Bowers & Wilkins to unveil "groundbreaking new product" at CES

Bowers & Wilkins isn't being exactly forthcoming (not at all, actually), but it's pretty darn excited about whatever secret it's planning to unveil at CES. Here's what we know: it'll be launching into a new market while its classic products receive "a dramatic makeover." More specifically, the company is set to "launch into an exciting new product category and reveal an all new model in the XT Series," and beyond that, all we're told is that it will be "groundbreaking" in the same way the Zeppelin apparently was. Consider our interest piqued, B&W, but you better not disappoint. Full gloat-fest is after the break.

Bowers & Wilkins at CES 2009

B&W launches into a new market and classic products receive a dramatic makeover.

Bowers & Wilkins is at CES 2009 to launch into an exciting new product category, reveal an all new model in the XT Series, and allow visitors the chance to experience the Bowers & Wilkins sound system in the 2009 Jaguar XKR. The B&W booth will also feature the legendary Nautilus™ loudspeaker alongside the flagship of the renowned 800 Series, the 800D.

Bowers & Wilkins' booth at CES 2009 is the first chance to see a groundbreaking new product that will redefine an area of the market in the same way the Zeppelin shook up the iPod® speaker world. As you'd expect, far from simply producing a 'me too' product, B&W is introducing a completely new premium category, where sound quality and style blend seamlessly.

The booth will also feature the brand new 2009 Jaguar XKR, complete with the Bowers & Wilkins in-car sound system. A combination setting new standards in the world of automotive audio excellence.

There's also a new and improved high-performance, high-style model in the XT Series. This new model is destined to sit at the front of countless home theater systems where discerning users demand that their surround system looks as good as it sounds.

Bowers & Wilkins' flagship Nautilus loudspeaker will also be on display. Over 15 years in production, it's now available in an infinite choice of colors. The 800D, the top of the range speaker in our flagship 800 Series, and featuring our unique diamond tweeter, will also be on show.

Also, if you haven't been able to check out our multiple award-winning Zeppelin iPod speaker system you will be able to find this on the stand as well. We'll be demonstrating the flexibility of the Zeppelin: it's much more than simply an iPod speaker system, with connectivity options including playing your TV's sound through it or using it as part of a multi-room system.

The Society of Sound is an online community for people who love sound. It also incorporates the Peter Gabriel-curated B&W Music Club. Members get to download a specially recorded album every month, which is available in wonderful lossless audio for the best possible sound quality. There will be more information about the Society of Sound and B&W Music Club in the booth.

[JustinGN Posted Jan 2nd 2009 2:33AM]

B&W single-handedly turned me into a Junior Audiophile with their 684s, so I'm obviously anxious (and excited) about a new product category, as well as revisions to their product lines.

Come on, Diamond Tweeters on the 600s (A guy can dream...).

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 2nd 2009 9:23AM]

I've had different B&W speakers over the period of 10 years, curently with the 804S and HTM3S. I know the 800 series is coming out with a piano-black (glossy) finish, like the new CM9 speaker. Still not sure what the "groundbreaking new product that will redefine an area of the market" is. Only have to wait a few days to find out.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 2nd 2009 9:41AM]

"all we're told is that it will be "groundbreaking" in the same way the Zeppelin apparently was"

So B&W is going down in flames?

/going to hell for Hindenburg joke.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 2nd 2009 11:55AM]

I already know what it is: A toilet mounted sub woofer to help with Bowers' movements. What could be ground shaking than that?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 2nd 2009 4:48PM]

I'd have to agree. Since it is "groundbreaking", it's gotta be something bass-related and not some flashy exotic material replacement for diamond tweeter.

[oppizzippo Posted Jan 2nd 2009 12:31PM]

I bet its a Zune speaker doc! or just a vanilla MP3 player speaker doc.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 2nd 2009 2:27PM]

The zeppelin wasn't that groundbreaking. It was an interesting design, and sounds pretty good for a boombox, but what else?

So we're not getting a new type of device or "listening paradigm". It will just be an interestingly designed speaker. I suspect.... powered wireless speakers. Possibly a soundbar.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 9th 2009 11:41AM]

Now with CES going for 2 days, why no info about the Panorama soundbar?