The Danish audio brand, Bang & Olufsen has launched the 2020 upgrade of the powerful and portable Beolit Bluetooth speaker, its heritage dating back to 1939. The upgraded Beolit 20 has retained the trademark big sound capabilities. It comes in beautiful packaging that stores the tech. The package not only looks good but is also desirable and easily transportable. However, the biggest upgrades for the speaker stands to be the improved battery life, integrated wireless Qi charging capability on its top shelf and a subtly updated design.
“As the product is used by our customers throughout the day, all around the home and outside, we focused on significantly improving the battery life which is now 30% longer at typical listening volumes. This has enabled us to add wireless Qi charging on the top of the product, so you can charge compatible devices like your mobile phone if you are short of battery at a party or the park”, says Bang & Olufsen VP of Product Management Christoffer Poulsen.
The Beolit series was designed in collaboration with Cecilie Manz (2012). The Beolit 20 retains the iconic silhouette of the same Beolit series. It also introduces a number of design updates to make day to day usage of the speaker even more pleasurable by making the design meet modern standards. The original hole pattern has been reimagined with a modern design. Repeated angled lines and spiralling corners give a distinct and dynamic look whilst optimizing acoustic performance with 45% air transparency for clear, refined sound. The height and curvature of the top shelf has been revised to give multiple placement options when charging smartphones, the buttons made more durable, and a vegetable-tanned leather strap adds the perfect finishing touch.
Big sound in a small package
The Beolit 20 is small and compact enough for the users to carry it around easily. However, the small size does not mean that there has been any compromise to the sound. It still delivers plenty of sound. The 5.5” long-stroke wideband woofer combined with 3 x 1.5” full ranges and 2 x 4” passive bass radiators deliver a hugely impressive 77dB bass capability and 93dB in mid-range loudness. This ultimate sound performance is combined with the True360 omnidirectional sound. As a result, the Beolit 20 is capable of comfortably filling most rooms with signature Bang & Olufsen sound. You can also stereo pair two Beolit 20s or pair the new speaker with the former Beolit 17 to enhance the experience even further.
Pricing and availability
Beolit 20 (RRP 500 EUR / 450 GBP / 500 USD / 3750 DKK / 3988 CNY) is launching in the colours Grey Mist and Black Anthracite and will be available on www.bang-olufsen.com, in Bang & Olufsen stores and select third-party retailers from October 29, 2020.