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Issue 59 - The Life Outside Issue

Issue 59

The Life Outside Issue

Introducing the Life Outside issue of Habitus magazine. With life increasingly being absorbed into a digital space, there is never a more important moment to hold something tangible. In this context, the power of nature to have a physiological impact on our sense of wellbeing has never been more important. So how can we cultivate the benefits of the our natural environment in the most intimate of places – our homes? This was the question that helped to bring this issue of Habitus to life.

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Is this the Future of Headphones?
DecorHolly Cunneen

Is this the Future of Headphones?

While some companies have us in a constant state of catch up Bang&Olufsen stand adamant that they’re researching, developing and releasing technology in response to our changing lives – not the other way around.


On the tips of everybody’s lips at the moment is wireless technology: it started with the internet, then came smart phones. Streaming TV was soon to follow and now we’re looking at white goods that speak and interact with each other throughout the home. As the years between innovations dissipate into months some are beginning to wonder; just because it’s new, is it better? Just because we can do it, should we? There’s one example that’s sparked a pretty heated debate of late and following quite an influential move by apple, got people talking. I’m referring to, of course, wireless headphones.

Here are where my concerns lie; sound quality – that’s an obvious one – earphones that rely on battery and, as silly as it may sound, losing track of something small that’s not plugged into something bigger.

Having been sent a pair of the B&OPLAY H5 wireless headphones to roadtest I thought I’d share my experience.

B&OPLAY H5 Wireless Headphones | Habitus Living

Essentially we’re comparing the reproduction of sound to the transferring of sound. Straight up there was no issue with sound quality and the noise cancelling was like none other that I’ve experienced. Getting used to the wireless aspect wasn’t hard either, it was definitely easier not having to worry about where on my person – or in my seemingly bottomless bag – I put my phone. And tangled cords? Bye Felicia.

Different sized ear tips give a tailored fit but make sure you try them all – a size too big fell out of my ears just as easily as a size too small did. Silicone ear tips are for the day-to-day while the Comply Sport ear tips are designed with a membrane to prevent moisture interfering with the electronics, making them ideal for gym use.

That brings us to the battery life – the part we all love to complain about. A full charge, that’s five hours, lasts me about three days conservatively or one day on deadline. The charging dock is pretty discreet so while it might not be ideal to carry around it’s not too intrusive either.

Ear buds that don’t fall out, tangled cords that don’t exist and some serious noise cancelling to drown out the ordeal of a daily commute? From day one I was on board.

B&O PLAY
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Words Holly Cunneen

B&OPLAY H5 Wireless Headphones | Habitus Living
B&OPLAY H5 Wireless Headphones | Habitus Living

About the Author

Holly Cunneen

Holly Cunneen was the editor of Habitus and has spent her time in the media writing about architecture, design and our local industry. With a firm view that “design has a shared responsibility to the individual as much as it does the wider community,” her personal and professional trajectory sees her chart the interests, accomplishments, and emerging patterns of behaviour within the architecture and design community.

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Bang & OlufsenfutureheadphonesHolly Cunneentechnologywireless


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Issue 59 - The Life Outside Issue

Issue 59

The Life Outside Issue

Introducing the Life Outside issue of Habitus magazine. With life increasingly being absorbed into a digital space, there is never a more important moment to hold something tangible. In this context, the power of nature to have a physiological impact on our sense of wellbeing has never been more important. So how can we cultivate the benefits of the our natural environment in the most intimate of places – our homes? This was the question that helped to bring this issue of Habitus to life.

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