In advance of IFA, Samsung is promoting a new set of wireless speakers they will show off there. Adding to their product lineup called Wireless Audio 360, this might signal a bit more seriousness on Samsung's part in terms of competing in the consumer speaker market. The R1, R3, and R5 join the R6 and R7, which were announced last year and look like eggs.
Samsung boasts about the design that blasts sound out in every direction, which addresses a fairly common shortcoming for consumer speakers. Unlike the previous generation's models, these will have some physical controls atop each device so you don't need to have access to the source to make adjustments.
In a subtle nod to the design criticism of the R6 and R7, Samsung says the new ones have a "premium table-top design that enables them to fit seamlessly into any home."
To sweeten the pot for potential customers, Samsung promises continued updates to the Multiroom app that allows you to stream over a local WiFi network to multiple Samsung speakers. They also say an "upcoming smartwatch" will be able to operate the speakers, if anybody buys said watch.
The trio will go on sale towards the end of 2015 in the US and Europe, with prices ranging from $199 to $399.
PRESS RELEASE
Samsung Electronics announced three additions to its Wireless Audio 360 speaker range – the R5, R3 and R1 models which will be displayed at IFA 2015. The omni-directional speakers feature a new built-in tap-and-swipe user interface and an improved Multiroom app for customers’ smartphones, tablets and smartwatches.
The R5, R3 and R1 models follow the widely praised R7 and R6 speakers in Samsung’s Wireless Audio 360 line-up, and offer the same high-quality, balanced sound, and premium table-top design that enables them to fit seamlessly into any home.
“With these additional models we are bringing a new kind of high quality sound to the market, with design that is simple, yet premium, and offers a more intuitive user interface,” said Jurack Chae, Senior Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “The R5, R3 and R1 will help cement Samsung’s position as a world leader in home audio.”
Sound that fills the room
Both consumers and media throughout the world praised the R7 and R6 models, emphasizing how crisp and clear the sound is, and how the detailed mid-range can fill any room, thanks to the proprietary ring-radiator technology that is also featured in the R5, R3 and R1 models.
A more intuitive interface
The R5, R3 and R1 models also exclusively feature new physical control options for a hassle-free and intuitive user experience. Consumers can now change the volume, play, pause, or select a different music source all with a gentle touch, tap or swipe on top of the speaker.
Sound that follows you seamlessly
The R5, R3 and R1 models connect with the updated Multiroom App for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, making it possible to seamlessly share music across Wi-Fi connected devices throughout the home. The app also allows users to easily find and select music, and create playlists all from a single screen.
Samsung’s updated Multiroom app also now works with the Samsung Gear S and will be operated with Samsung’s upcoming smartwatch thanks to a simple user interface that does not depend on a smartphone to operate.
Smartwatch functionality includes immediate control of music playback and volume control, as well as playlist and queue searching. Users can also view the “now playing” screen and access a list of available speakers, all with a simple swipe of their smartwatch.
High resolution streaming on all devices with Qobuz
Samsung has partnered with Qobuz, an online, high-fidelity music service, to make its high resolution streaming services available on Samsung’s audio devices. This gives users access to their favorite audio content at the quality the artists intended. The partnership further demonstrates Samsung’s commitment to giving consumers everywhere, the best possible listening experience.
The new models will be available in the U.S. and European markets in the last quarter of 2015, with prices ranging from US $199 to US $399. More news on regional availability will be announced during the coming months.
Source: Samsung