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.
Technologies found in the 600 series include Continuum Cone midrange drivers, developed to improve on the transparency and accuracy of the Kevlar cone, and an updated version of the Decoupled Double Dome Tweeter paired with paper cone low-frequency drivers promising "rich, powerful" bass response.
The N950 offers what Samsung claims is the channels in a soundbar, being a 7.1.4 model. It consists of a main unit, four speakers and two wireless sound sound speakers, a built-in wireless subwoofer and a rear wireless speaker kit. Meanwhile the N850 is a 5.1.2-channel model, and offers a main unit speaker and a woofer.
The line-up consists of 3 models available in 2 finishes, high gloss black and high gloss white. The P4m carries a 6-Bar orientable Planar magnetic driver (the same as the sage ICS7-a), paired with two 5-inch drivers. Mounted vertically the P4m precisely matches the height of the most popular 65-inch TVs available on the market, while the rear portion of the cabinet allows for cable management for a clean look.
In terms of looks the Galaxy Home is an odd one, being a fabric-covered bulb-shaped device sitting on top of three stubby metal legs. The flat top has buttons for track skipping and volume control, and inside are 6 speakers and a subwoofer able to produce virtual surround audio, together with 8 far-field microphones for voice input.
