Sennheiser and Continental develop speakerless Ambeo in-car audio system

(Image credit: Continental/Sennheiser)

Sennheiser and Continental have combined to create an innovative take on in-car audio with a speakerless, 3D sound system.

The Ambeo-branded Ac2ated Sound technology vibrates surfaces inside the vehicle to produce sound instead of using traditional cone driver speakers. It uses special actuators to excite specific services, such as the A-pillar trim, door trim, roof lining and rear shelf so they emit sound at different frequencies.

CEO of Sennheiser, Dr Andreas Sennheiser, said: "By integrating AMBEO Mobility with Continental's Ac2ated Sound system, the in-car sound experience becomes completely immersive and natural, opening new audio perspectives and realities."

According to Dr Sennheiser, the sound system is ready but won't be available for another two years. The audio is currently calibrated around entertainment sound but the company is looking into other possibilities.

We're hoping to go hands-on with this concept at the show, so we'll report back with our first impressions.

Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.