Tag: Bowers & Wilkins

  • Bowers & Wilkins Launches New Colors for Pi8 and Px7 S3 Headphones

    Bowers & Wilkins Launches New Colors for Pi8 and Px7 S3 Headphones

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bowers & Wilkins introduced new color options for the Pi8 true wireless earbuds and Px7 S3 over-ear headphones.
    2. The Pi8 now offers Pale Mauve and Dark Burgundy, while the Px7 S3 features a Vintage Maroon finish.
    3. There are no changes to the specifications or pricing of the headphones, which remain the same.
    4. The Pi8 is designed for high-resolution audio and active noise cancellation, while the Px7 S3 features updated drivers and improved ANC.
    5. This color update is part of Bowers & Wilkins’ strategy to refresh existing products rather than launch new hardware.

    Bowers & Wilkins has revealed a fresh color update for two of its high-end headphone series – the Pi8 true wireless earbuds and the Px7 S3 over-ear headphones (currently priced at $450 on Amazon). This update isn’t about hardware modifications; instead, it’s focused on providing more design choices for both headphone types.

    New Color Options

    The Pi8 now comes in two additional shades: Pale Mauve and Dark Burgundy. These colors are added to the existing selection of Anthracite Black, Midnight Blue, Dove White, and Jade Green, bringing the total color options to six. On the other hand, the Px7 S3 introduces a new Vintage Maroon finish, expanding its color palette to five, which also includes Canvas White, Anthracite Black, Indigo Blue, and Frost Blue.

    Specifications Remain the Same

    From a specifications perspective, there are no alterations. The Pi8 remains Bowers & Wilkins’ top-tier true wireless model, designed for high-resolution wireless audio, active noise cancellation, and a special emphasis on sound tuning that enhances clarity and separation in music. The Px7 S3 is the brand’s newest over-ear ANC headphone, succeeding earlier Px7 versions with updated drivers, better ANC, and a more industrial design.

    Consistent Refresh Strategy

    This mid-cycle refresh aligns with Bowers & Wilkins’ previous approach to its headphone lineup. Instead of repeatedly launching new hardware, the brand extends the life of its products with updates like new finishes or limited editions. The Px7 series has experienced various iterations, moving from the original Px7 to the Px7 S2, and now onto the S3.

    The pricing for these new color options will stay the same. The Px7 S3 in Vintage Maroon and both Pi8 color variants will be available starting March 19 at €429 (or 399 CHF), which is about $494.

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  • Samsung’s Harman Acquires Bowers & Wilkins Parent Company

    Samsung’s Harman Acquires Bowers & Wilkins Parent Company

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung’s Harman subsidiary has completed the $350 million acquisition of Sound United, enhancing its audio brand portfolio.
    2. Sound United includes well-known brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, and Marantz, now part of Harman International.
    3. Sound United will operate as an independent Strategic Business Unit under Harman’s lifestyle division to preserve brand identity.
    4. The acquisition allows Sound United to utilize Harman’s resources for market growth and success.
    5. Harman benefits from Sound United’s expertise, aiding in the development of audio technologies and strengthening its industry position.

    Samsung’s Harman subsidiary has finalized the purchase of Sound United, an audio company owned by Masimo, which oversees well-known audio brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, and Marantz. This acquisition was initially announced in May, and it has now been successfully completed.

    Details of the Acquisition

    The acquisition costs $350 million, which is a small part of the $8 billion Samsung spent to acquire Harman in 2016. With this new acquisition, all of Sound United’s brands—including Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Definitive Technology, Polk Audio, HEOS, Classé, and Boston Acoustics—are now part of Harman International (which is owned by Samsung). This move will broaden Harman’s collection to feature amplifiers, Hi-Fi components, home audio devices, and audio/video receivers (AVRs).

    Sound United’s Future

    As stated in an official press release, Sound United will function as an independent Strategic Business Unit (SBU) under Harman’s lifestyle division. This structure is meant to help the brands maintain their history, knowledge, and customer relationships. The press release also mentioned that these brands will utilize Harman’s resources to grow their market presence, capabilities, and overall success.

    Benefits for Harman

    Harman will gain from the skills and expertise of Sound United, which will assist in speeding up the development of its audio technologies, expanding its market, and strengthening its status as a leader within the audio industry.

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  • Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Headphones: Better ANC & Spatial Audio

    Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Headphones: Better ANC & Spatial Audio

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sleeker and More Comfortable Design: The Px8 S2 features a streamlined design and a more durable headband for improved comfort compared to the original Px8.

    2. High-Quality Materials: Made from premium nappa leather, memory foam earcups, and aluminum arms, the Px8 S2 offers luxury and durability, with replaceable components available.

    3. Advanced Technical Features: Equipped with custom-designed 40mm carbon fiber diaphragms, a new dedicated headphone amplifier, and support for aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs.

    4. Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation: The improved ANC uses eight strategically placed microphones for better noise reduction and call quality, thanks to ADI PureVoice technology.

    5. Spatial Audio and User-Friendly App: The Px8 S2 supports Spatial Audio and can be customized via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app, allowing users to adjust settings like the 5-band equalizer.

    Bowers & Wilkins has introduced its latest high-end headphones known as the Px8 S2. This new model sits above the Px8 that was launched in 2022, featuring an upgraded design and some interesting enhancements.

    Sleeker Design for Comfort

    Compared to the original Px8, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 are more streamlined. The company claims that this new design improves comfort levels over earlier versions. A significant alteration is the headband, which is now said to be more durable than before.

    Premium Materials Used

    As expected from high-end headphones, the Px8 S2 is crafted from top-notch materials. They are wrapped in nappa leather, equipped with memory foam earcups, and have aluminum arms. Additionally, users can purchase replacement earcups and headband cushions when they eventually wear down.

    Advanced Technical Features

    In terms of technology, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 includes custom-designed 40mm carbon fiber diaphragms similar to the Px8, but with updated driver chassis, suspension, and magnet systems. It also features a new dedicated headphone amplifier and DSP, and the drivers have been fine-tuned to minimize distortion. The Px8 S2 supports aptX Adaptive (24-bit/96 kHz) and aptX Lossless, and Bowers & Wilkins has announced that an OTA software update will add support for the LC3 codec and Auracast.

    Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation

    Another notable upgrade in the Px8 S2 is the enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC), made possible by the addition of more microphones. The new model boasts eight microphones, in contrast to the six found in the Px8. These microphones are strategically placed for optimal performance. The improved microphones, combined with the brand’s ADI PureVoice technology, also enhance call quality.

    Spatial Audio Compatibility

    Similar to the Px7 S3, which retails on Amazon for $479 and were the first from Bowers & Wilkins to feature Spatial Audio, the Px8 S2 also supports this technology. It employs a proprietary decoding and processing technique for superior audio experiences.

    User-Friendly App

    Owners of the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 can update their headphones through the Bowers & Wilkins Music app. This app allows users to modify the 5-band equalizer, and they can opt to disable the equalizer to experience True Sound mode instead.

    Impressive Battery Life

    The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 maintain the same 30 hours of battery life (with ANC enabled) as the Px8, and they also feature fast charging capabilities (a 15-minute charge offers 7 hours of playback). When not in use, the headphones can be folded flat and stored in the included carrying case, which has a separate area for a USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable and a USB-C to USB-C audio cable.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 are priced at €729, a notable increase from the €529 price tag of the Px8. They are also available in the United States for $799 and in the UK for £629. The headphones come in two color options: Onyx Black and Warm Stone, and can be purchased directly from Bowers & Wilkins or on Amazon.

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  • Bowers & Wilkins Launches Pi6 and Pi8 Wireless Earbuds with Better Fit

    Bowers & Wilkins Launches Pi6 and Pi8 Wireless Earbuds with Better Fit

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bowers & Wilkins has launched the Pi6 and Pi8 true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation and an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance.
    2. The company invested three years in research and developed over a hundred prototypes to improve earbud comfort and ANC performance, offering four ear tip sizes for a better fit.
    3. The Pi6 features Qualcomm aptX Adaptive codec for high-quality audio, 12 mm bio-cellulose drivers, and offers 8 hours of playback with ANC, plus 16 hours from the charging case.
    4. The Pi8 uses Qualcomm aptX Lossless codec for superior audio quality, 12 mm carbon cone drivers, and provides 6.5 hours of playback with ANC, along with an additional 13.5 hours from the charging case.
    5. The Pi6 is priced at $249 and comes in four colors, while the Pi8 is priced at $399 and is available in four different shades.

    Bowers & Wilkins has introduced the Pi6 and Pi8 true wireless earbuds featuring active noise cancellation and an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance.

    Extensive Research for Optimal Fit

    The company spent three years studying earbud fit, creating over a hundred prototypes to enhance the comfort of the Pi6 and Pi8. They claim that this extensive effort, along with triple microphones in each earbud, has significantly improved the ANC performance compared to their earlier models. Each pair includes four different ear tip sizes to ensure users can achieve a comfortable fit.

    Advanced Audio Capabilities

    The Pi6 is compatible with the Qualcomm aptX Adaptive audio codec, allowing for 24-bit 96 kHz audio at up to 420 kbps. These earbuds feature 12 mm bio-cellulose drivers and come with a 2-band equalization for better sound output. When using ANC, the Pi6 provides a playback time of eight hours, plus an extra 16 hours available from its charging case, as stated by B&W.

    The Pi8, on the other hand, utilizes the Qualcomm aptX Lossless codec, which supports 16-bit 44.1 kHz and 24-bit 96 kHz audio at approximately 1 Mbps. Its charging case offers the ability to transmit music from wired USB-C and 3.5 mm audio sources to the Pi8 earbuds through the aptX Adaptive codec. The Pi8 also has 12 mm carbon cone drivers and supports 5-band equalization. With ANC activated, the Pi8 lasts for 6.5 hours, and users can expect an additional 13.5 hours from the charging case, according to B&W.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 is priced at $249 (check it out on Amazon) and is offered in colors like cloud grey, forest green, glacier blue, and storm grey. The Pi8 is priced at $399 (also available here on Amazon) and comes in shades of anthracite black, dove white, jade green, and midnight blue.

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  • 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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