Music lovers have more reasons to savour the sounds of their favourite artists with the release of the latest headphones on the market

Hi-tech headphones, using the best in Bluetooth technology, are giving music lovers greater choice to enhance their listening pleasure.

The latest arrivals in the market include the new P5 Wireless by Bowers & Wilkins, the British company best known for its loudspeakers, but now bringing its technical expertise and knowledge of acoustics to another product category.

The company’s first headphones using Bluetooth aptX technology are designed to offer all the power, precision and true hi-fi sound of the admired P5 Series 2, but with the advantage of high-quality wireless streaming.

“The aim has been to give users the latest in terms of convenience for headphone listening, but without any compromise in audio quality,” says a company spokesman. “P5 Wireless are capable of reproducing the best possible sound that your device – whether it is a smartphone, tablet or computer – is able to deliver.”

Connection to a compatible device is quick and simple, while intuitive controls make it easy for users to play or pause, skip ahead, or switch to answer incoming calls without  fuss. The headphones have two microphones, a feature which helps to deliver great audio for telephony in addition to crystal clear music playback.

Power comes from a rechargeable battery, which can last 17 hours in one go and, thanks to a USB cable which comes included, charging from a computer is easy. For anyone who prefers not to listen wirelessly, a cable is supplied as part of the package.

“The choice of luxurious leather and sleek aluminium makes for a discreet, timeless design which will be familiar to people who already know the P5 Series 2,” the spokesman says. “Now users can enjoy the freedom of wireless listening with our renowned sound quality for the first time.”

Danish company Bang & Olufsen (B&O) has also turned its attention to improving the look, performance and functionality of wireless headphones by introducing a number of tech features wrapped up in a smart, lightweight design.

The BeoPlay H8 headphones are operated by simple, intuitive gestures on the innovative touch interface on the right ear cup. This gives users complete control, even when wearing gloves, while allowing true wireless freedom.

“Just tap and swipe to execute whatever commands are needed, whether that is to answer calls, adjust volume, select tracks, or activate the special ‘active noise cancellation’ feature,” says Michelle Cheng, marketing manager for B&O in Hong Kong. “Despite all its advanced technology, anodised aluminium casing and smooth lambskin, the BeoPlay H8 only weighs 255g, making it a perfect travel companion.”

Cheng says the rechargeable battery can give 14 hours of playing time, even with the noise cancellation turned on. This should be more than enough for most long-haul flights but, when necessary, users can easily change the battery or plug in an audio cable, knowing they will get the same crisp, clear sound quality.

The product is available in two colours, hazel grey and argilla bright, and sells in Hong Kong for about HK$4,488 at B&O stores, via the online site, or from third-party retailers.

“With the BeoPlay H8, we have made something technically complex, yet simple and easy to use,” says Jakob Wagner, the award-winning Danish industrial designer who oversaw the project. “Our focus was to use the right materials in an intelligent way, so users can concentrate on the listening experience while enjoying intuitive usability.”