Bang & Olufsen have officially announced the BeoSound 5, a digital music system intended to bridge the gap between the company’s high-end hifi systems and music stored digitally. The main interface is the BeoSound 5 controller, a 2.65kg table-top or wall-mounted remote dominated by a 10.4-inch 1024 x 768 LCD and an aluminium scroll wheel. Providing the power is the BeoControl 5, a 500GB music server with internet connections. The whole system runs MOTS (More Of The Same), B&O’s new intelligent playlist system.


I’ve said it before, I’m a bit of a Bang & Olufsen junkie. Yes, I know there are “better” products out there if you’re rating sound higher than everything else, but let’s be realistic – appearance is a big deal. Anyway, a new gadget from B&O is guaranteed to catch the eye, and their new Beo5 remote doesn’t do anything to disprove that fact. 

If you read my lyrical waxing about the
Ah, Bang & Olufsen. Seen whenever a set designer needs to add retro-future design touches to an 80s minimalist apartment, often found in the shag-pads of the rich and single (or wannabe single), they’ve pumped out hellishly cool designs for the past eighty years. While some criticise them for valuing style over acoustic substance, they themselves would argue that a whole lot of thought goes into ensuring consistent performance that matches the longevity of the design.





