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Bang & Olufsen x Vollebak: Accidental Discovery Creates $5,300 Space-Inspired Speaker

25 juin 2025 à 22:30

A failed experiment just became the defining feature of a $5,300 luxury speaker. Bang & Olufsen’s aluminum experts in Struer, Denmark were attempting deep black anodization when something unexpected happened. The test piece emerged with textured swirls and darker pigment streaks – what they called the “burnout” effect. This accident sparked intense experimentation to reproduce the unpredictable finish under controlled conditions.

Designer: Bang & Olufsen

The Revolutionary Spaceshop: Retail Reimagined for Any Planet

Weighing 1000kg and designed by Danish Space Architects SAGA, the Vollebak Spaceshop represents mobile retail architecture for extreme environments. “When we thought about our first shop we didn’t simply think about one city, or even one planet,” explains Nick Tidball, Vollebak co-founder. “We thought about a future in which stores would come to you, bringing the things you needed when you needed them, regardless of where you were hanging out on the beach in LA, or mining asteroids in space.”

Precision-engineered aluminum forms the structure’s foundation. Its exterior panels feature the same burnished, anodized aesthetic as the Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition. Inside? Bang & Olufsen’s iconic Beolab 5 and Beosound 2 speakers deliver an immersive, space-inspired soundscape.

Danish Space Architects SAGA specializes in architecture for extreme conditions. This makes them ideal partners for a retail concept that could theoretically function anywhere from Earth to space stations. Following its June 25 unveiling at Bjarke Ingels Group’s Copenhagen headquarters, the Spaceshop will tour key cities globally.

The Accidental Discovery That Defines the Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition

Rocket-burn effects on aluminum. That’s what Bang & Olufsen set out to replicate through advanced anodization. Kresten Bjørn Krab-Bjerre, Creative Director for Atelier at Bang & Olufsen, breaks down the process: “Aluminum, in its raw form, has an open structure. Left untouched, it naturally oxidizes to protect itself. But in a controlled environment, you can open the pores, introduce color, and seal it with a layer of aluminum oxide.”

Then came the breakthrough. A test piece meant for deep black emerged with textured swirls of grey and streaks of darker pigment. Teams worked intensively to reproduce this unpredictable finish under controlled conditions. The result? No two speakers appear identical. Each Beosound 2 Vollebak Edition becomes a one-of-a-kind sculptural object shaped by unexpected outcomes in the design process.

Pricing reflects this uniqueness: $5,300 for a made-to-order piece. Available from vollebak.com starting June 25, with Bang & Olufsen availability following later.

Vollebak’s Revolutionary Material Science Legacy

Twin brothers Nick and Steve Tidball founded Vollebak in 2016 with an ambitious mission. They use advanced material technology to tackle fundamental challenges of the next century: space exploration, climate change, human health, and sustainability. Their track record speaks volumes – two-time winners at TIME Best Inventions.

What have they created? Clothing ranges built for Mars and Titan. Gear designed for apocalypse scenarios. The world’s first solar-charged jacket. The first jacket made from graphene. The first computer programmable clothing, bringing humanity one step closer to an invisibility cloak.

This expertise in extreme material applications perfectly complements Bang & Olufsen’s century of acoustic development and aluminum mastery. As Krab-Bjerre puts it: “We’re excited to partner with Vollebak on this ambitious project, showcasing the innovation and experimentation that are at the heart of both brands. Together, we’ve transformed aluminum into a work of art – one that doesn’t just represent space and sound but also imagines the future we’re building towards.”

The Vollebak Anodized Jacket: Wearable Material Innovation

The collaboration extends beyond audio equipment. Enter the Vollebak Anodized Jacket, made from polyamide ripstop fused with a near-invisible layer of metal using galvanic treatment. This experimental process mirrors the speaker’s material experimentation in wearable form.

Why does this matter? It demonstrates how anodization techniques can transfer across product categories, from audio equipment to high-performance clothing. The jacket bridges the gap between traditional clothing and advanced protective gear through galvanic treatment that fuses metal layers with textile.

Bang & Olufsen’s Century of Innovation

Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen founded their company in 1925 in Struer, Denmark. Nearly a century later, their devotion and vision remain the foundation for everything Bang & Olufsen creates. The company has consistently pushed boundaries of audio technology while maintaining its position at the forefront of acoustic innovation.

Today’s numbers tell the story: approximately 900 employees operating in more than 70 markets worldwide. Products sold through Bang & Olufsen stores, bang-olufsen.com, and select retailers globally. Shares listed on NASDAQ Copenhagen A/S. Every product still characterized by the unique combination of beautiful sound, timeless design, and unrivaled craftsmanship.

A Long-Term Partnership for Future Innovation

This collaboration marks just the beginning. Both brands share commitments to pushing boundaries and reimagining what’s possible in their respective fields. The partnership demonstrates how audio engineering and advanced material science can converge to create products that transcend traditional category boundaries.

The June 25 unveiling at Bjarke Ingels Group’s Copenhagen headquarters represents more than a product launch. It’s a statement about the future of design innovation. As the Spaceshop begins its global tour, it will carry this message of material experimentation and boundary-pushing design to key cities worldwide, inspiring new conversations about the intersection of space, sound, and advanced materials.

The post Bang & Olufsen x Vollebak: Accidental Discovery Creates $5,300 Space-Inspired Speaker first appeared on Yanko Design.

Desktop speaker concept reimagines minimalist, stylish aesthetic

Par : Ida Torres
21 mars 2025 à 17:00

Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen in any market. Whether you’re looking for something within your budget or you want to find something that matches your space’s aesthetic or you want something that looks like just any other speaker, you won’t run out of options. But of course product designers don’t run out of ideas for coming up with new concepts and eventually even actual products. There are those who carefully think about both the design part or the technical specs or in the case of really good designers, both. Desktop speakers have fewer innovative designs compared to bluetooth speakers but there are still some concepts out there worth noting.

Designer: Hao Kong

The Hoan desktop speaker concept brings about a minimalist aesthetic but with a functional elegance. The designer also adds an element of eco-friendliness as one of their goals is to minimize the carbon footprint of the product if it ever gets produced. The speaker’s functionality is a key visual element as the structural integrity is highlighted in the design. It has a clean, uncluttered design that integrates it into most of the modern desktop setups now. The speaker’s aesthetic is emphasized more on the side and rear views where the structural beauty is highlighted but you can also see it from various angles.

The main focal point of the speaker is the grill that has a detailed mesh design that both covers and highlights the functional structure. The main body rests on a circular stand with a metal curvature holding it in between. It’s such a simple, minimalist design but it means it can blend well with your desktop setup and also is economical in terms of space and production. He didn’t indicate what materials will be used but if lessening the product footprint is the goal, then we can expect something that is sustainable as well.

The HOAN desktop speaker concept represents a thoughtful approach to desktop audio, blending minimalist design with functional elegance. As the concept gains traction, it will be interesting to see if it evolves into a commercially available product. Ultimately, the HOAN concept serves as a reminder that even in a saturated market, fresh perspectives and innovative design can capture attention. It highlights the potential for desktop audio to transcend mere functionality, becoming a visually compelling element within our personal workspaces.

The post Desktop speaker concept reimagines minimalist, stylish aesthetic first appeared on Yanko Design.

Hisense HT Saturn Soundbar Showcases Wireless 4.1.2 Audio and Immersive Performance at CES 2025

20 décembre 2024 à 14:39

Hisense is set to redefine home theater audio in 2025 with its new sound system designed to make great sound feel effortless. The Hisense HT Saturn offers a bold promise of fully wireless surround with a 4.1.2 channel audio system, delivering cinematic sound without the hassle that plagued older setups. It transforms the usual nest of cables into a sleek environment, allowing four individual wireless satellite speakers and a standalone 6.5-inch subwoofer to settle comfortably wherever the room’s personality leads. The company’s engineers believe it’s time to give home audio the freedom it deserves. As Hisense describes it, “Everything sounds like it’s a perfectly balanced home theater audio system.”

Designer: Hisense

Hisense’s approach draws attention to how people actually live. The HT Saturn listens to the room before it does anything else, using a small dongle that connects to the TV and emits a precise calibration tone. This tone interacts with the room’s surfaces, furniture, and layout, allowing the system to analyze sound reflections and distances. Based on this data, the system automatically adjusts each speaker and subwoofer to deliver balanced audio tailored to the unique acoustics of the space.

A Home Theater Built for Big Screens

The HT Saturn sets a new standard in audio performance. It was purpose-built to complement Hisense TVs 85 inches and larger. Featuring Pure Surround Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it surrounds users with multidimensional soundscapes, ensuring every audio detail is delivered with precision and creating a fully immersive experience. Whether you’re watching a blockbuster or gaming with friends, the system captures every detail with precision, enhancing the emotional impact of every scene.

The company seems intent on proving that there is more to a satisfying experience than numbers on a spec sheet. The HT Saturn distinguishes itself acoustically by pairing premium sound quality with intuitive features that simplify its use, from its automatic calibration to its seamless integration with TV speakers. This seamless collaboration is powered by Hisense’s proprietary Hi-Concerto Technology, which synchronizes the HT Saturn with the TV’s built-in speakers to deliver an expanded and immersive audio field.

Another subtle touch is the single remote approach, which simplifies daily interactions by replacing the need for multiple remotes. This integration ensures that users can control the HT Saturn and TV seamlessly, avoiding the clutter and confusion often associated with multi-remote setups. Everything is integrated, even the onscreen menus. The company’s representatives made it clear that the HT Saturn is less about forcing people to understand complex settings and more about putting them at ease from day one. The inclusion of EZ Play ensures direct control via the Hisense remote, further simplifying the user experience.

Hisense’s forward-thinking design choices extend to the system’s use of advanced connectivity options and seamless integration with evolving home entertainment setups. The HT Saturn fully utilizes advanced connectivity options like HDMI eARC and Bluetooth 5.3, enhancing the user experience by ensuring high-quality audio transmission, seamless device pairing, and broad compatibility with evolving television technologies. The system also includes five tailored EQ modes, optimizing sound for movies, music, sports, and more to suit user preferences.

Tailored Sound Modes for Every Occasion

One of the HT Saturn’s defining acoustic qualities is its ability to adapt. The system’s ability to compensate for unconventional speaker placement ensures “tremendous flexibility” while delivering uncompromised sound. Wherever you’re seated—directly in front of the screen or off to the side—the HT Saturn fine-tunes its output to ensure every spot feels optimal.

While final pricing and release details remain unannounced, Hisense plans to showcase the HT Saturn at CES 2025, where attendees can experience its innovative wireless capabilities and immersive sound performance firsthand. I’ll be at CES to explore Hisense’s innovations in depth, focusing on HT Saturn’s wireless flexibility, acoustic calibration, and overall user experience. I’m eager to test how it performs in a live environment and will share those insights with you.

Initial observations suggest that this wireless sound system, with its 13-speaker system and tailored sound modes, might redefine expectations regarding installation and comfort.

The post Hisense HT Saturn Soundbar Showcases Wireless 4.1.2 Audio and Immersive Performance at CES 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Mapu Speakers bring technology and craftsmanship together

Par : Ida Torres
8 juin 2024 à 19:15

There are people that love to pit technology against art or craftsmanship but those of us who know better know that the two can actually complement each other. There are products and designers out there who seek to fuse the two together and even bring innovation and improvements to the two worlds. One such product is a speaker that uses natural materials and is created by traditional craftspeople.

Designer: Mapu

The Mapu Speakers is a line of speakers that are made from natural materials like clay, wood, cork, and wool and handcrafted by traditional craftsmen in Chile and Portugal The goal is to create a new generation of craftspeople, “building a bridge between ancestral knowledge and technology”. Aside from having quality speakers so you can listen to your music, audiobooks, and podcasts, you also get a piece of art that you can display in your space.

The wooden cones and caps that are in the center of the driveractually optimize the high frequencies so you get a “vivid, spatial, and engaging sound”. The wool is used for the internal acoustic insulation while the leather and cork are also ideal for insulation due to their high tensile strength and heat resistance. The spherical shape of the vessel also adds to the sound quality that you get so you know that it’s not just beautiful but you get a pretty good speaker.

The Mapu Speakers are also 80% biodegradable so that’s another bonus for those who are looking for something pretty different for their speakers. The Mapuguaquén is already sold out on their website but the Mapu Preto and the Mapu Soenga, available in mono and stereo versions. The vessel-like shapes of the speaker line make it pretty attractive even if you don’t know yet the handicraft story behind it.

The post Mapu Speakers bring technology and craftsmanship together first appeared on Yanko Design.

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