NOMADIC LIFESTYLE
NOMADIC LIFESTYLE WIRELESS SPEAKERS PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT ADVERTORIAL © Philips PHILIPS WIRELESS HOME SPEAKERS DELIVER POWERFUL SOUND WITH SOPHISTICATED DESIGN As the demand for Bluetooth enabled accessories continues to grow, Philips has the ideal Bluetooth enabled speaker to suit your lifestyle. Simple to connect to any device when you need to, the compact and easy-to-use range has something for everyone. Crafted to deliver huge sound and useful features in a small footprint, enjoy the freedom and versatility of hands free communication. Almost every speaker in the range comes with an inbuilt microphone so if you get any calls, whilst connected to your device, you can use as a speaker-phone. For further information on the latest Philips innovations from IFA2014 visit www.ifa. philips.com www.facebook.com/PhilipsSound » HALL 22 / STAND 101 WIRELESS HOME SPEAKER (BT7500) As the largest speaker in the range, the BT7500 is ideal for the main living space. A truly easy-to-use speaker, it comes with Multi-Pair and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, meaning that with one tap you can connect your mobile and two others via Bluetooth. The neat wireless home speaker switches seamlessly between each connected device. Alternatively, you can play music and charge your device at the same time via your USB cable by connecting it to the port. A surprisingly powerful speaker, it operates at 30W RMS, in Pure Digital Sound, to produce crisp sound across sparse space. This stereo speaker features separate tweeters and woofers, bass radiators and digital sound processor for best sound. The versatile home audio system is available in sleek black. The wireless speaker is now available at recommended retail prices of €e149 (BT7500) WIRELESS ROOM-TO-ROOM SPEAKERS (BT5500, BT5580) Never miss a beat, the BT5500 and BT5580 feature a nifty handle, so you can transport your handpicked tunes with you as you move through your living space. Take hands-free calls using the built-in microphone. The system USB-port also provides the option to charge any connected mobile device as you play. Users can power the speaker with inserted batteries or using an AC connection. Its sister model, the BT5580, comes with a rechargeable built-in battery. The powerful 10W RMS speaker with optimised tweeter and driver amplifies crisp Pure Digital Sound across any space. The wireless speakers are now available at recommended retail prices of€€e99 (BT5580), and €e79 (BT5500).
PORTABLE WIRELESS SPEAKERS STATE OF PLAY KEY SELLING POINTS The market for wireless speakers is evolving rapidly, as on the one hand, smartphones and tablets provide users with a source of entertainment, while improved wireless protocols make it easier for users to connect. But just what key differentiators make for a good device, and what should you be stocking for the upcoming season? This guide, provided by the experts from EISA, will help. GFK – FROM DOCKING TO WIRELESS – SPEAKER EVOLUTION Consumers spent *211million on docking speakers during the first half of 2014 in EU6*. This rapid growth was mainly driven by speakers with Bluetooth connectivity, which generated 83% of the sales value. Development of Docking Speakers segments in EU6* 27% MARKET Jan - Jun 2012 51% Jan - Jun 2013 Jan - Jun 2014 83% TECHNOLOGY Connectivity Most wireless loudspeakers support Bluetooth, which provides MP3-like sound quality. If the source (smartphone or tablet) supports aptX Bluetooth, then look for loudspeakers that have this standard as well, since it offers CD-like sound quality. Apple for its part has its own Wi-Fi based AirPlay solution. Devices that support both technologies are rare and should have an advantage in the market. Power Some users spend all day listening to music, meaning they need long battery life. Fortunately, there are many wireless speakers that have high-capacity built-in batteries. Some of these products can even charge a smartphone via USB input and still play music all day. Hands-free speakerphone Some devices have a built-in microphone so they can be used as a hands-free speakerphone. This is a very useful feature and generally is offered with smaller pocket-sized devices. FEATURES Controls Portable loudspeakers are often controlled by smartphone, but it is convenient to have some buttons directly on them. Usually these control volume and also play or pause. Additionally, these speakers usually have one or two small LEDs that give information about battery status or Bluetooth pairing mode. Ease of use Connecting devices via Bluetooth is no longer a complicated task, but products that have implemented Near Field Communication (NFC) technology make this even easier. If both smartphone and loudspeakers have NFC, the user just needs to hold them close together and they will pair instantly. Accessories Since portable wireless loudspeakers come in different shapes and sizes, a wide range of accessories is available. Carrying pouches and cases in different colours make it more fun, but docking stations, cables and additional battery packs make everything even more convenient. DESIGN Beach Style Portable lightweight speakers can come in small packages that can easily fit into a beach bag. Look for rugged housing, so the loudspeaker is protected in case of accidental dropping. Casing should at least be splash proof. Traveller Style This type of loudspeaker is middle sized and often partnered with laptops, not just smartphones. For music lovers who spend a lot of time in hotels, wireless loudspeakers are very convenient because they can be placed anywhere in the room and not only close to a wall-outlet and a computer. High-End Style Hi-Fi manufacturers know very well how to build wireless loudspeakers that sound good. They are bigger because good sound demands big volumes of enclosure and they often come equipped with AirPlay and aptX. 73% 49% 17% €128.9 million €145 million €211.3 million INNOVATING @ IFA *EU6 = DE, ES, FR, GB, IT, NL Without Bluetooth With Bluetooth W9 BY DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY CONTACT Martina Huerbinger Marketing Manager Mobile Consumer Electronics GfK Retail and Technology martina.huerbinger@gfk.com THE FUTURE Thanks to Bluetooth and other wireless technologies, the market for portable loudspeakers is in constant growth. Since consumers like to listen music in various places, these loudspeakers are increasingly being manufactured and marketed according to where they’ll be used. The future of multi-room systems is thus very bright. TOP OF THE LINE FOR AUDIOPHILES The W9 is Definitive Technology’s flagship audiophile-grade wireless speaker. Created for audio aficionados with unrelenting performance expectations, the W9 delivers exceptional dynamic range and extraordinary bass response. Available from October 2014 » HALL 1.2 STAND 204 With a cool black and yellow design, the Sport Bluetooth Speaker Ball by T'n'B is sure to find its mark among buyers at IFA T'N'B SPORT BLUETOOTH SPEAKER BALL T'n'B is exhibiting a shockproof 3 watt RMS Bluetooth speaker at IFA. A built-in microphone means the ball can double-up to make phone calls, and battery autonomy is 3 hours. A 6mm silicone outer layer protects the speaker ball from shocks. » HALL 5.2 / STAND 101 Our thanks to EISA for their help in compiling this buyers’ guide. » HALL 25 / STAND 135 » HALL 1.2 / STAND 204 » HALL 1.2 / STAND 204 » HALL 1.2 / STAND 108 » HALL 1.2 / STAND 204
