by We are now accustomed to the idea of wireless audio thanks to technology like Bluetooth, but the new concept hi-fi system aims to take the idea of wireless speakers to a whole new level.
ElectroglaZ is a speaker unit centered around a glass plate. While transparent hi-fi is nothing new – check out Sony’s LSPX-S3 – this transparent unit has one more trick.
It uses a unique, new, electrically conductive glass that effectively functions like wires to different parts. The power is passed through the baffle, allowing components to appear to ‘float’ within the transparent panel with no other wires between them.
The electricity travels around the ElectroglaZ via a covert connection and a conductive glass lamination, eventually reaching the speakers and the system’s touchscreen LCD.
Using a proprietary Project Capacitive (PCap) Technology, another layer of glass is laminated to the front to create a touchscreen interface with play buttons.
The transparent audio system is a collaboration between touchscreen specialists Zytronic and UK-based glassmaker Pilkington, and will be unveiled to the public at the ISE 2023 AV show in Barcelona next month.
According to Zytronic, only low voltages can be transmitted through the glass, but this still appears to be sufficient to power the system’s display, Bluetooth speakers, and playback control interface.
Analysis: Concept sound system lets us mirror what’s possible
While ElectroglaZ doesn’t look like the prettiest hi-fi systems we’ve seen, we’re definitely excited about its breakthrough technology and the future it points to.
Zytronic says it has incorporated the transparent power delivery system into a number of other concept devices, including a glass stand and video camera that can squeeze mobile phones and tablets via internal induction charging, and a transparent ‘meeting’ boardroom panel with an LCD screen. powered by glass.
It’s clear that there are many previously unattainable aesthetic benefits from technology – we discard the idea of an all-glass soundbar as the centerpiece of the living room – but there are also important practical benefits that can come from this breakthrough.
Zytronic and Pilkington’s technology could make a big difference to smart glasses and VR glasses, potentially allowing for easier and more discreet operation of HUD-style displays.
