Bang & Olufsen has unveiled a new wireless speaker with a modular design that can maintain its specs for years; the Beosound Level features interchangeable covers, a user-replaceable battery module, and, most interestingly, a "streaming module" that allows the speaker's It includes a "streaming module" that can be updated when the speaker's wireless capabilities become outdated.

The module includes an antenna array, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, and other technologies essential for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality, and is designed to meet current connectivity standards. As better wireless technology or more powerful DSP chips are developed, the Beosound Level can be returned to Bang & Olufsen for replacement with an upgraded module.

The company has stated that it will add this streaming module to other products to be released in the future, which may result in upgradeable speakers. At the moment, the Beosound Level offers streaming via Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast, with an optional Google Assistant to make it even smarter.

The design is also flexible, standing upright, flat, or wall-mounted, and is available in two finishes: light oak wood cover or dark gray fabric cover. Both sit on a pearl-blasted aluminum chassis, and neither is cheap: the fabric model costs $1,499, while the oak wood version is $1,799.

They also require replacement streaming modules and replacement batteries. On that note, the Beoplay Level has a 16-hour charging interval, and the charger design is quite neat. At the end of the power cable, as opposed to a small dedicated jack, is a magnetic disk that can be easily affixed to the speaker's rear panel.

If you can afford it and don't like any of the Bluetooth speakers, you can purchase the Beosound Level directly from Bang & Olufsen. It's hard to say if and when it's worth investing in a new streaming module.

More generally, modular technology products do not have a very good track record with respect to long-term support. Motorola's Moto Mods project for cell phones has almost fallen by the wayside, as has Acer's Revo Build PC. Still, it is encouraging that at least Bang & Olufsen has made the Beosound Level repairable with a removable cover and user-replaceable battery. Even if you don't upgrade the wireless capabilities, this alone might be worth a try.