Definitive Technology has found the equivalent of the Holy Grail from an electronics manufacturers’ standpoint with the announcement that it will sell its new Sound Cylinder Bluetooth system at Apple Stores nationwide.
And, according to the company, the new sales relationship with Apple is potentially a big deal for its authorized dealers because the increased consumer awareness of the brand is sure to have a spillover effect for its other products sold through the custom electronics channel.
“With the Apple Stores picking it up, consumer awareness of the Definitive Technology brand will definitely grow. People know Bose, but they don’t know Definitive. With this deal, we believe integrators will soon have prospective clients asking for Definitive Technology products because they recognize the brand,” says Joe Finn, newly named director of marketing at Definitive. “It’s the Holy Grail for an audio company.”
The Sound Cylinder aims to bring high performance sound to tablets and other portable Bluetooth-enabled devices such as laptops. The 7.5 W x 2.75 D x 1.93 H-inch unit (including clamp) looks like a large silver Excedrin capsule and uses an innovative clip system that securely attaches the speaker to most tablets and many laptop computers. It weighs less than one pound.
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Sound Cylinder doubles as a table stand for an attached tablet. A built-in pivoting “kickstand” securely holds the device at a secure angle for viewing and listening. It connects wirelessly to Bluetooth enabled devices or via an audio cable to any device with an analog audio output jack. The built-in rechargeable battery lasts up to 10 hours.
The unit features a built-in side-firing subwoofer in addition to stereo speakers, meaning your clients won’t have to put their iPad on full volume anymore or plug in headphones to watch YouTube videos.
“Thanks to rapid advances in portable devices such as tablets and smart phones, enjoying music and video content on the go is within the reach of everyone” says Definitive president Kevin Duffy. “Headphones are fine but they’re not always practical, especially when you want to share an audio experience with others. Sound Cylinder answers the need for convenient high quality audio on the move.”
The grilles are perforated aluminum while the “kickstand” and clamp mechanism parts are injection-molded Magnesium alloy. The product design is the result of collaboration between Frog Design and the DEI Global Design Center, headed by chief design officer Michael DiTullo.
Finn says reaction from integrators at CES 2013 was strong, with many seeing it as either an add-on item to a sale or even an item that helps them get their foot in the door.
Sound Cylinder will be available in consumer electronics specialty storefront and on-line retailers as well as Definitive’s online store in January 2013. The suggested retail price is $199.
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