Tag: Bowers & Wilkins

  • Samsung Expands Audio Lineup with Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, and More

    Samsung Expands Audio Lineup with Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, and More

    Key Takeaways

    1. Harman International acquired Masimo Corporation’s consumer audio division for $350 million, gaining brands like Bowers & Wilkins and Denon.
    2. The acquisition is fully in cash and awaits regulatory approval, expected to finalize by the end of the year.
    3. Masimo is involved in a legal battle with Apple over patent infringement, which impacted their product features on Apple Watches.
    4. Samsung aims to strengthen its position as the global leader in the consumer audio market, projected to grow to $70 billion by 2029.
    5. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to enhance Harman’s audio business across various product categories, while Masimo focuses on clinical needs and operational efficiencies.

    Samsung’s subsidiary, Harman International, which includes popular audio brands like JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, Mark Levinson, Arcam, and Revel, has made a big move by acquiring Masimo Corporation’s consumer audio division for $350 million. This deal also includes well-known audio brands such as Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, and Definitive Technology. The transaction is fully in cash and is expected to be finalized by the end of this year, pending regulatory approvals.

    Legal Troubles for Masimo

    In late 2023, Masimo found itself in a legal battle with Apple, accusing the tech giant of infringing its patents related to pulse oximetry technology, which is used in the Apple Watches to check blood oxygen levels. This lawsuit led Apple to turn off the sensor on their Series 9, Ultra 2, and Series 10 watches.

    In October 2024, Apple emerged victorious in the lawsuit, receiving a minimum statutory award of just $250. The federal jury determined that Masimo had knowingly violated several of Apple’s patents.

    Future Plans for Consumer Audio

    Samsung stated in a press release that their goal is to “solidify our global No. 1 position in the consumer audio market,” which they expect to expand to $70 billion by 2029.

    According to Dave Rogers, the President of Harman’s Lifestyle division, this acquisition represents a “strategic step forward in expanding Harman’s core audio business and presence in important product categories such as Home Audio, Headphones, Hi-fi components, and Car Audio.”

    Katie Szyman, CEO of Masimo, expressed that the sale will “ensure we are allocating time and resources to areas of unmet clinical need and driving growth and operational efficiencies.” She believes this transaction aligns well with their goals, adding that the consumer audio team will thrive and achieve success under Harman’s guidance.

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  • Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 Headphones: New Design & Enhanced Noise Cancellation for $429

    Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 Headphones: New Design & Enhanced Noise Cancellation for $429

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 headphones feature a redesigned headband and slimmer earcups for improved comfort and style.
    2. Enhanced audio capabilities include revamped 40mm drivers for better detail, bass, and clarity compared to previous models.
    3. Technical specifications include a high-performance DSP, 24-bit audio support, a customizable 5-band EQ, and Bluetooth 5.3 with multiple codecs.
    4. The Px7 S3 has 8 microphones for improved noise cancellation and clearer phone calls, maintaining a battery life of 30 hours with quick charging.
    5. Priced at $429, the Px7 S3 will be available in three colors and includes various accessories, though the availability date is not yet announced.

    Bowers & Wilkins has released their latest over-ear noise canceling headphones, called the Px7 S3. While these headphones aren’t the top of the line—those honors go to the Px8—they still belong to the premium category.

    Design Changes

    The Px7 S3 have undergone a redesign to set them apart from the Px7 S2e, which is curr. listed on Amazon for $399. The headband retains a fabric texture but has been improved for longer comfort during listening sessions. Additionally, the earcups are now slimmer, offering a more stylish look, and they feature a grille that wraps around the entire cup. The physical controls have been relocated to the outer section of the earcups, and the overall weight of the headphones has been reduced by a few grams.

    Enhanced Features

    In terms of capabilities, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 still use the same 40mm full-range bio cellulose drivers as previous models, but these have been revamped. Reports suggest that this redesign leads to “lower coloration and distortion, improved resolution, and superior dynamics.” The company claims that the Px7 S3 produces richer details, more profound bass, and enhanced clarity compared to the Px7 S2e.

    Technical Specifications

    The Px7 S3 includes a high-performance DSP with its own amplifier/DAC, 24-bit audio support, and a customizable 5-band EQ. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 with various codecs such as aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Classic, AAC, and SBC. There are now a total of 8 microphones—two more than the Px7 S2e—for improved noise cancellation and clearer phone calls. Battery life remains at 30 hours, but a quick charge of just 15 minutes can provide up to 7 hours of use.

    The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 is priced at $429 and will be available in Canvas White, Anthracite Black, and Indigo Blue. The headphones will come with a carrying case, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and a USB-C to 3.5mm cable included in the package. However, details regarding the availability date have not yet been announced.

    Bowers & Wilkins is making strides in the audio space with their latest offering, the Px7 S3.

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