Bang & Olufsen (B&O), a luxury audio brand, has announced a new partnership with BREATHE Battery Technologies. This collaboration aims to combat the “disposable tech” model by integrating BREATHE’s software into future B&O products. The company is deepening its commitment to creating durable, long-lasting products, making longevity and circularity central to its design philosophy.
Tackling a Critical Limitation in Modern Electronics
Battery lifespan remains a key constraint in modern electronics. This partnership tackles the issue directly. It treats batteries as a core, long-lasting component, not a consumable. By rethinking battery health from the inside out, the collaboration delivers a new kind of user experience. This includes an extended lifespan for more years of seamless performance. Ultimately, it also reduces environmental impact by creating less waste and requiring fewer replacements.
Mads Kogsgaard Hansen, Director of Product Circularity & Portfolio Planning at Bang & Olufsen, explained the company’s vision. “At Bang & Olufsen, we believe true luxury is measured in longevity,” he stated. “This partnership with BREATHE enables us to take a decisive step forward in designing battery-powered products that not only sound and look extraordinary, but also endure. We are tackling one of the greatest limitations in modern electronics—battery lifespan—and transforming it into a strength.“
A Software-First Approach to Battery Innovation
At the core of this partnership is the concept of a “software-defined battery.” BREATHE’s software suite—BREATHE Design, BREATHE Model, and BREATHE Charge—will be embedded into B&O’s product development. This approach allows Bang & Olufsen to achieve longer-lasting performance and greater design freedom. Furthermore, it enables beautiful aesthetics without requiring users to change their behavior.
Dr. Ian Campbell, CEO of BREATHE Battery Technologies, emphasized the potential of this technology. “At BREATHE, we’ve always believed batteries should empower design, not limit it,” he said. “Partnering with Bang & Olufsen gives us the chance to show how software can unlock new possibilities for performance and longevity. We’re proud to support their vision, and confident this partnership will help set a new standard for what battery-powered luxury can mean for the future.”
BREATHE’s software is already proven in demanding sectors like smartphones and electric vehicles. Consequently, it will help B&O define a new standard for luxury audio products. The partnership is united by a shared belief in engineering excellence and long-term product integrity. Both companies focus on longevity, repairability, and product preservation.
This collaboration lays the groundwork for a future where product longevity and timeless performance are not just aspirations but defining characteristics. Customers can expect a more robust experience, with enhanced battery lifespan, intelligent adaptive charging, and increased repair and replacement options.
