INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
In a show dominated by smart sound systems and headphones, there was also some standout design and genuine breakthroughs to get the real
Below we pick out the sonic highlights that found a way to be heard above the bedlam in Berlin.1
to be positioned in two ways - like a standing coin on its edge or hanging from a wall like a railway clock via a set of brackets
The brainchild of London-based designer Michael Anastassiades, the Beosound Edge also has a pretty unique control system, requiring you to
full-bodied sound that dazzled during its demo
that contracts and widens to match changes in volume.Able to pump out audio on demand from either side via Bluetooth, Chromecast or Apple
AirPlay 2, it sports two 3-quarter inch tweeters, two 4-inch midrange drivers and 10-inch woofer, coupled with six Class D amplifiers
A decade after its launch, the connected speaker company has finally replaced the model, with the Sonos Amp, packing double the power of its
market and those who want to bring their own high-end, wired speakers to the multi-room party, the compact, black box-shaped device carries
over the touch buttons and vertical light design cues of the recently released Beam and new Play:5 from Sonos.New features include AirPlay
2, voice support and HDMI ARC alongside the previously available analogue inputs and it can also be used to add wireless rears to a Sonos
Sony claim the new over ears offer a four-times improvement in blocking out outside sounds, thanks to their new built-in Q1 processor.A
Beyerdynamic Blue ByrdGerman audio expert Beyerdynamic were on home turf to unveil its new flagship wireless in-ears
While they may not look hugely different than the raft of linked wireless that have recently flooded the market, their Mosayc sound
hearing test conducted via your smartphone
Harman Kardon Citation rangeFresh from their recent takeover by Samsung, Harmon appear to be taking the battle to the likes of Sonos with an
impressive range of new smart multi-room speakers.Coming in a multitude of shapes, sizes and colors, the Google Assistant powered speakers,
test rooms rather than the show floor, our early experience impressed enough to suggest the range looks capable of upsetting the old guard
support from its three HDMI inputs
It can also act as a single centre channel when paired with the Harman Kardon Citation Tower speakers, which come as a pair for $2,500, each
with a dedicated subwoofer and one with a touchscreen panel.6
Google Assistant headphonesAs handy as Google Assistant is, having to whip out your handset each time you want to converse with your digital
servant can be a bit of a faff
controls for power, play, pause, volume and track skipping, but the key feature comes with a tap on the left can
A deft touch activates Google Assistant from your connected phone giving you quick info on notifications and the weather
Holding your finger on the sensor for a bit longer gives you the ability to throw a question or command, such as asking for local info or
playing a particular playlist.Slick, with brushed bronze detailing, while not as overt as a set of Beats, the heavy branding on the cans
nevertheless may be a bit OTT for more refined listeners, and while it may be something you get used to, the Google Assistant sensor could
be a little too easy to accidentally trigger
tunes to owners of any other Bluetooth headset nearby, and an echo-cancelling mic for improved call audio, the 710GA is set to cost around
The TheIndianSubcontinent team is in Berlin to bring you all the breaking news and hands-on first impressions of new phones, watches and
