Bucket Tech: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX

Bang & Olufsen today announced the launch of Beoplay EX, the latest addition to its wearable audio portfolio. With astounding sound, adaptive ANC and a fully waterproof design, Beoplay EX is the most versatile true wireless earphone model from Bang & Olufsen to date. Built to simplify personal sound, Beoplay EX offers an unparalleled combination of performance and style to create the perfect personal sound companion for amplifying all varieties of daily audio experiences.

“Beoplay EX embodies the seamless blend of comfort, luxury and quality sound that threads the entirety of our legendary audio portfolio together. From our award-winning Beoplay H95 over-ear ANC headphones to Beoplay Portal, our premiere entry to the gaming market, Beoplay EX is the natural next step in our superior sound offering”, says Bang & Olufsen Dorte Vestergaard, Bang & Olufsen’s Category Director.

 COMPACT DESIGN. BUILT FOR COMFORT.

Beoplay EX differs most notably from previous Bang & Olufsen earphones in the shape of its design. Designed by Thomas Bentzen, the stem-based shape has been adopted and transformed into a finished offering that is equal parts stylish and comfortable. The housing of the earphone placed inside the ear, is smaller than ever before, and ensures a comfortable and stable fit that can be worn for hours without readjustment.

The practicality of this new shape is matched with the signature Bang & Olufsen aesthetic, perfected over 96 years of craftmanship and design innovation. From the mirror-like glass interface which catches the light at the perfect moment, to the surrounding brushed aluminium ring, Beoplay EX creates a statement for the wearer whether they opt for the slick Black Anthracite, opulent Gold Tone or striking Anthracite Oxygen finish. Beoplay EX comes complete with a matching brushed aluminium charging case, which is conveniently pocket-sized, making it the perfect travel companion.

 SOUL-STIRRING SOUND. ALL-DAY LONG.

Whether Beoplay EX is used in the office, on the move, in the gym or at home, it has been designed by Bang & Olufsen with the aim to provide the best sound for any setting. Tuned by the brand’s acoustic engineers with decades of experience, Beoplay EX brings the superior sound that listeners expect from Bang & Olufsen’s legacy of portable and home audio products to the comparatively-miniature package of an in-ear device. Beoplay EX encompasses Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation technology, allowing the wearer to appreciate the depth, detail and clarity of sound that the artist intended, for a truly immersive audio experience.

Bang & Olufsen’s new shape in earphone design creates space for a 9.2 mm speaker driver in Beoplay EX, the biggest ever used for a true-wireless device by the brand. This results in a significant upgrade in the power of each audio moment, without compromising on comfort. Listening can last all day, as Beoplay EX has up to 20 hours of total playtime including charging in the case, and 6 hours of playtime with ANC turned on.

This combination of unrivalled sound quality and impressive ANC is matched with an upgrade in call quality, so that Beoplay EX can be used for taking meetings or personal calls at any moment. Each earphone has three microphones, beamforming technology and own voice functionality built in, to ensure a seamless call experience.

SIMPLE CONNECTIVITY. VERSATILE.

With the latest in Bluetooth 5.2 technology and background noise reduction, Beoplay EX makes it easy to go wireless and connect with the office, friends and family in any location. With Multipoint connectivity, the earphones can also connect to two devices at the same time, allowing wearers to listen to music from one and make calls with the other. Beoplay EX is not only leading the way in connectivity, but the new model is also sweat and IP57-certified dust resistant and waterproof, making it an extremely durable personal sound solution.

Bucket Tech: Klipsch Fives McLaren Edition Speakers

Now celebrating its 75th anniversary, Klipsch ® , the official headphone and portable audio partner of the McLaren ® Formula 1 team, is pleased to add The Fives McLaren® Edition powered speakers to its collection of co-branded products. The speakers combine McLaren Racing’s renowned design ethos and use of advanced materials with Klipsch’s legendary high-fidelity audio and technical innovation.

Klipsch The Fives McLaren Edition powered speakers are extremely versatile, easy to set-up and use, and connect to virtually everything — including a TV via HDMI-ARC. They also include an integrated phono pre-amp, Bluetooth® wireless technology, digital optical, analog RCA, USB inputs and a subwoofer output. Klipsch The Fives McLaren Edition powered speakers feature an advanced, high efficiency DSP amplifier for high-resolution audio (192kHz/24-bit decoding) from dedicated right and left speakers, as well as the supreme strength and ultra-low mass of carbon fiber for enhanced performance. Klipsch engineers designed the high-excursion carbon fiber woofer cone from scratch to ensure maximum output with minimal cone break up for detailed, deep, dynamic bass and decreased distortion. The result is a big, bold sound stage, and a better listening experience than the common sound bar.

Other enhancements include:

• Hand painted super matte black paint finish with accents of McLaren’s signature papaya color
•  McLaren’s iconic speedmark logo
•  Signature papaya tweeters, control panel, nyylon braided speaker and power cables
• Stability pad inspired by Formula 1’s intermediate racing tire tread
•  Laser etched Klipsch | McLaren paddock garage sign

The Fives are compatible with Klipsch Connect, giving users access to customize EQ and subwoofer volume settings, dynamic bass, night listening mode, over-the-air firmware upgrades, a digital quick-start guide, and much more.

Klipsch The Fives McLaren Edition powered speakers are available for 1,499€ per pair. For more information, visit the Klipsch website.

Bucket Tech: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX

Bang & Olufsen launches Beoplay HX, a powerful and authentic sound experience with digital ANC, up to 35 hours of play time and elevated comfort, exemplifying Bang & Olufsen’s expertise in sound, design, and craftsmanship.

 “Our dedication to create the best audio products has resulted in Beoplay HX which delivers an immersive and accurate sound experience, ultimate comfort and a refined user interface to meet our customers habits, values and needs. Whether working from home, travelling for business or pleasure, escape from the noise of everyday life and revolutionize your listening experience with our new headphones”, says Bang & Olufsen SVP of Product Management Christoffer Poulsen.

OUTSTANDING SOUND

Beoplay HX offers a powerful listening experience through two custom designed 40mm speaker drivers with neodymium magnets and bass ports which ensures optimal bass performance. Four dedicated microphones create an impressive call quality by utilizing advanced beamforming technology, while the battery optimization ensures up to 35 hours of play time – the equivalent of five working days of listening experience without having to recharge the battery.

Bang & Olufsen’s signature sound is further enhanced due to improved speech delivery and the listening experience is even finer and more immersive thanks to the introduction of the next generation of Digital Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation technology which cancels unwanted noise without compromising on sound quality.  Escape the everyday with Beoplay HX’s enveloping sound that transports the listener to the feeling of being at a concert with the music on full volume. Through Bang & Olufsen’s dedicated app, users can easily change sound profiles, ANC presets, while also accessing the most essential features directly on the refined headphone interface.

ULTIMATE COMFORT

Comfort is essential for wearing headphones and Beoplay HX has been designed with well-being in mind. Lightweight and designed for durability, the ergonomic design ensures that the headphones can be worn all day in total comfort for a broad variety of head sizes. This is due to the revamped headband which has a center-relief zone for long-time wear.

Crafted from authentic materials, the ear cushions are made from soft lambskin and the inner material consists of memory foam that adapts to the shape and curves of the ear for supreme comfort. The upper headband is made from cow hide with a smooth grain, while the lower headband is covered in a knitted fabric. Beoplay HX includes a form-fitting fabric case which protects the headphone and its accessories while on the move.

ENHANCED TECHNOLOGY

To further elevate the headphones, Beoplay HX has been created so that it can reach up to 35 hours of playtime which makes it one of the stand-out options in the market. It offers fast, strong, and stable connectivity through Bluetooth 5.1, Microsoft Swift Pair, Google Fast Pair and Made for iPhone (MFi). The product set-up process is convenient on both Android and Apple-devices, leading to a better and more frictionless interaction. 

ELEVATED CRAFTSMANSHIP

Known for refined Scandinavian design and craftsmanship, Bang & Olufsen have used the best materials for Beoplay HX to create the most luxurious headphones, incorporating soft leather and polished aluminum for aesthetics as well as their ability to enhance comfort, acoustics, and durability. The arm sliders are made of anodised, pearl blasted recycled aluminium with a light brushed detail in the upper part. The disc is crafted from aluminium with a diamond spin finish which is nestled within a polymer-painted recycled plastic structure, creating contrast between the alternating smooth and matte sensations.

Available in Black Anthracite, Sand, and Timber, Beoplay HX has a global three-year warranty upon registration, underlining the quality customers can expect when purchasing Bang & Olufsen headphones

Locally the Beoplay HX is priced at R9,999 and available at all B&O distributors. 

Bucket Tech: Klipsch T5 II True Wireless ANC

Last week saw the launch of the new Klipsch T5 II True Wireless earbuds with ANC, the new buds offer an immersive frictionless experience which is powered by Bragi embedded AI and heard movements. With wireless technology becoming more and more popular in in ear accessories, brands are focusing and working on how they can make their buds more than just speakers. With proper research and development into other technologies, finding ways to integrate them into the in ear wireless headphones, helps the end user enjoy them more. 

Klipsch T5 II True Wireless ANC are one off, if not the most innovative product that will be released to the market soon. It features dual-mic noise cancellation utilising both a microphone aimed at the outside and one in the front of the speaker for maximum noise cancellation. With the built-in Bragi operating system, that has embedded artificial intelligence, it allows for hands-free, advanced gesture controlled experiences. With Bragi Moves, accepting calls is as easy as nodding your head! This innovative operating system will enable new functionality over the life of the product. Another great new feature is integrated Dirac HD Sound technology which optimises sound performance digitally for clearer, richer and more balanced sound. With the wireless charging, the Klipsch T5 II True Wireless ANC can use any Qi-compatible charging pad or alternatively use a USB-C cable which is included. In terms of battery, the product offers up to 7-hours of battery life (5 hours with ANC), 21 hours in case (15 hours with ANC).

Like the previous Klipsch T5 II True Wireless earphones, and being their official headphone and portable audio partner they have also released a McLaren Forumla One edition off the ANC variant. They feature accents of the McLaren's signature papaya colour, real carbon fiber, and a co-molded outer shell that mimics the tread pattern of Formula 1's intermediate racing tire. Wireless charging is done via a dual position wireless charging pad which is included or via any Qi compatible charging pad or via the use of the USB-C cable which is included. The McLaren edition also features NuCurrent wireless charging technology which means the case will charge twice as fast as anything else on the market. 

Every new and existing Klipsch True Wireless earphone is compatible with the Klipsch Connect App, which is available in eight languages and allow users to make product updates, EQ adjustments, access the quick start guide and troubleshoot, detect device battery status and manage noise cancelling settings. Homemation which is the exclusive distributor of Klipsch in South Africa anticipate these new headphones will be available in the country within the next few months, pricing will follow subsequently.