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Henri Tibosch of B&O on what you do (and definitely don't) want to hear this summer
In the run-up to MASTERS SUMMER EXPO, MASTERS speaks with Henri Tibosch of B&O about audio trends, personalization, and the high-end experience.
In the run-up to MASTERS SUMMER EXPO, MASTERS speaks with distinguished exhibitors gathering in Nistelrode this summer from June 11 to 14. This week: Henri Tibosch of Bang & Olufsen Tibosch, the Brabant-based family business. He explains why ease of use is the new standard, personalization is becoming more important, and why technology should especially *not* stand out this summer.
Looking ahead to the coming period: what are the three most visible trends within the high-end audio segment?
User-friendliness is becoming increasingly important to us. We notice that customers want systems that work intuitively and allow them to instantly play their favorite music or radio station at the touch of a button, without relying on a phone or app. Additionally, we see that the demand for personalization continues to rise. Customers are looking for speakers that truly blend into their interior and align with their personal taste, acting as an extension of their personality. With the B&O atelier, we can actually offer that custom work.
Sustainability and modularity are also playing an increasingly important role. Products must last a long time and be easy to renew or repair, so that they remain technologically relevant and do not become obsolete due to software limitations.
You mention ease of use and experience, among other things. Does your customers' behavior change towards the summer, for example in how and where they use their audio?
“We see that customers are increasingly taking their speakers with them wherever they happen to be at the time, from the conservatory to the garden or another outdoor location. As a result, portable sound is becoming increasingly important. At the same time, we notice that the demand for fixed outdoor solutions is growing. Music is truly becoming part of relaxation, atmosphere, and moments with friends or family, such as parties. Furthermore, during summers of sports with events like the World Cup or the Olympic Games, we see that outdoor setups with TV and/or audio are being chosen more frequently.”
"Portable sound is therefore becoming increasingly important."
That need for experience and flexibility therefore seems to be increasing. In a broader sense, what are customers looking for most at the moment?
We notice that customers are increasingly looking for personalization. They no longer want a standard black pair of headphones or a speaker that everyone has and that doesn't match their personal style or interior. Instead, they choose products that feel less like technology and seamlessly fit in with their look and living environment.
If personalization plays such an important role, what does that mean for what still fits and doesn't fit within high-end living and technology this summer?
For us, high-end living and technology must represent peace and space. Many people find that peace and space in their surroundings, in their garden, second home, or during their summer vacation. Technology without experience, packaged in generic and usually uninspired design that disregards peace, space, and high-quality materials, simply no longer fits. What does work, however, is technology that does not demand attention but adds value. Intelligently integrated, aesthetically well-thought-out, and fitting within the space, using materials such as aluminum, wood, and luxury fabrics. That is truly the essence of what B&O stands for.
Read also: “The new way of traveling: these are the trends”
That focus on personal contact and experience is also reflected in your way of working. What does Brabant mean to you in that regard?
Brabant really feels like home to us. Everyone knows everyone, there is a down-to-earth mentality, and of course, the connection with Philips, where I once started. That relaxed atmosphere and the fact that you can simply walk in through the back door at many clients really say it all about how accessible and personal it is here.
And if we make it personal: what are you looking forward to most this summer?
I am particularly looking forward to experiencing major sporting moments, such as the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the tennis majors, and other events. I prefer to enjoy them in a relaxed outdoor setting, with friends or family, and of course with our outdoor installations that provide the perfect visual and auditory experience.
In line with that personal approach: what do you hope visitors to MASTERS SUMMER EXPO will come to discover or experience at your venue?
“We hope visitors experience us as a reliable partner. We have been supplying and installing for 43 years, always with our own installers, and for us, the relationship with the customer is truly central. We take the entire process off your hands. We create drawings of the installation, manage the electrician, and provide the network, Wi-Fi, and internet ourselves if desired. As a result, the customer has a single point of contact and everything is fully taken care of.”
