Ikea is developing a party in a box
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As tech giants and high-end audio firms like Amazon and Sonos introduce sophisticated AI-powered sound systems to the audio world, Ikea is going a decidedly more analog route.
Its new, multicomponent audio system, called Frekvens, aims to turn homes into party central with a range of decidedly not-smart products. They consist of a turntable, speakers and lighting equipment costing from about $5 to $99. Set for release in June 2019, the line has been in development for about two years and is a collaboration between Ikea and Teenage Engineering, the Swedish cult electronics outfit known for producing affordable portable synthesizers and sound equipment.
One of its founders is Jesper Kouthoofd, one of the original members of Swedish creative collective Acne as well as a multiplatform director on campaigns for brands including Ikea, H&M, Volvo, Mitsubishi and Absolut. For the vodka brand, he created the “Absolut Choir” campaign that featured teams of virtually controlled singing robots. Kouthoofd explains that the idea for Frekvens (Swedish for “frequency”) started with a discussion with Ikea about the role of sound in the home.
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