Daniel J SaitA trio of new Bang & Olufsen products are set to hit the streets following their launch at this year’s IFA 2016 show.
BeoVision Horizon is a new TV offering combining minimalist design with flexibility over an Android TV platform. The 4K Ultra HD TV compatible set also features enhanced audio sound and images that automatically adjust to light conditions using a built-in light sensor.
“BeoVision Horizon is all about flexibility and connectivity, creating social spaces and sharing great experiences. This 4K UHD TV packs everything into one vigorous and beautiful solution that provides an extraordinary, yet casual viewing experience”, says Marie Kristine Schmidt, vice president brand, design & marketing.
The black aluminium frame is designed to almost disappear when viewed from the front, but also give the screen perspective and depth when viewed from the side. Below the screen, rows of angled aluminium lamellas hide the speakers behind them. Installers can also add extra wireless speakers if needed.
BeoVision Horizon mounts on the wall, but it can also be placed on a set of wheels, a 360° rotating floor stand or leaned back on the floor on an easel stand.
The Android Smart TV platform provides access to web-based content from services like Google Play, as well as applications for entertainment, news and gaming, while integrated Google Cast enables streaming of movies, photos and music straight from a mobile phone or tablet. Control is via the dedicated BeoRemote One Bluetooth which offers dedicated MyButtons to carry out various predefined actions. BeoVision Horizon will also integrate with all the other Multiroom products from Bang & Olufsen and B&O PLAY. There is also space for either a HDD or an Apple TV inside. The set comes in 40in and 48in sizes.
New Speaker Duo
The maker has also introduced BeoSound 1 & 2 wireless speaker systems designed to be flexible in terms of usability, connectivity and placement options as the drivers are created to deliver a 360° sound experience.
“We live in a time of cord cutting where everyone wants more freedom. No one wants to be hindered by technological restriction. BeoSound 1 & 2 are designed to cater for a flexible lifestyle where music blends naturally into the home. The design is unobtrusive yet powerful, underscoring the purpose of the speakers,” says Marie.
The conic bodies hover slightly above the ground, letting the thumps of the bass units out beneath.
BeoSound 1 is a portable lightweight wireless speaker with a battery-driven option for mobility, whilst BeoSound 2 is its slightly bigger and more powerful sibling needing a permanent power connection.
Connectivity options include Google Cast, AirPlay, DNLA and Bluetooth. BeoSound 1 and 2 also provide integrated access to TuneIn Internet radio stations as well as Spotify and Deezer music services.