Launching its latest headphones earlier this month, Bang & Olufsen continue to set a precedent in wearable technology through modular construction and superior materiality.
Launching earlier this month, the Beoplay H100 by Bang & Olufsen combines a superior design aesthetic with industry-leading technology and circular design principles. Photography: Bang & Olufsen
Words by Roddy Clarke
Closing in on its centenary, Danish luxury audio brand Bang & Olufsen’s most recent launch pays homage to the innovation and quality that has set the brand apart for the last 100 years. Its new flagship headphones, the Beoplay H100, combines decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology resulting in a listening experience like no other. From its superior materiality to modular construction, high-quality sound and digital noise cancellation, this model is set to become a much-loved classic from the Danish visionaries.
The Beoplay H100 headphones are available in three colours: Infinite Black, Hourglass Sand and Sunset Apricot. Photography; Bang & Olufsen
Designed in three colourways, the combination of soft lambskin leather and brushed aluminium stays true to the brand’s classic aesthetic, while a hardened glass touch interface and precision haptic dials bring an elevated tactility to the user experience. And, with the superiority of materials used matching the high level of sound quality, the brand reveals that a seamless balance between the two was a priority during conception. “Designing an immersive sound experience with ultimate comfort has been key in the development process,” states the company’s Head of Design, Tiina Kierysch. Securely held in a lightweight leather case for a chic portable statement, every aspect of the design has been meticulously considered. For added practicality, when the headphones are outside of the case and not being worn, they automatically enter a low-power mode, extending the standby time up to 90 days. When stored in the pouch, the power turns off enabling more than a year of standby time. It is details and functionality such as this that continues to prove why Bang & Olufsen is truly a leader in its field.
Thanks to a timeless aesthetic and modular construction that allows users to update components if needed, as well as upgradeable software, the Beoplay H100 is designed to last for generations to come. Photography: Bang & Olufsen
Speaking of the Beoplay H100’s modularity and responsible production methods, the company’s Director of Product Circularity and Portfolio Planning, Mads Kogsgaard Hansen, feels passionately that the brand creates technology with a purpose and not for the sake of newness. “We want to inspire a movement away from a consumption pattern, where consumers are constantly chasing the new, the next and the instant, instead of championing a mindset of buying less but buying better with the expectation and appreciation of long-lasting, timeless products,” he says. “The new legislation being implemented in the EU and other regions is in line with our ethos and we can see the shift in mindset taking place with consumers too.”
Bang & Olufsen’s Director of Product Circularity and Portfolio Planning, Mads Kogsgaard Hansen, is spearheading the brand’s commitment to a circular future. Photography: Bang & Olufsen
With this positive shift already evident, the company is also demonstrating that circular design does not mean a compromise on sound quality or aesthetic. Taking inspiration from the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 90 loudspeaker, the headphones feature 40mm custom-made titanium drivers housed behind elegant aluminium grills and, thanks to the brand’s new adaptive audio processing EarSense™ technology, the sound is tailored to the wearer’s unique fit in real time. Spatial audio processing and headtracking also means the headphones deliver a natural and organic listening experience throughout while this model features Bang & Olufsen’s most advanced noise cancellation and transparency mode to date. And, with five minutes of charging giving five hours of playtime, this design is ideal for users with busy schedules and little downtime.
Designed with disassembly in mind, components can be easily removed, replaced or repaired if needed. Photography: Bang & Olufsen
Created with a future-focused mindset and designed with disassembly in mind, the Beoplay H100 is the first modular design in the company’s wearables category, with components that are easy to replace and repair if needed. Batteries, glass surfaces and circuit boards can be easily accessed for repair and the design comes with an extended five-year warranty when joining Beocare – the company’s extended warranty program. Hoping to receive Cradle to Cradle certification next year, Hansen goes on to say how the very short average lifespan of technology must change. “At Bang & Olufsen, we know we are part of the problem. Now, more than ever, we are hoping to be part of the solution as we lead the movement towards a more circular future and our ambition is to achieve the status of Cradle to Cradle Certified®, at least at bronze level, for all new products at Bang & Olufsen,” he reveals. Added to its circularity, this launch also marks the development of the company’s new software platform for wearables meaning that the software is upgradable, and the headphones won’t be surpassed by new technology.
Classic in style yet future-focused in construction and functionality, the Beoplay H100 is setting new standards for wearable technology. Photography: Bang & Olufsen
With this positive commitment towards change giving hope towards a greener future for the sector, it will also inspire others to follow suit. And, as listening habits continue to change, Hansen also says how the brand looks to celebrate all listening formats. “Vinyl and CDs have returned to being something special, where people invest time and energy to connect with the music and artists they love,” he concludes. “So, whether streaming or using physical media, longevity in design and a passion for keeping listening choices alive is our goal at Bang & Olufsen.”
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