For the updates. For one, never change a running system. So from that prospective it makes sense not to auto update. Wih the limited resourcs and beta test B&O can do, it makes to me much sense not to auto push updates. Beomedia and Beomaster should change the game a bit, since its a closed box.

That said, I am very much nervous about the speed Apple has for releasing Itunes updates and the integration to the Beomaster. If it just reads the ID tag from the file there may not be an issue butif the integrated tighter with the itunes library this could very well backfire. 

Hi, I havent read all the replies so this may be old information :

- The Beosound 5 will cost 37.000 DKK
- You can find a blurry image of the BS5 on the webb

Regards

Hans

Anyone seen the photos that are floating online for the BeoSound 5 yet...

If not just jump over to http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/13/bang-and-olufsens-beosound-5-controller-in-the-wild/

My hope is that the Beosound 5 will be user-friendly (cast your minds over the DVD2 and the Beo5 problems people are having or have had).

To introduce such a product as the BS5 to B&O's core audience, as Trip has pointed out, it needs to be something that the average person can operate and navigate with ease. It also needs to be a product that adds some sort of value to existing customer's current setups. There needs to be a perceived added value to encourage existing customers to part with $8500 to update their current setups, otherwise it will only continue to encourage existing customers to seek alternative setups (eg mini macs, ipods, etc.) and eventually replace what they have with other company's offerings. Most B&O users favourite B&O feature is the ability to use one remote. This is now available through other means (eg Logitech), so I think this needs to be remembered by B&O. Not just the point about one remote being available elsewhere, but ALL features B&O offer being available elsewhere (except maybe design to a point).

The advent of the internet and the globilization that is decreasing the cost and time to access pretty much anything in the world, will only hurt companies like B&O. If B&O continue to choose to play catch-up with technology and customer ideals, they will see their markets shrink. The older customer that B&O targets now will die or decrease tech spending over the next few decades, and the people they choose to ignore now will age without knowing the B&O brand. This could be very dangerous when the old money disappears. Maybe it's not wise to ignore the tech minded people that rant about upcoming products, they are more likely to be the ones that will point out flaws that most people wouldn't bother to raise (and instead vote with their feet).

For what it's worth, I'm looking forward to seeing the BS5, but don't really feel confident that it will be for me. I'd be happy with an ipod dock connection that works with my Beo4 and integrates with my current setup.

That's my few cents worth..... 😕