The result is seamless, ultra-low-latency connectivity over WiFi or Ethernet, allowing creators to link up in real time without leaning on third-party software, external hardware or complex setup.
According to Vortex, CallMe’s secure SIP IP audio connectivity effectively erases geographic boundaries. Users can connect console-to-console anywhere in the world or patch in a guest through a web browser, with a simple invite dispatched via email or QR code. The goal: to deliver clean, broadcast-quality sound with virtually no delay — something that broadcasters, podcasters, internet radio producers and voice-over professionals have long demanded.
For Rode the integration marks a strategic leap. The company has pitched the RodeCaster range as all-in-one studios for the new wave of independent content makers, but until now remote contribution has been the Achilles heel of many setups. By embedding CallMe at firmware level, Rode is betting it can lure professionals who want plug-and-play reliability without the baggage of expensive ISDN lines, flaky conferencing apps or heavy post-production clean-up.
The service rolls out via a free firmware update branded Rode CallMe Lite, offering one remote contributor, up to 10 hours of RodeCaster-to-RodeCaster audio per month and five hours of web-to-console calls. Power users can graduate to paid CallMe and CallMe Pro tiers, unlocking multiple guests and extended call time.
Industry observers say the deal underscores a broader trend: pro-grade broadcast technology is increasingly being miniaturised, simplified and pushed into the hands of independent creators. Just as video conferencing apps democratised face-to-face meetings, Rode and Vortex are betting audio production can leap the same gap — with the quality standards of live radio and network television intact.
Vortex is exhibiting at stand number 8.F60 during IBC which is to be held from 12-15 September at Rai in Amsterdam.
Applications
Canva acquires animation and AI startups Cavalry and MangoAI
The deals strengthen Canva’s push into enterprise and AI-led design workflows
AUSTRALIA: Global visual communication platform Canva has stepped up its acquisition drive, buying UK-based 2D animation platform Cavalry and US-based AI startup MangoAI to deepen its AI-powered creative stack.
Cavalry, whose tools are used by brands including Amazon, Meta, Google and Netflix, will strengthen Canva’s motion design capabilities. The deal builds on Canva’s 2024 acquisition of Affinity, which has crossed four million downloads since launch. With Cavalry, Canva now counts seven Europe-based acquisitions, underscoring its global expansion strategy.
MangoAI, an early-stage startup focused on video advertising optimisation, will integrate its reinforcement learning systems into Canva AI. The move aims to enable brands to generate personalised marketing content in real time, cutting production cycles while improving campaign performance. MangoAI co-founder Vinith Misra will join Canva as reinforcement learning lead in its research lab.
Canva co-founder and chief operating officer Cliff Obrecht said the acquisitions reflect the company’s ambition to make professional-grade creative tools more accessible without sidelining human creativity. The goal, he said, is to bring everything from vector to motion design into a single, integrated suite.
The company now reports 265 million active users, including 31 million paid subscribers, and $4 billion in annualised revenue, up 36 per cent year on year. The latest buys further position Canva against rivals such as Adobe and Apple’s Creator Studio as it pushes deeper into enterprise workflows.
Canva head of pro design marketing Liam Fisher, said AI is intended to act as a creative assistant rather than a replacement, reinforcing the primacy of craft and individual design judgement.
