A month ago we presented the review of Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A1 . It was a very nice acquaintance, both in terms of sound and aesthetics. This was a special Version of B&O's Contrast Collection , a series that includes special versions of A9, Edge, Beosound 1, Beosound 2, H9 and A1.

From Beoplay to Beosound

Today, B&O announces that they are launching Beosound A1 2nd gen. And the first thing we notice is that this compact speaker has changed family affiliation. What used to be Beoplay A1 has now changed to Beosound A1. The Beosound range has so far consisted of products in higher price ranges than Beoplay normally finds, and we are informed that this shift is related to B&O's new name strategy. The future will show if there are more name changes as a result of this strategy.

Beosound A1 2nd gen

Before we get to the real improvements on the Beosound A1 2nd gen, we can look at the more subtle changes. A slightly slimmer design is in effect a reduction of the thickness by 1 mm, but still pulls in the right direction, and is followed by a weight reduction of 5%. And then we have to remind that Boesound A1 2nd gen. is still designed by Cecilie Manz Studio, centrally located in Copenhagen.

Bang & Olufsen attaches great importance to Beosound A1 being the world's first pure blue tooth speaker that supports Alexa. It's nice if you want to talk it to senses.

And then it matters a lot that the A1 2nd generation is the first B&O product that is completely dust and waterproof. Beosound A1 is certified to IP67, which means it can withstand water down to 1 meter depth for up to 30 minutes. So if you plan to lose it out in the pool, it will be fine. But make sure you lose it at the shallow end of the pool and pick it up again before half an hour is gone!

It also facilitates improved sound quality, thanks to Beosound A1 supporting AAC and aptX. And Bluetooth communication now happens via 5.1, while the predecessor had Bluetooth 4.2. This improvement should ensure good and stable sound transmission. Pairing is done through Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair

And equipped with 3 microphones, it makes sure that the speaker has good career opportunities at work if it is assigned to the task of serving as a conference phone.

Battery life should be improved. Now, B&O promises up to 18 hours at typical sound levels, and 41 hours at low levels.

The only negative point we had in the eview was that the buttons were a little intuitive. Bang & Olufsen has done something about this in the new model. The buttons have become larger and have a more obvious icon. They have also been given a more concentrated position, gathered by the attachment to the leather strap. Also tactile feedback has been improved.

Beosound A1 2nd gen is available in the colors Gray mist and Black Anthracite

Price in Norway is NOK. 3000, -

Read more about Beosound A1 2nd gen at Bang & Olufsen