Tech Review: Louis Vuitton's Horizon Light Up Speaker makes a design statement
Fashion powerhouse Louis Vuitton has dabbled in tech-infused products before, but this foray takes them into the realm of high-end audio. Aside from its bold, spaceship-like design, the Horizon Light Up Speaker effortlessly blends impeccable craftsmanship with sophisticated sound engineering. The materials are plush and premium and the detailing intricate, making it stand out not only as a speaker but also as an objet d'art. And the Dh12,100 price tag places it firmly in the luxury category, making it a purchase reserved for those with a taste for exclusivity.
While we may call the design space-age, the actual inspiration for the speaker is actually LV's own Toupie handbag, a stylish and artistic fashion piece by itself. This influence is evident in the speaker's use of stainless steel, embossed leather and tempered glass, creating a striking combination of textures and finishes. Expectedly, the speaker features signature Louis Vuitton branding elements, including a sleek digital interpretation of the Monogram Flower. This is not just a functional object but also a work of art that perfectly embodies the elegance, innovation and premium aesthetic of the House of Louis Vuitton, making it a luxury collector's dream.
True to the 'Light Up' in its name, the speaker illuminates the space around it when playing. A standout feature is its ability to sync its LEDs with the beat of the track it's playing, putting on a mesmerising light show that adds to the immersive experience. Whether you're hosting a party, enjoying a relaxing evening, or simply showcasing the speaker as a statement piece, the dynamic LED displays on top and within the metal band around the middle enhance the overall ambiance.
While aesthetics play a major role in the Horizon Light Up Speaker's appeal, its audio capabilities are equally impressive. Equipped with a three-inch woofer, it offers both omnidirectional and unidirectional sound projection for a customised listening experience. Bluetooth 5.1 ensures seamless wireless connectivity, and Apple AirPlay support makes it an excellent choice for Apple users. On a full charge, the speaker delivers up to 15 hours of uninterrupted playback, while fast charging ensures a full battery in just 1.5 hours. A Qualcomm7 QCS 404 chipset and three built-in microphones make it suitable for phone calls, apart from playing music.
With the spirit of travel a core Louis Vuitton philosophy, the Horizon Light Up Speaker is designed for portability. Both lightweight and compact, its diameter is 18cm and height 14cm, meaning it easily fits into luggage, and weighing just under 2kg, it's easy to carry around, whether you're heading to a vacation destination, a luxurious yacht party, or simply moving from room to room. And of course, LV provides a stylish fabric strap for carrying, with its logo emblazoned on it, so that you have your own sound UFO orbiting you wherever you take it.
Style aside, when it comes to the sound, this speaker is again no slouch. When placed on the supplied dock at the bottom, its disc-like shape makes for an immersive audio experience, with 360-degree sound projection making you feel your music is surrounding you. When lifted off the dock and placed on its side, it reverts to unidirectional sound projection, and there is the scope to pair up another one for a real stereo experience. The clarity and loudness too are pleasant surprises for a speaker of its size and design.
Louis Vuitton's commitment to premium materials, exquisite design and high-end audio technology makes this speaker a statement piece. More than just a gadget, it's an experience, a conversation starter, and a testament to the seamless fusion of fashion and innovation. For dedicated fans of the brand and those who appreciate designer tech, it's an irresistible addition to a luxury collection.
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