Bang & Olufsen Celebrates 100 Years with Special Releases

In a significant week for the audio and home cinema industries, several major announcements emerged, with Bang & Olufsen celebrating its centenary by launching special edition products. Alongside this, TCL unveiled plans to manufacture cheaper OLED panels, while Audio-Technica introduced new high-fidelity audio equipment.

Bang & Olufsen Marks a Milestone

On October 7, 2023, Bang & Olufsen commemorated its 100th anniversary by releasing limited edition versions of its renowned Beoplay H100 headphones and Beosound A5 and A9 wireless speakers. This celebration not only honors the brand’s legacy in high-quality audio but also seeks to engage loyal customers with exclusive offerings.

Innovations from KEF and Audio-Technica

In related news, KEF introduced its new Coda W wireless speakers, designed to integrate seamlessly with both vinyl and streaming formats. These speakers aim to attract audiophiles who appreciate the combination of modern technology with classic sound.

In another notable announcement, Audio-Technica launched its new AT33x series of moving coil phono cartridges. The range features five models, priced from £349 (approximately $449) for the AT33xMONO/II to £699 (around $899) for the AT33xMLB. The company claims these cartridges will provide superior sound quality compared to previous models.

TCL Aims to Disrupt OLED Market

Shifting focus to home entertainment technology, TCL announced plans to construct a new $4.15 billion factory dedicated to manufacturing OLED panels. This initiative positions TCL to compete directly with industry giants Samsung and LG, which currently dominate the OLED television market. The factory will utilize inkjet printing technology, reportedly reducing production costs by around 20 percent, potentially leading to more affordable OLED televisions for consumers.

WiiM Launches Compelling Smart Speaker

Finally, WiiM has revealed pricing and release details for its anticipated smart speaker, the WiiM Sound, which will launch in mid-November at a cost of £299 (approximately $400 or AUD 612). This pricing aligns with that of the Apple HomePod 2, raising the stakes in the competitive smart speaker market.

This week’s announcements highlight a dynamic period in the audio and home cinema sectors, where established brands like Bang & Olufsen and Audio-Technica continue to innovate while newcomers like TCL and WiiM challenge the status quo.