Nokia, HARMAN join hands to develop innovative wireless consumer audio technologies

As per an official statement, Nokia and HARMAN, the global leading supplier of premium audio and infotainment systems, have announced a new partnership to develop innovative wireless consumer audio technologies exclusively for the Nokia Lumia range.

Nokia and HARMAN's JBL brand will jointly develop and co-brand the exclusive line of products which will include a range of speakers delivering room-filling acoustics with dynamic design. Wireless connectivity from mobile device to speaker will be facilitated through Bluetooth technology capable of connecting any existing Lumia phone, or by tapping to connect with NFC for next generation Lumia phone based on Windows Phone 8.

JBL PlayUp Portable Wireless Speaker

"As HARMAN seeks to further collaborate with mobile leaders to bring next generation connectivity technologies to the home and the automobile, working with industry pioneer Nokia provides a tremendous opportunity to expand our own value sets and bring to market unique audio products that meet today's demand for uninterrupted consumer connectivity," said Sachin Lawande, executive vice president of HARMAN and co-president of HARMAN Lifestyle and Infotainment. "Audio is an increasingly mobile experience, following consumers everywhere they go. Developing technologies for wireless portable audio meets the ever-growing demand for immediate and easy accessibility."

JBL and Nokia also unveiled the first fruits of their collaboration, the JBL PlayUp Portable Wireless Speaker for Nokia, at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin.

The JBL PlayUp Portable Wireless Speaker for Nokia radiates sound in all directions. Built on JBL's passion for audio, the PlayUp Portable is a unique speaker for music lovers who value excellent sound quality, delivering crystal clear sound. With underlying JBL technology that delivers exceptional dynamics, natural tonal balance, clarity and spatial definition, the PlayUp Portable conveys every sonic nuance of the original recording. It comes with a specially designed bass port which acts as a woofer, ensuring incredible low end sound with minimal audible air turbulence. The PlayUp Portable has a maximum output of 89dB, making it suitable for outdoor use as well as in any modern indoor interior. The speaker connects easily and wirelessly to any existing phone via Bluetooth and for next generation Lumia phones based on Windows Phone 8, by tapping to connect with NFC. It also comes with a standard 3.5mm headphone standard audio connector to connect with any mobile phone, computer or MP3 player.

Building on the design of the award-winning Nokia Play 360 Wireless Speaker, the PlayUp Portable makes a statement with its vivid colours and bold shape. Available in cyan, white, black - and the all new bright yellow - its body is built using double-shot plastic for durability. The size and proportions of the speaker, including the minimal number of parts and parting lines, marry Nokia's highly acclaimed industrial design expertise with JBL's tightly defined and non-compromising audio target. Featuring more than 10 hours of continuous music with a single charge, the PlayUp Portable features a replaceable battery that's tucked away at its base. Additional accessories include a carrying pouch, a microUSB charger and a 3.5mm audio cable.

"The JBL PlayUp Portable Wireless Speaker for Nokia is testimony to our long-term strategy of working with the industry's best to create unbeatable products for consumers," said Hans Henrik Lund, Vice President and head of Nokia Gear. "With our joint passion for innovation and technology, Nokia and JBL have created a portable speaker for people who really love music and take it with them wherever they go."

The JBL PlayUp Portable Wireless Speaker for Nokia will start shipping before the end of the year with a price tag of EUR149 ((Rs.10,403 approx.).