CES: Bang & Olufsen Intros B&O PLAY Headphones

Hmm…  I know they make some great speakers, but I never knew they made headphones..

B&O PLAY today announces one of the world’s longest living headphones on the market, Form 2, is now updated and relaunched with new features including a microphone, 3-button remote and improved comfort, as well as a new name, Form 2i.

Form 2i is an ultra-light and stylish on-ear headphone with an impressive and honest stereo sound. Today’s introduction at CES 2014 builds upon the popularity of its predecessor – plus the fact that it is part of the permanent collection at Museum of Modern Art in New York and widely recognized as a truly iconic piece of design.

ALWAYS IN FASHION
Back in 1983 Steve McGugan, by then a 23-year old Canadian industrial designer, designed what would become one of the most popular headphones ever – Form 2.

Originally conceived as a stylish, portable and sleek alternative to the other headphones that were on the market back in the Walkman days of the 80s – this trendsetting headphone has managed to stay relevant through a period of time where consumer electronics were possessions that were frequently changed with short-life spans.

Today, more than 30 years after McGugan did his first sketches and 3D cardboard models, Form 2 receives a welcomed update with the addition of in-line microphone, 3-button remote and improved comfort design. Form 2i will be available in a total of 6 vibrant and everlasting colors: Black, White and Red – joined by the new additions Blue, Green and Grey.

"Keeping the design aesthetics simple and streamlined – and the weight down to an astoundingly low 90g (3.17 ounces), has ensured the timelessness and iconic status of Form 2 – and with the updates presented today it is B&O PLAY’s intention to build upon than popularity for the next 30 years," states Henrik Taudorf Lorensen, Executive Vice President of B&O PLAY.

SOUNDS AS GREAT AS EVER
The sound profile is the same as back in the days: Authentic and clean – bringing you sound the way the artists intended it – with no tweaks or over-emphasized bass.

The soundstage of Form 2i is well-defined – it’s a combination of a good bass, a focused middle range and precise high frequency tones.

AN EVEN BETTER FIT
Form 2i weighs in at only 90 grams (3.17 ounces) – making it ultra light and perfectly suited for a life on the go.

The improved foam on the ear pads guarantees an even better comfort – and when you combine that with the weight and ergonomics of the headphones you get a piece of audio equipment you can use comfortably for extended periods of time.

PRICING
Form 2i will be priced at EUR 129 / USD 129 / DKK 999

Available at Bang & Olufsen stores, the B&O PLAY online store (www.beoplay.com) and selected design and department stores from February 2014.