Will.i.am Joins LG to Launch AI-Enabled Audio Line at CES

LG highlighted its plans to bring AI capabilities to all of its devices on Monday at CES. This included products used in the home, car and office; for audio, it launched a new brand developed and designed with will.i.am, who made a guest appearance.

Will.i.am highlighted LG’s CES press conference to introduce the new line of audio products, including Bluetooth speakers and wireless earbuds, under the brand “xboom by will.i.am.” LG recently appointed the multi-platinum musician, tech entrepreneur and Black Eyed Peas frontman as the “experiential architect” of the LG xboom brand, with a goal of establishing it as a “culture-forward” brand through sound and design.

“Xboom by will.i.am” audio products are professionally tuned by will.i.am for a “more balanced audio profile with warmer tones.” LG reported that the line includes a family of smart Bluetooth speakers that conduct AI analysis on the content being played to automatically adjust sound to accentuate the melody, rhythm or voice. An AI-enabled lighting feature was developed so that the speakers’ bar lights pulse in multicolored sync for added ambiance. And LG reported that an AI calibration capability was created to allow the speakers to recognize their surroundings to fill indoor or outdoor spaces with ample sound.

Additionally, all “xboom by will.i.am” products will be integrated with will.i.am’s RAiDiO.FYI, an AI-driven interactive radio platform.

“It’s about reimagining what a speaker is supposed to be,” will.i.am said of the new xboom series during the CES press conference. “It’s about finding your inspiration and focusing your ideas. It’s about dimensionalizing your relationship with entertainment and information. With RAiDiO.FYI, we are ushering in intelligent media. We are moving from passive listening to active engagement because we put the AI in radio.”

Will.i.am is slated to participate in a keynote conversation at the Variety Entertainment Summit on Jan. 8 at CES. In February, Black Eyed Peas launches its “3008” Las Vegas Residency at Planet Hollywood.