Danish luxury audio maker Bang & Olufsen announces the Beosound 1 and 2 are soon to become smart speakers-- September 2018 brings updated versions featuring Google Assistant built-in.

“We are on an exciting journey to bring the convenience of voice technology across the portfolio to our audience of design-conscious customers, who expect the highest standards in terms of sound and craftsmanship," the company says. "Considering that Beosound 2 with the Google Assistant is the most powerful and best sounding voice-enabled speaker on the market today, this first step marks a solid commitment to our customers.”

Designed by Torsten Valeur from David Lewis Designers, the Beosound 1 and 2 feature a conical aluminium body sitting on top of a subwoofer. At the slightly open top the speaker driver plays downwards into an acoustical lens, creating what B&O says is "an evenly distributed spherical sound profile." The smart versions also feature 5 microphones paired with acoustic echo-cancelling technology, ensuring all commands are heard.

The speakers feature Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 support, allowing customers can stream any major music service from smartphone to the BeoSound 1/2, before distribution to a multiroom audio setup. The top of the speakers has 4 customisable buttons, providing another means to control commands such as streaming a radio station, favourite music playlist or reading out what is in the calendar for the day.

The Beosound 1 and 2 with built-in Google Assistant will be available in European markets from mid-September 2018.

Go Bang & Olufsen Brings the Google Assistant to Beosound and Beosound 2