Good news! Another factory studded option may be available in Canada. Kumho brings us the WinterCraft ICE Wi31 with “Turbine Studs”.
“An advanced new stud design gives the WinterCraft ICE Wi31 an exceptionally quiet hold on the ice and snow. The wide turbine studs provide excellent snow clearance, in a low profile design that cuts road noise dramatically.”
http://www.kumhotire.ca/en/tire/category/car/C3910F7A-4173-46F0-9D9C-AE87075CBB1D
Although a dramatic reduction in road noise sounds like a great feature, it would be nice to see actual performance data including noise levels in a comparison test. Hopefully test data will become available soon.