NEWS An Ear to the Ground Groundswell trends in the headphone sector What are the most important groundswell trends in the headphone market (in general) at the moment? We put the question to a man with his finger well and truly on the pulse of the sector, Guido Karbautzki, Director Global Retail Channel, Sennheiser. An overarching trend we have been seeing over the past years is the growth of the wireless segment due to the added freedom it provides for consumers. Additionally, active noise cancellation is a relevant feature for consumers who use their headphones when travelling. We have also been observing a trend back towards audiophile listening and high-quality audio recently. Discerning consumers attach great importance to the factors of audio and build quality when choosing a pair of headphones. How is Sennheiser meeting this new demand? It is crucial for Sennheiser and for our customers that all of our products deliver excellent audio quality. This premium focus applies to our whole portfolio from mobile headphones to our lifestyle ranges and obviously for the high-end headphone system Sennheiser HE 1. With the HE 1, we set a new benchmark in audio excellence and offer an unprecedented listening experience. The 50,000 Euro headphones obviously meet a demand: we have received advance orders for the next 12 months. In the field of wireless audio, Sennheiser has introduced a wide range of new solutions as well, including four new models in our RS range for wireless home entertainment and the popular MOMENTUM Wireless our new wireless travel headphones, the PXC 550 Wireless. The evident demand for wireless audio solutions and high-quality products will continue growing. Additionally, immersive audio will become an increasingly important topic, as it has the potential to transform the consumers’ listening experience across a broad range of applications. In the beginning of the year, we introduced our AMBEO 3D audio technology, the trademark under which Sennheiser will summarise all of its 3D immersive audio products and activities Guido Karbautzki Director Global Retail Channel, Sennheiser Hall 1.2 Stand 202 32
ADVERTORIAL NEWS Into Tomorrow… And Beyond! The “voice of the electronics industry”, Dave Graveline is back @ IFA – and perhaps YOU can be featured on his show “Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline” will be broadcasting from IFA for its 14th year in Berlin and is looking to promote exhibitors - and chat about many of the new products being introduced and shown at IFA this year. Into Tomorrow is a 3-hour radio program (as well as many iTTV Video Reports) covering the latest in Consumer Electronics & technology available today and … into tomorrow. The show airs on nearly 200 AM & FM radio stations around the US, radio stations in Germany, Bermuda, New Zealand, Canada and several other sources including Mobile Broadcast Network, TuneIn, Stitcher, Sprint Radio, Zeno Radio, TiVo, and many others – every weekend. “Into Tomorrow” is also heard around the world on the 5 Armed Forces Networks in several other countries. In addition, they stream all their audio and video via their web site and provide free Podcasts of all show archives. Dave’s Producers are currently booking companies that have a variety of unique Consumer Electronics. There is never a charge to be a guest on “Into Tomorrow”! There are numerous ways to promote with “Into Tomorrow” during their special IFA broadcasts. The show is a dynamic blend of listener interaction and insightful and informative guests speaking on a variety of topics related to technology Visit: www.IntoTomorrow. com/remotes-v for more info and be sure to swing by Hall 24. As always, they are "the biggest thing in the smallest hall". By the way, do YOU have the “Into Tomorrow" app? It's available for iPhones/iPods/ iPads, Android devices, Kindle Fire and for Chromebooks. www.ifa-international.org IFAInternational • Friday 2 nd September 2016 33
