The Zuma Lumisonic are speakers and LED lights in one unit that can fit into existing downlighter ... [+] spaces to create a waterfall of sound.

A new British start-up has developed an ingenious collection of connected loudspeakers that fit in the ceiling downlighters of a living room or kitchen and provide fully controllable light and sound.

The Zuma Lumisonic has been designed by some of the world’s best acoustic engineers and is an ultra-compact, high-performance loudspeaker wrapped around a low energy LED lightbulb that fits into the downlighter light sockets that many of us have in our ceilings. 

Despite being virtually invisible, wireless and clutter free, the Zuma Lumisonic can be arranged as multiple units around a ceiling to create a speaker “array” that projects a unique and atmospheric sound that rains down on the listener’s ears creating an effect that’s a little like being in a stadium or arena.

The cutting-edge product has been developed over three years by an expert team, led by one of the world’s leading industrial designers, Morten Warren, and renowned acoustic engineer, Laurence Dickie. The international team has delivered industry defining innovations across audio, video, lighting and smart devices.

Packed into each Zuma Lumisonic is a high-performance wireless speaker and an LED light. Both light ... [+] and sound can be controlled using a smartphone app.

Built into the accompanying Zuma smartphone app are a series of “wellbeing” features that enable users to play atmospheric soundscapes that can be combined with sympathetic lighting tones. 

This changeability enables users to transform the atmosphere of a bathroom into something more akin to a spa. It’s even possible to connect a Peloton exercise bike via Bluetooth to create the atmosphere of a spin class studio. Alternativley, the relaxation app can be set to play a favourite story from Audible or the sound of rain as the user sleeps under a canopy of Zuma speakers.

With the Zuma, users can select both music and the lighting to suit a range of moods – either using voice (Alexa will be available at launch) or via the Zuma app. There are no hubs, complex control systems, cables or set up required. It sounds like the easiest way to install ceiling speakers and custom LED lighting without having to employ expensive consultants.

With multiple Zuma lights installed in a ceiling, users can surround themselves with colorful light that can be set to match the mood. The virtually invisible array of loudspeakers above is designed to create an immersive audio experience with sound raining down on the listener.

Even the most ornate ceilings can be fitted with Zuma Lumisonic downlighters and speakers.

Because the sound projects vertically from the ceiling, the soundwaves are less likely to bounce off furniture or people, leaving the brain to absorb the sound and process it in a more relaxed state. The designers claim that the result is a far more enjoyable atmospheric experience.  

Zuma has incorporated technology that will, later this year, enable users to expand the capabilities of the devices to include motion sensors, smoke alarms and security systems.

Morten Warren, the founder and CEO of Zuma said: “This is a game changer in the way that we listen to music, watch films or simply relax. The way we have listened to music in our home hasn’t changed in decades, until now.

“There are many smart products on the market today that do one thing – be that audio, or lighting or security - they don’t integrate with each other easily, if at all. Our vision is that through consolidating these core applications into a single integrated platform people can easily transform their living spaces in imaginative ways.

“Zuma doesn’t just provide a totally new way to experience incredibly immersive high-performance lighting and superior audio, it discreetly becomes part of your home. Users can connect iPhone, iPad, or TV and enjoy a thrilling, edge of their seat, room-filling soundtrack to any movie, with no sound bar required, from anywhere in the room.”

Both light effects and sound can be controlled via a smartphone app to create the perfect mood.

Drawing on its industrial design pedigree, the Zuma team developed a patented spring blade mechanism which enables quick and easy installation and removal of the Zuma units. In this way, Zuma seamlessly becomes part of the fabric of a room and can be enhanced with sensors to support additional services and applications across security, presence detection, environmental monitoring and other wellbeing applications. 

Because Zuma units are so easy to fit, the company feels they will provide a compelling experience for consumers, property developers, custom installers, architects and interior designers who can now access an elegant and cost-effective solution to integrating smart home technologies into their projects, reducing the number of different fixtures populating a ceiling and providing a much cleaner, minimal aesthetic.

A selection of round and square bezels with different and flush mounting options will be available at the launch of Zuma Lumisonic.

Pricing and Availability: Zuma’s Lumisonic (speaker light) is priced at £375 RRP per unit (excl. VAT). A companion Luminare (light only) product will be available in the summer priced at £125 RRP per unit (excl. VAT)

More info: www.zuma.ai