Arlington Heights, Ill. — Bang & Olufsen is expanding the Bluetooth speaker selection in its B&O Play line, adding a model at $599 to complement a $399 model launched late in 2014.
The new model, like the current model, is an AC/DC model with 24-hour playback time from a single charge.
The BeoLit 15 will be available starting in March through Bang & Olufsen stores, the B&O Play online store (BeoPlay.com) and select third-party retailers.
The B&O Play sub-brand was launched in 2012 to expand the company’s customer base to a younger demographic through more affordable portable A/V products that offer broader appeal than Bang & Olufsen’s core A/V products. Target customers are mostly independent, urban-living college graduates in their mid-20s to early 30s. Distribution is through Bang & Olufsen-branded stores, but the company has expanded B&O Play distribution to other retail channels.
The BeoLit 15 features higher power output at 2×35 watts, compared with the current model’s 2×30 watts. It has 360-degree sound, wraparound anodized-aluminum grille, full-grain leather carrying strap, a body made from durable polymer, and a non-slip rubber tray on top to place a smartphone. It will come in blue, champagne and rose colors.
The speaker also features Bluetooth 4.0 with AptX, ability to remember eight Bluetooth devices, and ability to connect with two devise simultaneously to create a DJ-like experience, the company said.
The chassis measures 9.1 inches by 7.4 inches by 5.3 inches and packs a 5.5-inch full-range driver, two 4-inch passive bass radiators, and three 1.5-inch mid/tweeter drivers.
The current book-shaped BeoPlay 2 at $399 also features 360-degree sound, 24-hour battery life, extruded-aluminum chassis and a leather strap.
