Key Takeaways
1. Design Consistency: The Beosound A1 3rd Gen retains the donut-shaped design and IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, but is slightly heavier and comes in only three color options.
2. Enhanced Audio Performance: The new model features an improved woofer for better bass and offers up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge, an increase from the 18 hours of the previous version.
3. Connectivity Features: While it has dropped Amazon Alexa support, it includes Bluetooth Multipoint, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, and supports Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec.
4. Speakerphone Capability: The speaker has three microphones for effective speakerphone use and can connect with a second unit for stereo sound, even with the older 2nd Gen model.
5. Pricing and Warranty: The Beosound A1 3rd Gen is priced at $349 in the US and includes a five-year warranty, with a USB-C to USB-C cable provided in the box.
Bang & Olufsen has revealed the latest version of its Beosound A1 portable Bluetooth speaker. Known as the Beosound A1 3rd Gen, this new model doesn’t stray far from the look of the previous version, but it does feature some enhancements.
Design and Build Quality
The speaker keeps the same donut-shaped design as its forerunner. It maintains the same size and holds onto the IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, but it’s slightly heavier than before. Additionally, color choices have been reduced. While the Beosound A1 2nd Gen was offered in six colors, the new 3rd Gen only comes in three: Natural Aluminum, Honey Tone, and Eucalyptus Green. All of these options have an aluminum body with a waterproof leather strap.
Improved Audio Features
Bang & Olufsen claims the new model has a better woofer that provides more bass. Users can expect up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge, which is an improvement from the 18 hours found in the 2nd generation. Similar to the Beoplay Eleven (priced at $476.19 on Amazon), the Beosound A1 has a replaceable battery, though it must be changed at an authorized service center.
Connectivity and Functionality
On the downside, the Beosound A1 3rd Gen has dropped support for Amazon’s Alexa assistant. However, it still offers Bluetooth Multipoint, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair, along with a Made for iPhone certification. The speaker also supports Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec, and its three microphones make it effective as a speakerphone for calls. Plus, you can connect it with a second unit for stereo sound, even if that unit is the older Beosound A1 2nd Gen.
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen is currently available for purchase at $349 in the US, £299 in the UK, and €349 across Europe. The 2nd gen model can be found for $228.74 on Amazon. In the box, users will find a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging and wired connections. Bang & Olufsen is also providing a warranty of up to five years.
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