Ikea and Sonos are taking their collaboration to the next level with a new loudspeaker made to hide in plain sight in your living room: The Symfonisk WiFi speaker looks just like a piece of art you can hang on your wall.
The interior design giant and sound specialist company are selling the speaker with two art motifs on a removable front. The range of panels, which cost €30 (RM147), is to be expanded over time, says Ikea manager Stjepan Begic.
For now, anyone who wants their walls to be alive with the sound of music also needs to share Ikea’s taste in art.
The picture’s hidden purpose becomes clear once you see the power cable running from the bottom of it, something that is tricky to hide when hanging the frame from a wall.
The speakers themselves cost €179 (RM882) and are set to go on sale on July 15. Despite being just 6cm thick, they have enough volume for powerful sound, promises Sonos manager Chris Davies.
This new WiFi speaker from Ikea and Sonos is designed to look like a picture. — Liedberg/Ikea/dpa
The picture speakers can be controlled via the Sonos app and also support Apple’s Airplay 2 transmission technology. Two frames can also be connected to form a stereo pair.
One power outlet is sufficient because the speakers also have a power output for the second device. The concept is best suited for small living rooms says Begic. – dpa
