Audio company HARMAN has agreed a new partnership to develop an exclusive range of wireless consumer audio products for the Nokia Lumia range. The new devices will be co-branded with Harman’s JBL brand.
The first product, which is officially known as the JBL PlayUp Portable Wireless Speaker for Nokia, was revealed at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin. It can connect to any current Lumia phone by using Bluetooth and will automatically pair with next-generation Lumia phones via NFC. It also comes with a standard 3.5mm audio connector and can deliver a maximum output of 89dB, with its rechargeable battery lasting for up to 10 hours.
Nokia has previously worked with Harman’s automotive division on in-car products.
Sachin Lawande, executive vice president of Harman, said “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. 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.”
The JBL PlayUp Portable Wireless Speaker is expected to go on sale later this year with for around 149 Euro (£142 incl. VAT).