Today, the full-fledged operation language is understood by all remote-controlled Bang & Olufsen product combinations. With the new Beo5 remote control, we take the next step: Bang & Olufsen introduces a fully-flexible and personalized remote that can handle operation of any product combination, even products with features and functions that we do not know yet.
"Although Beo5 is an entirely new and revolutionising remote control, operation remains based on principles our customers know. This was very important to us," states CEO Torben Ballegaard Sørensen. "We stick to the extensive experience with user interfaces which we have obtained over the years, so operating your equipment remains as relevant, simple and intuitive as possible; with Beo5 we simply added complete flexibility".
Every customer has his own fully personalised remote control
It sounds simple, and it is. Beo5 is delivered without any features from the Bang & Olufsen factory, but is customised professionally before reaching the customer's home. Our unique distribution network has been thoroughly trained and educated in how to configure Beo5 to match the individual needs of the customer, giving him or her complete control of the set-up at home.
Beo5 can be adapted to almost any product set-up you have in your home. You can add or remove buttons and functions. You can move buttons to suit, for example, left-handed use. You can combine control of your audio/video equipment with other remote-controlled systems such as light, curtains, windows, air-condition or security - and still be in full control while resting comfortably in your favourite armchair.
Ease-of-use through logical and intuitive operation
Beo5 has a new LCD colour display with a programmable touch-sensitive screen of chemically hardened front glass. This lets you activate functions that are relevant for your particular product combination by pressing directly on the screen.
The technology behind the operation of the display is a combination of two different types of touch operation: Sensi-touch - where you detect the button, and Soft-touch - where you physically activate a function by pressing down. We call it Touch-and-Go. There are 12 of these so-called dynamic buttons that can be named or moved around as the customer pleases.
A new visual stand point
When you leave Beo5 on the table, its form calls for your attention; it stands out and stands up, and you always know where it is. The unusual visual expression of Beo5 is a contradiction in forms - the circle and the square. The circular aluminium ball, with its tactile keys and volume wheel, combined with the square glass display and its soft-touch keys.
"The designer found inspiration in an ancient symbolic sign of power and control: the sceptre", explains Product Manager Torben Kyed. "The ball like the sceptre rests securely in your hand, and the display is the ornament that is often seen on top of the sceptre".
Rests safely in the palm of your hand
A lot of effort has been put into the ergonomics of Beo5. Extensive user tests have shown that the three-dimensional shape of the ball and the design of the rear secure a solid grip and also reduce the distance your thumb has to travel to reach the outermost corners of the remote control. Another important element is the correct weight and balance, which are secured by placing a tungsten weight inside the ball. Materials are carefully selected to underline the importance of craftsmanship and robustness.
Intelligent rechargeable remote control
Having a colour LCD display and a multitude of programmable features means you need up to 1,000 times more battery capacity than more simple remote controls. As we do not want to change batteries every 3 hours, we decided to go for a rechargeable remote control.
Beo5 should be treated in much the same way as you treat a cordless telephone from Bang & Olufsen. Put it back in the charger in intervals of no more than 10-12 days, and the batteries will always be charged. The intelligent charging circuitry will constantly optimise the life of the Beo5 batteries.
Robustness is essential
The display has a custom-made hardened glass front, with a thickness and grinding specified by the designer to ensure elegance and optimum robustness, but without sharp edges that can cut fingers. It has a robust rear part of infrared-transparent plastic to ensure the excellent signal range that Bang & Olufsen customers are accustomed to.
Besides this, Beo5 undergoes strict mechanical tests, such as tolerance to hand-lotion, scratch testing, temperature extremes and severe drop tests to ensure that the durability and robustness is as high or higher than existing remote controls from Bang & Olufsen. So you need not worry if you drop it on the floor - just pick it up again and you're back in control!-Bang & Olufsen
Posted September 5th, 2007 by harminka
