This week we learned that the Sonos, Inc. (Nasdaq: SONO) plans to launch a new product into a new “multibillion-dollar” product category – strongly rumored to be headphones – has hit a snag, despite its best efforts. Company management has been enthusiastically talking up this diversification into an entirely new category for months – suggesting it will add at least $100 million to revenues this year. But now…those plans have had a monkey wrench thrown into them…
headphones
My, My, My AXPONA (Sung to My Sharona); Opens This Week in Schaumberg, IL
Hearing is Believing – Expo Runs April 14 -16
This week, one of the industry’s premier audio expositions, JD Events’ Audio Expo North America (AXPONA), kicks off again in full force – and many in audio are buzzing in excitement for a full frontal, fully immersive audio experience. Starting Friday (with a pre-event party Thursday night for exhibitors and industry folks), the Expo is being held at the Renaissance Schaumberg Hotel & Convention Center in Schaumberg, IL.
Learn more about AXPONA
[Read more…] about My, My, My AXPONA (Sung to My Sharona); Opens This Week in Schaumberg, ILB&W Upgrades True Wireless Headphones with Pi7 S2 & Pi5 S2
Bowers and Wilkins (B&W) announced this week the availability of upgraded Series 2 versions of two of their popular true wireless in-ear headphones – the Pi7 S2 and the Pi5 S2. In true B&W form, these new models are NOT an example of just the same old wine in a brand-new bottle. Rather, the company has made serious upgrades to the technology, performance, and capabilities compared to the original versions of these headphones making them a great choice for new buyers…and also an attractive upgrade option for owners of the original versions.
Learn all about the new B&W Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2 headphones
[Read more…] about B&W Upgrades True Wireless Headphones with Pi7 S2 & Pi5 S2B&W Offers a Racy McLaren Edition of Px8 HFs
Can headphone design really be inspired by a rad-looking “supercar”? Apparently, as high-end, high-performance speaker maker Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), a division of Sound United, announced today a special McLaren Edition of their flagship Px8 reference-grade, over-ear, wireless, noise-canceling headphones.
The company said it created the special model to celebrate its 5-year relationship with luxury, high-performance car manufacturer McLaren Automotive.
See more on Bower & Wilkins special McLaren Edition Px8 headphone
[Read more…] about B&W Offers a Racy McLaren Edition of Px8 HFsB&W Launches All-New Px7 S2 Wireless, Noise-Canceling Headphones
Today Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) launched the all-new Px7 S2 wireless noise-canceling headphones, designed to replace the previous PX7 that the company says was an “award-winning” product. A premium grade set of headphones, B&W says the new Px7 S2 will “deliver the most detailed, natural and immersive sound available – the True Sound of the artist’s intent.”
Learn more about the new B&W Px7 S2 wireless headphone
[Read more…] about B&W Launches All-New Px7 S2 Wireless, Noise-Canceling HeadphonesAtlantic Technology Launches Its First Headphone, The FS-HAL1 In-Ear Monitor
Atlantic Technology, known for years for its high quality/high value loudspeakers designs, announced this week the launch of its first ever headphone, the FS-HAL1. True to their positioning in the market, the FS-HAL1 is a high-performance model targeted at music lovers and Hi-Fi enthusiasts who value better sound quality in an affordably-priced, convenient in-ear monitor design.
Learn more on Atlantic Technology FS-HAL1..
[Read more…] about Atlantic Technology Launches Its First Headphone, The FS-HAL1 In-Ear MonitorApple’s Wireless AirPods Get a ‘Gen 2’ Upgrade
Apple, Inc. announced today that it has upgraded its popular AirPods wireless headphones, with a new Generation 2 model featuring technology that offers more talk time, quicker connects, a hands-free ‘Hey Siri’ capability, and a new wireless charging case.
See more on the new Apple AirPods…
[Read more…] about Apple’s Wireless AirPods Get a ‘Gen 2’ UpgradeTCL Launches 8K QLED & Audio Solutions at CES
TCL, a leading global TV brand out of China, launched several new A/V products at CES 2019, including new higher end 8K QLED¹ TVs with AI, a whole new range of headphone products, and new home theater soundbars. These products not only expand their assortment, they expand their market position with higher end solutions and advanced technologies.
See more on TCL’s impressive CES launches…
[Read more…] about TCL Launches 8K QLED & Audio Solutions at CESAnd You Thought Samsung Bought Harman for Car Audio
Will Use Harman Audio Tech as Smartphone Differentiator
In November 2016, we learned that Samsung had acquired Harman International Industries in a deal valued at $8 billion. At that time, everyone pretty much assumed the deal was all about automotive audio – and area that inside-Samsung sources had identified as a market the company sought to penetrate. Now we learn that it wasn’t just about cars.
See a newly emerging strategy that Samsung plans to use Harman for… [Read more…] about And You Thought Samsung Bought Harman for Car Audio
HiFiMan: Staking Out the Extreme High End of the Headphone Market
Launches $50,000 Headphone System
HiFiMan, the specialty maker of high-end headphones and portable music players, announced this week the launch of a “premium” electrostatic headphone system that they call Shangri-La. Calling it a “cost-no-object experience,” the Shangri-La system is priced to sell for $50,000 at retail. The price of paradise appears to have risen lately.