will.i.am Teams Up with LG for Next-Gen Speakers
At CES 2026, LG unveiled its latest xboom speakers, developed in collaboration with music and tech icon will.i.am. Last year’s xboom Stage 301 and xboom Grab earned rave reviews, setting high expectations for this new lineup. This year, LG promises improved sound profiles, carefully tuned with will.i.am’s direct input. The goal? Speakers that deliver studio-quality audio for every listener, whether at home or on the go.
How will.i.am Shapes Sound Design
I spoke with will.i.am at CES to understand his role in the tuning process. He explained that his involvement goes beyond branding; he actively shapes the sound signatures, ensuring clarity, depth, and balance across genres. “When the machine’s doing it on its own, talk to me,” he said, highlighting his belief that human touch still matters in audio design. His hands-on approach brings a mix of musical intuition and technical expertise to each speaker.
Technology Meets Creativity
will.i.am has long merged music with technology. Beyond his influence on Beats and ventures like Buttons, he recently launched RAiDiO.FYI, an AI-powered personalized radio service. For him, speakers are not just gadgets—they’re a canvas to explore how technology can enhance the listening experience. LG’s new xboom models reflect this philosophy, offering features that adapt to users’ preferences and environments.
Why TikTok Is the Real Challenge
While AI-generated music is advancing, will.i.am points to TikTok as a bigger disruptor in the music industry. Its rapid virality can make or break songs overnight, often overshadowing traditional release methods. He believes AI tools will enhance creativity, but platforms like TikTok reshape trends faster than technology alone can dictate. This perspective puts LG’s new xboom range in a unique position, blending high-quality sound with cultural relevance.
Testing Speakers with the Perfect Track
Every audio enthusiast knows the importance of testing speakers with the right song. will.i.am shared tips on how he fine-tunes tracks for demos, using spectrum analysis and careful calibration to highlight bass, mids, and treble. The result is a listening experience that feels both rich and precise, designed to impress even the most discerning audiophiles. LG’s new xboom speakers aim to make this level of sound accessible to everyone.
A Glimpse into the Future of Audio
LG’s collaboration with will.i.am showcases how music and technology can converge to redefine consumer audio. From AI-assisted features to human-curated sound profiles, these speakers reflect a growing trend of personalization and interactivity in home audio. For fans of cutting-edge tech and immersive sound, the new xboom lineup promises an experience worth exploring.
Comment