On a neon-drenched evening in Hollywood, CA, a sound revolution was set into motion, one with that boom boom pow. The event? A private, invite-only launch that unveiled the collaboration between LG Electronics and tech futurist and global music innovator will.i.am. The result? LG xboom by will.i.am, a line of AI-powered Bluetooth speakers featuring the interactive, culture-rich audio service FYI.RAiDiO.
This wasn’t your average product drop. It was an immersion into the future of sound. Hosted at the FYI Campus and flanked by holographic visuals, futuristic fashion, and a pulsating soundscape curated by DJ Hed and DJ Meka Lolita, the night gave media insiders, creators, and cultural tastemakers a front-row seat to a new chapter in audio innovation.
Beyond Speakers: A New Audio Frontier
At the core of the launch is the integration of FYI.RAiDiO—will.i.am’s AI-driven broadcast platform—into the LG xboom line. The partnership blends advanced audio engineering with culturally intelligent AI to deliver an experience that is “not just another streaming service.” Instead, FYI.RAiDiO transforms traditional listening into a two-way interaction through voice-activated AI DJs that “talk back.”
Let that sink in. These aren’t pre-programmed playlists. These are intelligent audio personas that respond to your curiosities—about the music playing, local events, artist insights, or even lifestyle advice. And they do so in a tone and cadence that reflect distinct global cultures. From East London’s underground to the Latin pulses of Miami.
It’s the first time conversational AI has been embedded this deeply into portable audio hardware, and will.i.am made it clear onstage that this is only the beginning: “Sound should inspire dialogue, not just fill silence. FYI.RAiDiO makes the speaker a companion that listens, learns, and vibes with you.”
LG xboom Bounce and Grab: Portable, Powerful, and AI-Ready
The FYI.RAiDiO platform is now live in two of the hero products: the xboom Bounce and the xboom Grab. Each is equipped with a dedicated “MY Button” that enables real-time voice interaction with the user’s selected AI DJ persona, making it a pocket-sized powerhouse of personality and performance.
The Bounce model is the bigger sibling. Rugged yet refined. At $199.99, it features up-bouncing passive radiators, dual dome tweeters, and an IP67 waterproof/dustproof rating. Designed for sonic adventurers, it offers up to 30 hours of battery life. Whether you’re deep in a forest rave or lounging poolside, Bounce keeps the rhythm going.
Meanwhile, the Grab, priced at $149.99, is its sleeker, more agile cousin. Also IP67-rated, the Grab’s slim design, dual passive radiators, and travel-friendly strap make it ideal for on-the-go creators and music lovers. With 20 hours of playtime, it balances portability with performance.
Both models are seamlessly connected via the FYI app, available on iOS and Android, allowing users to personalize their AI DJ experience.
Signature Sound Meets Smart Listening
This collection isn’t just a triumph of design, it’s a reflection of a cultural shift. The full LG xboom by will.i.am lineup, which also includes the Stage 301 for live performers and Buds for personal listening, is a portfolio built for the multifaceted lives of modern creatives.
- Stage 301 ($299.99): With a 6.5-inch woofer, dual midrange drivers, and 12-hour replaceable battery, this model is a stage-ready titan made for karaoke, busking, or impromptu park concerts.
- Buds ($109.99): These ergonomic wireless earbuds boast graphene drivers, enhanced bass, and active noise canceling—all designed to give you studio-level immersion on the move.
Yet what sets the entire collection apart is how AI seamlessly adjusts the EQ in real time based on content, emphasizing vocals, melody, or rhythm dynamically. The speaker doesn’t just play music; it curates your moment.
A Soundtrack to Your Story
The launch evening underscored a vision that extends beyond music. It’s about storytelling, culture, and the democratization of audio experiences. FYI.RAiDiO currently hosts 16 stations curated by unique AI personas, covering topics from pop culture and sports to financial literacy and tech, with content partners like UPROXX, HipHopDX, and Earn Your Leisure. And according to insiders at FYI, more culturally rich stations are set to debut in 2026.
will.i.am tested these features live at the event, speaking to AI DJs on stage, asking about current events and having the AI deliver the news in the persona requested. It felt like stepping into a cyber-futuristic club, alive with interaction and insight.
Turn Up the Volume on the Future
The LG xboom by will.i.am project is a cultural artifact that challenges the passive nature of technology. It’s music hardware reimagined as a living, thinking entity, imbued with voice, perspective, and context.
This initiative also highlights the duality of will.i.am as both a sonic innovator and a tech visionary. While most artists license their name to a product, he builds platforms from the ground up.
As Founder & CEO of FYI, he has consistently pushed the limits of how creators engage with content, and the LG xboom collaboration brings that ethos directly into the hands (and ears) of listeners.
In the artist-entrepreneur’s own words: “We’re not just making smart speakers. We’re making speakers that are smart for you.” His use of language mirrors the product itself. Adaptable, thoughtful, and purpose-driven.
And with retail availability now live at LG.com and authorized retailers nationwide, the masses can finally bring that philosophy home.
The Culture Sounds Different Now
The LG xboom by will.i.am launch proves that audio tech has entered its conversational era. By embedding FYI.RAiDiO’s AI-powered personalities into every beat, these devices go beyond function and into the realm of cultural experience.
For the millennial generation, those who’ve grown up with playlists but crave context, who seek not just utility but personality, this speaker collection feels tailor-made.
xboom is no longer just about how loud you can go. It’s about how deep you can connect.
FAQ
What is LG xboom by will.i.am?
A collaborative Bluetooth speaker collection from LG and will.i.am, featuring FYI.RAiDiO—a real-time, AI-powered DJ platform built into the speaker line.
What is FYI.RAiDiO?
It’s an interactive audio service created by will.i.am that uses AI DJ personas to provide music, lifestyle tips, artist insights, and cultural commentary via the FYI app.
Which xboom models include FYI.RAiDiO?
The Bounce and Grab models currently feature built-in FYI.RAiDiO access, with a dedicated “MY Button” for voice interaction.
Where can I buy the LG xboom by will.i.am?
Available now at LG.com and LG-authorized retailers across the U.S.
How much do the xboom models cost?
- Bounce: $199.99
- Grab: $149.99
- Stage 301: $299.99
- Buds: $109.99
Is the FYI app free?
Yes. The FYI app, which powers FYI.RAiDiO, is free to download on both iOS and Android devices.
Can I choose my AI DJ?
Absolutely. FYI.RAiDiO lets users select from a growing library of AI persona hosts with diverse cultural voices and commentary styles.
