BUYERS' GUIDE NOMADIC LIFESTYLE PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS MARKET Wireless Speakers are still strongly demanded by the consumers and generate therefore a revenue of €330m from January to June 2016 with a plus of 17% in value compared to the first half year 2015. The vast majority (97%) of them are Bluetooth Speakers, which have grown by 19% in value compared to previous year period. Airplay only accounts for 3% turnover share. Besides different colours and form factors, two features are gaining more importance to experience the party sound feeling: Shock- and/or Waterproof and Stereopairing. Shock/Waterproof devices, which are designed to use them outdoor, account for 30 percent of turnover in EU6 (98 million EUR) in the first half year of 2016. Stereopairing enables two devices to get paired together and play sound in Stereo. This segment accounts for 79 million EUR of turnover, which corresponds to 24 percent of the total turnover for Wireless Speakers. CONTACT Martina Huerbinger Marketing Manager Mobile Consumer Electronics GfK Retail and Technology martina.huerbinger@gfk.com STATE OF PLAY It’s no secret that the total number and market share of Bluetooth speakers is growing rapidly. The sound quality, portability, autonomy and flexibility offered by these devices today has truly propelled them into a new orbit within the industry. Some reports predict upwards of 33% market growth (CAGR) to 2020, making Bluetooth speakers a very important driver in the home and mobile audio markets. INNOVATIONS TO LOOK FOR AT IFA CODECS The majority of Bluetooth speakers use the aptX codec, but at the IFA we are seeing some new developments and speakers with aptX HD or LDAC. This improves sound quality and makes it possible to stream 24-bit high-resolution audio to a Bluetooth speaker. INNOVATING @ IFA PAIR… CONNECT AND… CONNECT It has always been easy to pair, say for example, a smartphone with Bluetooth speakers. Some speakers also however had the possibility to connect to each other. In 2016, this function will be seen in more speakers, and manufacturers will increasingly be highlighting this feature. It will allow the user to make his or her own stereo or even surround sound system within a couple of minutes. Our thanks to Wouter Diemer – Editor in chief Media Totaal – EISA Member – for his input to this buyer’s guide. B&O’S BEOSOUND 1 BeoSound 1 is a wireless speaker from B&O designed for convenience, crafted for mobility and featuring an impressive 360 degrees of “spherical sound magic”. In plain aluminium it is designed to blend into any interior and to be placed anywhere in the home or even outdoors. The conic body hovers slightly above the ground, letting the thumps of the bass out at the base and there is a slight opening at the top, also for acoustic reasons. » HALL 1.2 / STAND 103 INTEGRATED You will see Bluetooth speakers integrated in all sorts of devices, like monitors and lighting. This will enable these devices to be multifunctional and therefore more attractive to some audiences. Technically, it is not very difficult to add a Bluetooth module into a device, and it will be possible to integrate them into all forms and shapes of drivers. TIVOLI AUDIO’S MODEL ONE BT With Tivoli Audio’s Model One BT with Bluetooth wireless technology, the user can either listen to the built-in AM/FM turner, or switch to the auxiliary position and after initial pairing, start listening music wirelessly from a smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled device. There is also an auxiliary input as well as record and headphone outputs, so users can continue to connect to wired devices. » HALL 1.2 / STAND 104 THE FUTURE In the future forms and shapes of Bluetooth speakers will be even more diverse than today. We will see Bluetooth as a feature even more active speakers and as an integrated part of other devices. Bluetooth speakers will be used in a huge range of circumstances and therefore they will increasingly be water resistant & sturdy. 64
NOMADIC LIFESTYLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT PORTABLE SOUNDS FROM ANY SOURCE With the XX.Y Bazooka portable audio system with Bluetooth NFC, the user can enjoy wireless listening from any source. It connects to a tablet or smartphone with just one touch, has a built-in battery for portability and an input for a microphone or musical instrument. The built-in 12000mAh battery means the Bazooka can be used without an external power supply for up to four hours, and it also functions with an external power supply. A two x 40-watt output guarantees powerful, clear sound and a treble/bass level function gives the user extra control. » HALL 3.2 / Stand 136 KEY SELLING POINTS 1 With its high-quality rubber finish Bazooka is weather proof, dirt and dust proof 2 A waterproof bag protects the device from heavy rain 3 Two-way speakers are backlit with blue light, which turns red as the music gets louder BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS FOR AUDIOPHILES ON-THE-MOVE The latest Bluetooth speakers from LG are designed for use indoors, outdoors and on-the-move. The new range features four models - each offering sleek, innovative design features. The PH1 features built-in mood lighting, hands-free speakerphone facilities and a five-hour battery, perfect for any room in the house and can also be used as a nightlight; weighing only 167g, the compact, splash-proof PH2 is designed for lovers of the great outdoors; the lights on the eye-catching PH3 can help set the mood wherever it is placed, from night tables to garden terraces; and the PH4 is perfectly suited for outdoor gatherings where a more powerful sound is required. » HALL 18 / Stand 101 UNLIKE A RUBIK’S CUBE, THIS IS EASY TO USE KEY SELLING POINTS 1 Portable Bluetooth speaker up to 10 metres and aux-in speaker option available 2 36 multicolour LED’s 3 Built-in 360 degree light show with five flashing display modes KEY SELLING POINTS 1 Long-lasting batteries enhance portability and usability, making the speakers the natural choice for active customers. 2 PH2 and PH4 are splash-proof and fitted with a strap than can attach to many surfaces 3 PH1 and PH3 offer lighting options for mood and practicality An official Rubik’s product, the Rubik’s SoundCube LED Bluetooth Speaker is a portable Bluetooth speaker that flashes to the beat of the music. With a choice of five display modes, the 36 built-in LED’s provide an animated 360° light show. The speaker can be played in Bluetooth mode by pairing the Rubik’s SoundCube with any device plugging the SoundCube through the 3.5mm aux-in to play music direct from a smartphone or stream from online music services. The Rubik’s SoundCube gives an output power of three watts, six hours playback time and has a built-in rechargeable battery. » HALL 4.2 / Stand 207 www.ifa-international.org IFAInternational • Friday 2 nd September 2016 65
