Designboom announces winners of Sound Innovation Design competition
Plantronics and Altec Lansing unveil winning entries from speaker and Bluetooth headset design categories
London, England – November 13, 2008 – Designboom, in association with consumer electronics and design veterans Plantronics and Altec Lansing, have announced the winning entries from the Sound Innovation design competition, which called for futuristic speaker and Bluetooth headset designs. Sponsored by Plantronics and Altec Lansing, the entries were judged by a panel consisting of renowned designers including Alberto Meda, Matali Crasset and Darrin Caddes. The top entrants in each of the two categories are Kimming Yap and Yulia Sakson in first place with the Altec Lansing Mini and Pedro Gomes with the ON-TIME sound headset system for his Bluetooth headset designs. The winners will receive a $5,000 prize and will have their designs featured on the Designboom, Plantronics and Altec Lansing Web sites.
“We were blown away by not only the number of entries we received for this competition but also the sheer calibre of the designs,” said Luc Ackaert, Consumer Director for Plantronics and Altec Lansing. “It was an extremely difficult task to narrow down the winners from the 3,487 amazing designs submitted by the truly talented pool of entrants. We’re thrilled with the outcome of the Sound Innovation competition and are excited to share the winning designs with the public.”
The Altec Lansing Mini concept was designed as the perfect companion for an MP3 player, ideal for those who want to break away from headphones or to share music with friends. Plug and play, perfect for use anywhere, anytime with its distortion-free sound system and built-in rechargeable battery, the music keeps playing all night long.
The ON TIME – Sound headset system looks into the future and aims to address new trends and styles. It re-designs the concept of headsets and places it as a desirable design object to wear as a headset or a futuristic clock-bracelet developing a strong interface experience with the user through its aesthetic & functional values. When using it as a headset, the bracelet works as a clock and its LCD touchpad screen allows the user to see the caller id optimizing mobility levels. When calling, the bracelet vibrates for a silent warning and the user can answer the calls with one touch on the screen or refuse the call with two.
Dedicated to promoting innovative and functional design, both Plantronics and Altec Lansing are have a rich history with decades of forward thinking in consumer electronics. Known for creating the headset that transmitted the first words from the moon in 1969, Plantronics is a pioneer in the design of beautiful Bluetooth headsets and have recently launched a celebrity acclaimed, jewel inspired earpiece, the Discovery 925. With an equally rich history deeply-rooted in design, Altec Lansing created the first cinema speakers in the 1920’s and have continued to innovate designing and manufacturing award winning ipod and mp3 speaker systems, headphones, home audio and PC speakers including their latest design classic, the Expressionist BASS.
For additional information on the Innovative Sound design competition, including the winning entrants and designs, please visit www.designboom.com.
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