Samsung Announces New Wireless Audio 360 Speakers
Samsung Electronics today 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 R7 and R6 speakers in Samsung’s Wireless Audio 360 line-up, and offer the same quality, balanced sound, and table-top design that enables them to fit into any home.
The R5, R3 and R1 models feature new physical control options for a hassle-free 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.
The R5, R3 and R1 models connect with the updated Multiroom App for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, making it possible to share music across Wi-Fi connected devices throughout the home. The app also allows users to 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.
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 audio content at the quality the artists intended.
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.