Tag: B&O

  • B&O’s refreshed Beoplay H9 headphones come with Killer Features

    B&O’s refreshed Beoplay H9 headphones come with Killer Features

    After (narrowly) beating Apple to the punch with super-expensive “truly wireless” earbuds supporting wireless charging functionality, Bang & Olufsen is shifting its attention to the premium Beoplay line of wireless over-ear headphones to release a refreshed H9 model. This is already available in the US at the same price as its H9i predecessor, bringing a couple of important upgrades to the table.

    First, there’s a new dedicated button allowing B&O Beoplay H9 users to summon Google Assistant and get it to do stuff by voice commands. The built-in digital assistant does not replace touch controls altogether, though, so you can still use gestures directly on the ear cups to seamlessly navigate your listening experience.
    The other major improvement comes in the battery life department, where the Beoplay H9 headphones are making a pretty ambitious promise. Namely, you should be able to squeeze up to a whopping 25 hours of uninterrupted play time from these bad boys, compared to the “modest” 18-hour maximum endurance advertised for the H9i. What’s impressive is that Bang & Olufsen has somehow managed to make this leap while retaining the exact dimensions and weight of the H9i.
    Speaking of things retained, the Beoplay H9 features the same old (and great) active noise cancellation technology, “expertly tuned” acoustics performance, and Transparency Mode functionality for when you don’t want to feel isolated from your surroundings. Available in Matte Black and Argilla Bright colors with the super-premium build quality and a self-proclaimed focus on craft, the H9 headphones are priced at $500, which is certainly not affordable… but also not shocking.
    Just like the H9i, the Google Assistant-enabled H9 have a pretty clear target audience that cares more about B&O brand recognition and stature than objectively comparing the value for money delivered by these headphones with those of the cheaper Bose QuietComfort 35 II or Sony WH1000XM3.
  • Rimowa x Bang & Olufsen crossover link between Adventure and Sound

    Rimowa x Bang & Olufsen crossover link between Adventure and Sound

    Rimowa has announced its first collaboration with luxury audio and lifestyle brand Bang & Olufsen.

    In their first Rimowa x Bang & Olufsen crossover, the two firms have created a pair of limited-edition Beoplay H9i headphones designed to characterise the brands unique approach to style, fashion and functionality.

    “Rimowa and Bang & Olufsen share a passionate approach to purposeful and elegant design,” said Rimowa CEO Alexandre Arnault. “Both of them celebrate aluminium in their products. To strengthen the natural relationship between sound and travel, we have proudly partnered to create the Rimowa x Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones.”

    “For more than 90 years, Bang & Olufsen has striven to be more than an audio company, a brand that stimulates people’s lives through a passion for sound, design and craftsmanship,” said Bang & Olufsen executive VP, brand and markets, John Mollanger.

    “With Rimowa being much more than a luggage company – a brand that makes travel an art and that disrupts its own marketplace – we are honoured and proud to have an ideal partner. The first materialisation of our collaboration, the Rimowa edition of our flagship Beoplay H9i headphones and exclusive Rimowa carrying case, will make the world travel at the speed of sound.”

    The limited edition headphones will be available at HKD7250 (US$923.50) starting April 15 in select Rimowa and Bang & Olufsen stores as well as online at bang-olufsen.com.

  • Bo’s Coffee acquiring new Shops

    Bo’s Coffee acquiring new Shops

    ilipino cafe chain Bo’s Coffee plans to more than double its store network within four years and is also eyeing expansion into the Middle East.

    In an interview, founder Steve Benitez says the ambitious growth plan has been fuelled by strong local demand. With 103 cafes currently, Benitez is targeting between 200 and 250 by 2022.

    “Our job is to make sure that we are able to popularize coffee and be able to supply so much, not only in the Philippines but globally,” he said.

    In its home market, Bo’s Coffee, which was founded in 1996, will be targeting Luzon, especially given the brand has “only scratched the surface” there to date.

    In the Middle East, Bo’s Coffee plans to open a second store in Qatar shortly, followed by three more within two years. Other markets in the region are now in its sights.

    The expansion plans will be accelerated following an investment by Philippine-focused Navegar Fund which was attracted to Bo’s Coffee by its efforts to support local coffee-growing communities.

    “Seventy to 80 per cent of our coffee beans are sourced locally,” said Benitez. “We were trailblazers. We started featuring Philippine coffee and the other shops followed after.”

    Bo’s Coffee recently opened a 300sqm flagship store in Cebu which supports social enterprises by partnering with local micro-small entrepreneurs in their store interiors, products, and merchandise inside.

  • Bang & Olufsen spreads out

    Bang & Olufsen spreads out

    One of the luxury brands in home and car sound systems, Bang & Olufsen (B&O), has readied its retail foray. Till now, operating mostly in the rarefied world of custom-made audio systems installed in the homes of celebrities and business barons, or pre-installed in luxury marques such as Audi, B&O is finally launching stand-alone stores that will not only afford an experience of its products but also, perhaps, whet the aspirations of those dropping by.