Marshall’s latest Willen wireless speaker is a palm-sized powerhouse of sound

The company’s smallest speaker yet, the Marshall Willen still promises to pack a punch with a 2-inch driver, two passive radiators, and IP67 water and dust resistance. Armed with the signature amplifier-inspired faux-leather finish, this palm-sized speaker goes wherever you go, and can even be strapped to yourself, your bag, or random poles to create a unique hands-free soundscape.

Just about as small as a slice of regular bread (that’s the best size comparison I could come up with), the Marshall Willen is the company’s tiniest portable speaker ever made. However, the UK-based audio tech giant doesn’t want the Willen’s size to be its main talking point. Instead, the company is focusing on what the Willen can do, in spite of its tiny footprint.

Designer: Marshall

Click Here to Buy Now

Like all of Marshall’s portable speakers, the Willen is focused on letting you carry your music wherever you go. However, measuring just 4-inches tall and 3.96 inches wide, the Willen is just the ideal type of compact, and can slip right into bags, backpacks, and even jacket pockets.

With its iconic guitar-amp-inspired design, the Willen lets you carry your love for audio around with you. It weighs a mere 0.68 lb (310 grams) and comes with a rubber strap that lets you secure it pretty much anywhere. On the inside, the Willen houses a 2-inch driver powered by a 10W amp, and two passive radiators that help deliver the punch of a much larger speaker. There’s no WiFi connectivity or voice-command compatibility on this one, but given its size and price, that would really feel like asking for too much.

The Willen comes in two colors – a classic black and a hipster cream, with a single brass multifunctional knob on the top right that lets you control volume and playback as well as accept/reject calls. A built-in rechargeable battery gives the Willen more than 15 hours of playback, while IP67 water and dust resistance mean the Willen isn’t afraid of being near a pool, on the beach, or in light rain.

The Marshall Willen comes with Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity and even boasts of an Android/iOS app to help fine-tune your audio to perfection. In fact, one of its more impressive features is its ability to pair with other Willen speakers in what Marshall calls a ‘Stack Mode’. This effectively allows you to build your own soundstage, giving you power in numbers, and letting you turn the small 4-inch mono wireless speaker into something much more immersive and enjoyable…

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Galaxy Air earpiece concept uses hand gestures to interact with your phone

Remember the early days of Bluetooth earpieces that looked like a piece of hard candy coming out of just one ear? Although we have long grown away from those designs toward more discreet TWS earbuds, it seems the design pendulum is swinging back to that position. Of course, the “stem” design of the likes of the AirPods isn’t that obnoxious, but it did tell designers that it was OK to go beyond conventions again. This design concept definitely breaks free from today’s common design trends and embraces some highlights of the past, all for the sake of delivering a new experience in controlling your smartphone without taking it out of your pocket or even touching any device at all.

Designer: Yash Saboo

There are a few ways that allow you to use your smartphone without touching it, at least for some of the most basic functions. You can command Apple Siri or Google Assistant by voice, or you can tap and swipe on your smartwatch for some functionality that’s available on your wearable. Voice control isn’t always feasible in all situations, though, and not everyone has a smartwatch. A lot of people have Bluetooth earbuds, and those at least let you control music and calls. The range of controls available here, however, is severely limited because you can only map a few taps or even fewer swipes to certain actions.

This Bluetooth earpiece concept blasts the door wide open by expanding the number of actions you can make. Instead of relying on limited taps and swipes, you’ll be able to use hand gestures made in front of your face or ear to control the smartphone in your pocket or on your table. A two-finger wave, for example, can accept or end calls, while twitching your index finger can make an emergency call. Of course, you can still use taps and swipes on the earpiece itself for media playback, freeing hand gestures for other actions like reading notifications or your schedule.

To make gesture recognition possible, you will definitely need more hardware than can fit in tiny earbuds. That’s why this design goes a bit back in time to reuse some designs from previous years. The over-the-ear design, for example, has mostly disappeared by now, but it’s utilized here to offer a secure fit for a bone conduction headset. Yes, this doesn’t go inside your ear but allows you to be completely aware of your surrounding even while wearing it. Unfortunately, that technology hasn’t exactly retained its popularity, but it’s still a better option in this context.

The most important part of the earpiece, however, is all the electronics that are crammed in a case that will hang behind your ear. It’s similar, in a way, to how some hearing aids try to hide those same parts, but this time there’s really no attempt to mask its presence. After all, it needs to be able to see what’s in front of your ear so that it can detect hand gestures.

It’s admittedly an unorthodox design that may or may not be uncomfortable to wear over long periods of time. The fact that it also works only on one ear makes it less useful for enjoying music or watching videos with stereo sound. It’s still an interesting take on how we can expand the ways to control our phones with hand gestures without having to wear smart glasses that open an entirely different can of worms.

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This smart luggage concept uses technology to make check-in and boarding less stressful

We have already surrendered most of our data to our phones, and it’s time to make good use of that data even without the phone.

When people lose their phones, their feelings of loss and grief are often focused more on the data they lost along with the possession. Not everything can be synced with Google or Apple accounts, and not everyone has the luxury of large cloud backups. These incidents demonstrate how much of our information is stored in our mobile devices and how we’ve become so dependent on them at every turn. We can’t always whip out our phones from our pockets or bags, though, and there might be times when having them always in our hands can be a safety hazard. Sometimes, we need immediate access to information like boarding gates and times, and this design concept argues that a luggage handle is a better tool for that than your smartphone.

Designer: Carlos Bajo

Anyone who has ever traveled long distances would have experienced the problem of not having boarding information handy when and where they need it. Some juggle with paper passes, while others have “upgraded” to storing everything on their smartphones. In both cases, however, people have to use their last remaining free hand because their other hand is already holding their luggage. Even with a smartphone, this situation sounds “old-school” and less than ideal, especially when we have all the technology we need to make it painless.

Oogo is described as a smart hand luggage concept, but in reality, it is the handle alone that really has the brains. It houses a bunch of electronics such as Bluetooth, RFID, and a screen that makes the transfer and display of data effortless. The idea is that you no longer need to even pull out your phone to pass through checkpoints or remind yourself of your boarding details. All you need is to press that button on Oogo’s handle.

The smartphone still plays an important role here, of course. During your travel prep, you input all the usual documents and information you’ll need at the airport or terminal into your smartphone and then share them with Oogo. When it comes time to check-in or board, you can simply tap Oogo’s handle on a designated receptor to share encrypted data like your passport information and even your COVID-19 pass. The fingerprint scanner on the button lets you authenticate your identity, removing the need for an ID check.

Of course, this would only work if there were systems in place for verifying this data, but we might not be that far off considering how everything is connected these days almost to a frightening degree. With many bags already sporting trackers these days, a smart luggage handle could be the next thing. Best of all, Oogo is designed to blend seamlessly with other travel luggage, looking beautiful with its minimalist yet distinctive design. It proves that “hi-tech” doesn’t need to be showy or “in your face” to work its magic, and, in fact, the best magic tricks are the ones that keep their secrets hidden in plain sight.

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Lodge wireless landscape speakers deliver concert-like sound, live outdoors with ease and are powered by the sun

Many outdoor speakers today come in a portable form, which can be beneficial when you find yourself on the go. The downside with many of these speakers is that their smaller size results in small-ish sound and you constantly worry that the charge will run out at the most inconvenient moment or just when the action is starting to heat up. Whether it’s for a backyard party, a relaxing picnic, or outdoor activities like boating and camping, what you need is an awesome sounding, weather-proof, always-powered speaker for your music. And that’s exactly what you get with the Lodge wireless landscape speaker.

Designer: Tristan Cannan

Click Here to Buy Now: Two for $420 $600 (30% off). Hurry, exclusive deal for YD readers only!

It’s probably fair to say that many portable speakers are designed to withstand the elements like moisture and dust. Sure, they are meant to be used outdoors, but they don’t last outdoors very long because their charge runs out and often when you least expect it, like in the middle of the party or your favorite song. With Lodge speakers, you never have to worry about such interruptions, because they are being continuously charged by the sun and can deliver 15 hours of your favorite music on a single charge.

Effortless Setup – Simply select any spot, insert the stakes, and mount your speakers in seconds.

Powered by the Sun – Covered in 180 square inches of high-performing, shatterproof solar panels to ensure your sound system is always charged.

As you might have guessed, this remarkable feat is made possible by solar charging panels, about 180 square inches in total, covering the speaker’s top, back, and sides. That means that no matter where you set it up or which direction it’s facing, a Lodge speaker will always be able to soak up some rays to keep its battery topped up all the time. And in case you’re worried about those panels, they’re designed to be shatterproof and chip-proof to survive anything the outdoors throws at them.

Everything Proof – Designed to truly weather any storm, whether it’s splashes, rain, dust, sand, or dirt.

In fact, you could almost say that the Lodge speaker is “Everything Proof.” With a formal dust and water resistance grade of IP66, it can stand in the rain, hold steady at a passing lawnmower, and brave sand and dust, practically almost anything that nature and man can throw at it. And since there’s no need for traditional charging, there are also no wires to make you worry about safety. And when you are ready to move the party somewhere else, you can take the Lodge speaker with you wherever you go, just pick it up from its magnetic stand and bring your music with you, even indoors.

Bluetooth Connectivity – Play your favorite tunes with your favorite apps without worrying about latency or dropped connections.

Besides handling all kinds of weather conditions without a hitch, the true calling for the Lodge speaker is the premium quality sound you will hear coming out of it. And hear it, you will, thanks to its 4-inch passive subwoofer for punchy bass, a 3/4-inch turned dome tweeter for clear and crisp highs, and a 50-watt amplifier to deliver big, spacious sound. You get all of that from just one speaker! Of course, if one Lodge speaker isn’t enough, you can also chain together multiple speakers to create an immersive soundscape. With Bluetooth 5.3, you can easily stream your favorite tunes from as far as 100+ feet away without missing a beat.

Rugged, reliable, and yet also good-looking, the Lodge wireless landscape speaker offers a worry-free listening experience outdoors, whether you’re just staying in your own backyard or living an adventurer’s life just for the weekend. Many wireless speakers are designed to be usable outdoors, but the Lodge speaker was born to be outdoors. When you consider all that it has to offer, from premium sound, to its rugged design, to continuous, worry-free charging from the sun, the Lodge speaker delivers tremendous value for its price.

Click Here to Buy Now: Two for $420 $600 (30% off). Hurry, exclusive deal for YD readers only! Raised over $275,000.

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LIVALL Open Ear Headphones are perfect for any sport and can be easily worn with helmets

The Apple AirPods ushered in a new age of wireless audio gear littered by dozens of truly wireless or TWS earbuds, some of which unsurprisingly looks a lot like Apple’s design. It’s hard to ignore the convenience these small pieces of plastic bring, but they are also not a good fit for all kinds of wearers and uses. When safety, stability, and comfort are the most critical concerns, you’ll want something more than just two buds to stick inside your ear. That’s the promise that the LIVALL makes with its Open Ear Headphones, providing an audio experience that still leaves your ears open to the world around you and stays safely on your head or even on your helmet.

Designers: Bryan Zheng & Mingqiang Xu

Click Here to Buy the Sport: $79 $135 ($56 off). Hurry, only limited to 20. Includes free remote controller, portable bag, and 50% off shipping.

Click Here to Buy the Pro: $89 $149 ($60 off). Hurry, only limited to 20. Includes free remote controller, portable bag, and 50% off shipping.

To be clear, the LIVALL doesn’t use bone conduction to deliver its open ear audio experience. That technology became a bit of a fad, partly because of the wonders of its novelty and its ability to let the world’s sounds in, especially the ones that would warn you of incoming danger. Bone conduction headphones, however, are also notorious for the uncomfortable tingling sensation that the vibrations cause, as well as discomfort after wearing them for long periods of time. The LIVALL has none of those, thanks to more intelligent use of technology and physics.

16.2mm Speakers – Has a sensitivity rating of 106, ‡3dB that has received calibrations in layering, space, bass tone and clarity for a more immersive listening experience.

Working together with 16.2mm premium diaphragm speakers, the LIVALL LTS21 utilizes directional acoustics to bring that same open ear experience without having to send vibrations through your skull. At the same time, it makes sure that sound waves really go to your ear alone, preventing them from leaking out, which is one of the problems with other open-ear headphones. At the same time, four mics power an Environmental Noise Cancellation or ENC that does block external noise so you can have crystal clear calls in any environment.

Bluetooth 5.2 – The technology supports connection and reconnection in less than a second.

Environmental Noise Cancellation – Features four high-quality silicon microphones to form a powerful noise re-duction array.

Long Battery Life – Supports up to 12 hours of continuous play and has an 800mAh charging case/power bank with the capacity to fully recharge for up to 60 hours of playtime.

What all these technologies mean is that the LIVALL makes for the perfect companion in outdoor activities. The open ear design not only lets you stay aware of your surroundings, but you also don’t have to worry about bacterial infections and hearing damage that are commonly associated with buds that go into your ear canal. You will still be able to hear your favorite tunes or podcasts with clarity, and you can enjoy hours of use on end, thanks to the headphones’ 12-hour battery life and the charging case’s additional 48 hours.

For multi-scenario.

IP64 protected against dust and water.

If those features still aren’t enough to make the LIVALL LTS21 special, then its detachable design definitely takes the cake. The head bracket is already comfortable and stable enough to sit on your head, but if you need to wear a bike helmet as well, the buds can easily be detached from the head bracket and then attached to helmet brackets. The buds can be easily controlled with just a few taps, but there’s also a LIVALL remote for those times when you need to keep both hands on the bike’s handlebar. It’s the perfect partner for the highly successful LIVALL EVO21 smart helmet that revolutionized bike safety. And being IP64 dust and water-resistant, the headphones can join you on any run or trek, no matter the weather.

Enjoy a hands-free walkie-talkie with your teammates while riding.

With the LIVALL LTS21 open ear headphones, you don’t have to decide between comfort, quality, performance, and versatility, especially when you can have it all at a great value. ts intelligent use of directional acoustics gives rise to a new breed of “Nearbuds” that will make earbuds a thing of the past. You can choose between the regular $85 Sport model, which covers most needs, or the $95 Pro set, which includes brackets for helmets. Yanko Design readers get a special discount treat, so make sure you use the links provided.

Click Here to Buy the Sport: $79 $135 ($56 off). Hurry, only limited to 20. Includes free remote controller, portable bag, and 50% off shipping.

Click Here to Buy the Pro: $89 $149 ($60 off). Hurry, only limited to 20. Includes free remote controller, portable bag, and 50% off shipping.

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Marshall Willen brings an ultra-compact Bluetooth speaker to the party

Probably better known for its guitar amps, Marshall has joined the Bluetooth speaker party in the earlier parts of the decade, bringing its signature design language to homes and on the road. Although it has quite a number of these audio devices under the heading of “portable,” Only the Emberton (both generations) can really lay claim to that title, at least until now. Joining the growing number of ultra-compact wireless speakers in the market, Marshall is announcing the newest member of its family that comes in an even more convenient package that belies not only its durability but also its more sustainable origins.

Designer: Marshall

Marshall’s amps are famous for the crisp and smooth quality they produce, and some of that has rubbed off on its speakers. Not everyone, however, might be in the market for something big and bulky, even for a more portable Emberton II. That’s why the brand is now trying its hand at something even more compact that’s also built to withstand the sometimes rough lifestyle of younger crowds.

This small block crams a 2-inch 10W full-range driver and two passive radiators inside a stylish package that bears Marshall’s signature look of a predominantly black surface overlaid with brass accents, including the brand’s name. There’s also a Cream colorway coming that offers a lighter hue on all sides except the back.

In addition to looking more handsome than a typical Bluetooth speaker, the Willen also has an interesting story to tell about where it comes from. Its rugged body is advertised to be PVC-free, and 60% of the plastics that it does use are made from recycled post-consumer electronics. It’s a smart way to introduce younger people to more sustainable products, proving that they don’t need to compromise on quality and performance for something that is also friendlier to the environment.

That PVC-free body brings an IP67 rating to the Marshall Willen, which simply means it’s going to survive an accidental splash in the pool during your party. The rubber strap on its back makes it easy to carry the speaker around, but it also allows you to fix it on a pole or bar. Given its rather flat edges, the Willen can be propped up on its own or laid flat on any surface, freeing its users from having to worry about where to best place the speaker.

As a Bluetooth speaker, the Willen has a variety of features that can be unlocked with a smartphone. In addition to the typical support for streaming content from a mobile device, it is also possible to take hands-free calls thanks to its built-in mic. And just in time for its launch, Marshall also announced a new Stack Mode that lets owners increase the intensity and range of the Willen by wirelessly connecting it with other Willen speakers. The Black and Brass Willen will arrive on June 2 with a price tag of $120, unsurprising for a speaker from this marque. The Cream variant, however, is still promised to come sometime in Fall.

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Spark Mini Amp Review: A Tiny But Mighty Practice Amp + Bluetooth Speaker

Musicians looking for a practice amp might want to check out Positive Grid’s Spark Mini. It’s a compact guitar amp that doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. Honest to god, this is one of my favorite things ever. It’s loud, light, and portable. I never thought I needed it so badly.


I first thought this little thing might just be a novelty, like a bootleg amp. I was surprised to see and hear it’s a genuine amp. It’s got the knobs and everything. The Spark Mini packs a 10-watt Class-D amplifier, a pair of angled speakers for stereo sound, and a passive radiator for punchy bass. Its case is made from premium materials which offer excellent acoustic properties.

This thing runs on a USB-rechargeable battery so that you can use it anywhere, and it’ll run for up to 8 hours on a charge. In addition to a 1/4″ guitar input, the Spark Mini has a 3.5mm auxiliary input and a 3.5mm headset/line out jack for private jam sessions or recording with its built-in effects applied.

The accompanying mobile app is basically a virtual pedalboard that gives you tons of control over effects. There are a lot of presets, including user-generated ones. It’s incredible and one of my favorite things about the Spark Mini.

As a Bluetooth speaker, it offers good bass and is nice and loud. If you bring this to a party, you’ll be heard. I also like how you can play your Bluetooth songs while playing your instrument, making it very convenient for practice.

One thing that holds the Spark Mini back a little is the tuner. It’s hard to read, and I can’t tell if I tuned my bass correctly. The amp is incredible nonetheless. If I had to rate the Spark Mini on a scale from 1 to 10, it would be a solid 8. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who doesn’t have a pedalboard or for anyone looking for a high-quality Bluetooth speaker.

Due out in May, the first batch of Spark Minis has already sold out, but if you order now, you can still get one in June or July, with the June batch selling for $195 and the July batch for $199. Those are more than 10% off the $229 MSRP and include a free crimson grille you can swap out.

Nothing Ear(1) Review

Although there have been Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and earphones long before it, the Apple AirPods truly started a new chapter for the audio equipment industry. Truly Wireless Stereo or TWS earbuds started becoming more prevalent and, unsurprisingly, started to look a lot like one another. Many laughed at the AirPods’ unorthodox “stem” when they first came out, but it is now one of the most copied earbuds designs in the market. That state of affairs inspired a former smartphone company exec to strike off on his own and build a company on a theme of transparency. It’s against that backdrop that the Nothing Ear(1) was born, and we tried it out to see just how far its clarity goes.

Aesthetics

Nothing co-founder Carl Pei wanted to introduce a niche design trend in the mobile market starting with the Ear(1) buds, and he does hit the target, though only barely. There is already a sub-trend in minimalist design circles that call for transparent frames and chassis that reveal a product’s internals in all its glory, and it’s something that even tech-loving people fall for. Phone skins that fake a transparent back are quite popular among this crowd, and there are even one or two phones that deliver a translucent design for these people.

Unfortunately, the Nothing Ear(1) isn’t really completely transparent. In reality, only the buds’ stems let you see the minute electronics inside, from the microphones to the sensors to even the magnets. The buds themselves, particularly the part that houses the speakers and the battery, is completely opaque to the outside world, shattering any expectations of a fancy view of what makes a wireless earbud tick.

More disappointing perhaps is the Ear(1)’s charging case, which shows off no electronics at all. Yes, the cover and base are transparent to let you see the buds when they’re nested inside, but that’s pretty much it. At least you won’t be caught by surprise when you notice that one bud is missing from its cradle.

The Nothing Ear(1) is definitely aesthetically interesting, but it’s just a few steps away from feeling a tad too gimmicky. In terms of the overall design, Nothing doesn’t really offer anything revolutionary to set it apart from the crowd. Without those transparent stems, there is really nothing to keep it from being mistaken for the Apple AirPods Pros.

Ergonomics

Fortunately, the startup doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the feel of the accessories. As something that most people will put in their ears for hours on end, comfort is one of the most important design considerations, even for tiny TWS buds. In that area, the Ear(1) definitely delivers.

The buds offer a comfortable fit, and the three different silicone tip sizes ensure they won’t accidentally fall off when you’re sweating it out. It’s almost too easy to forget they’re even there, given how light they are at 4.7 grams. Of course, that’s an exaggeration because you will always notice them since you’ll be enjoying your favorite workout tunes or podcasts while wearing them.

The Ear(1) does support that exercise scenario but be careful not to go overboard. An IPX4 rating means it’s minimally water-resistant, at least against some accidental splashes of water. There is absolutely no protection against dust, so forget about bringing it to the beach unless you’re very, very careful.

Sustainability

Nothing wants to reinvigorate and revolutionize the consumer tech market, but it has so far failed to address one of the biggest problems with that industry. Earbuds, in particular, are the epitome of unsustainability and electronic waste, and the Nothing Ear(1) is no different. Despite claims of its durability and longevity, the buds will eventually break. And when that happens, there’s really not much choice but to throw them out.

Despite its unconventional transparent design, the Ear(1) is 100% conventional when it comes to the materials used for its construction. That translates to a lot of plastic, and not even the recyclable kind. Given how earbuds like these are often lost or aren’t exactly long-lasting, the chances of a pair finding its way to landfills will happen quite often.

It wouldn’t be as bad if the buds were easily repairable but, then again, almost no TWS earbuds are. They are extremely difficult to open up, and their soldered parts make it impossible to replace broken components. No wonder, then, that repair expert iFixit gives it its lowest score.

The one silver lining is that co-founder and CEO Carl Pei is well aware of the sustainability concerns hounding consumer electronics and is promising to work towards fixing that as well. He said that the Ear(1) would be carbon neutral in its production by the end of last year, though he stopped short of explaining the steps the company has taken to achieve that. That, however, still leaves the question of the materials used, and that will probably be more difficult to address than carbon emissions during production.

Performance

It’s almost too easy to write off the Nothing Ear(1) as some fancy buds with an artsy gimmick and nothing more. With the price tag it carries, not to mention the age of the company, it’s also too easy to presume you’ll be getting what you pay for. The surprising reality is that it isn’t the case at all.

We could hardly describe the Ear(1)’s audio output as mind-blowing, but it’s definitely unexpected for something in this price range. Mids and highs are clear and discernible and bass is present, though definitely lacking in punch. The companion mobile app offers some equalizer presets to swing towards more bass or more treble, but those won’t really do much to compensate.

The buds are actually feature-packed, which is another surprise given that same price tag. There are touch gesture controls that are somewhat configurable via the mobile app and automatic pause and resume when you remove or put on the buds. The biggest feature, however, is the presence of Active Noise Cancellation, something that you’d only typically see on more expensive pairs. Sadly, ANC performance isn’t exactly impressive, and there’s still a good amount of sound that gets through.

With that many features, it’s almost disappointing to discover that the Ear(1)’s mobile app is almost the exact opposite. Going for simplicity, it doesn’t offer much control over the buds. You can change some of the touch gestures, sure, but you are forever stuck on the EQ presets that Nothing has provided. The buds themselves also lack some high-end features like high-quality aptX codec and Bluetooth multi-point, but some might consider those as luxuries rather than essentials.

Value

The Nothing Ear(1) costs $99 and is easily one of the most affordable TWS earbuds in the market. That alone might already convince some to try a pair, but its value goes beyond the tag. You aren’t getting what you pay for because you are actually getting more.

While ANC isn’t the top of its class, few $99 buds can boast of even having that feature. Audio quality is also decent and should be enough to satisfy the average music lover. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, for sure, but you probably won’t expect that from a $99 pair anyway. Unfortunately, that price tag also makes it feel like the buds are disposable, which doesn’t do well for its impact on the environment.

Verdict

The Nothing Ear(1) is a rather surprising first product for a man whose name has been associated with one of the most successful smartphone startups in recent history. Just like how OnePlus used “Never Settle” as its battle cry, Nothing is making “Transparency” as its prime directive. The design definitely conveys that, but the Ear(1) is, fortunately, more than just a pretty face.

It is far from being the best in class, but Nothing really packed quite a whopper inside a $99 package. The company’s goal of breathing new life into the consumer tech market falls a bit short, though, especially in blazing a trail for sustainable products. The good news is that the company is at least aware of those shortcomings and is steering its ship in the right direction. For a first try, the Ear(1) is definitely nothing to laugh at.

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Small Transparent Speaker Review

PROS:


  • Clean and transparent design

  • Excellent audio quality

  • Extensible with new features

  • Designed with sustainability and recycling in mind

CONS:


  • Replacement parts are not readily available

  • Handling requires wearing gloves to avoid smudges

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Small Transparent Speaker's clean and clear design puts its excellent audio quality front and center, and its focus on sustainability and business transparency makes it timeless in more ways than one.

Let’s face it. Unless you’re an audiophile or a connoisseur, audio often takes a backseat in our lives, even when it comes to entertainment. We only become acutely aware of the critical role that sound plays in life when it’s gone or when we meet face-to-face, or ear-to-ear rather, with cringe-worthy soundscapes. Over the past years, especially with the rise of Bluetooth audio products, there has been a renewed emphasis and interest in the art of sound. For Stockholm-based Transparent, however, delivering high-quality audio isn’t enough anymore, even when it comes in a uniquely designed speaker. Its Small Transparent Speaker, generic as the name may sound (no pun intended), is one of the expressions of the company’s vision of a timeless product, both in terms of design and as well as in use.

Aesthetics

Nothing says Scandinavian design than minimalist looks, clean lines, and no extraneous visual elements. The Transparent Speakers embody that aesthetic perfectly, and the Small model in white almost takes that to perfection. Combining a white-coated aluminum frame and a clear tempered glass enclosure, the Small Transparent Speaker is both designed to almost disappear into the background while ironically putting audio front and center.

Also available in a black finish, the see-through speaker can match almost every home design, at least if you want to really put it on display. While it is primarily designed to be placed on a flat surface, it also comes with wall mounts to let you hoist it up in the air, giving the illusion of a floating soundbox. The beauty of the Small Transparent Speaker’s design and smaller size is that it can figuratively and literally fit anywhere, and it wouldn’t look out of place.

Of course, there are parts of the speaker that are completely opaque, but those, too, are tastefully executed with a Scandinavian touch. Aside from the two large 3-inch drivers, the only other noticeable items on its face is the 3.5mm audio input, the volume knob, an old-school flip switch for power, and an LED indicator made to match the appearance of the audio jack. Everything else, such as the cables and ports that drive the speaker, is conveniently hidden from view, accessed through a bottom compartment.

Ergonomics

While many dig the clean, minimalist look most often associated with Scandinavian designs, others will also point out how they sometimes give off a cold and harsh vibe. You probably can’t get colder and harsher than aluminum with sharp edges, and that might be the impressions your hands get when first touching the speaker. Fortunately, you probably won’t be doing that often with your bare hands, even when setting it up for the first time.

While the Small Transparent Speaker’s size makes it more conducive to be carried around wherever its services are needed, the design doesn’t exactly make it convenient to do so. Not only does it lack any handles or carrying mechanism, the glass enclosure pretty much makes it sure that touching the surfaces is a huge no-no, unless you want to spend a lot of time wiping smudges off the glass. As if anticipating that problem, Transparent actually ships its Transparent speakers with white gloves for handling the product.

Using the speaker couldn’t be easier, as we’ll soon see, especially if you’re the type to rely on wireless audio sources most of the time. You do have the traditional 3.5mm input jack on the front, but any other audio source has to go through the Small Transparent Speaker’s bottom. This is something to keep in mind if you regularly add new sources of content or expansion modules, as it will require handling the speaker’s frame every single time.

Performance

Some audio experts and speaker manufacturers might think Transparent has gone insane for choosing glass as its primary surface material. While it’s definitely mesmerizing to watch the speakers vibrate while they are seemingly suspended in the air, there will be concerns about speaker quality being compromised because of the glass. Fortunately, that is definitely not the case, and the Small Transparent Speaker can get very loud without showing any problems from either the speaker or its glass enclosure.

Audio quality is also excellent, although not exactly the faithful studio reproduction that Transparent advertises. Vocals and high tones are clear and crisp, but while the bass is solid and full, it lacks a bit of punch. That’s probably to be expected in a speaker of this size, and its focus on vocals and higher tone ranges seems almost fitting for its design roots.

The Small Transparent Speaker is primarily a wireless audio sink, and it supports quite a number of sources, including Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, and Amazon Echo. It also has a “True Wireless” feature that lets you pair two Small Transparent Speakers to better fill up the room if needed. For everything else, the 3.5mm jack and USB port beneath the speaker provides expansion options, and Transparent even sells its own Wi-Fi module to create a multi-room audio system with other Transparent speakers.

Sustainability

The Small Transparent Speaker is more than just a design or audio statement. It’s also a lifestyle statement that makes sustainability the very reason for its existence. Although it hasn’t reached a point where it can use recycled materials to build its products, everything else about the speaker is designed for maximum longevity. In fact, the choice of aluminum and glass isn’t just to give it a timeless look but also to give it an almost timeless life.

Transparent’s speakers are designed to be repaired, and the company even provides instructions on how to take apart the speaker if necessary. Granted, you probably won’t be replacing those parts yourself unless you’re an expert, and even then, you’ll probably need access to replacement parts that fit the speaker’s design and specs. The company, unfortunately, doesn’t provide those.

If there is one hitch to Transparent’s sustainability efforts is that it doesn’t make it easy for owners to do the repairs on their own. In a nutshell, repairing or replacing a broken speaker involves contacting the company and sending the item back to them. While it does ensure that parts are properly disposed of and recycled, it might also discourage all but the strongest believers in the company’s mission to provide long-lasting products.

Value

The Small Transparent Speaker currently costs 500 EUR, and you’ll find US retailers like B&H Photo and Video selling it for $550. For a Bluetooth speaker with very basic functionality, that might sound a tad overpriced. For a designer product as beautiful as this, it’s almost worth every cent. Still, it’s quite a hefty investment that might give some people pause.

In the end, however, you are paying for more than just the product and the design. You are also investing in Transparent’s vision for the future of consumer products. More than just something beautiful and functional, the company is pushing for a new model of business where everything is transparent, including the processes involved in making a product.

Verdict

The Small Transparent Speaker might be smaller than the original, but it is also better in its own ways. The more compact design hides all but the essentials, including the components that actually drive the speakers. Despite its diminutive size, it delivers high-quality audio for almost every type of music, although you might forgive it for lacking a bit of oomph on the lower range. Its ability to expand its features makes sure that it will be useful even as new technologies come and go, as long as they work with a 3.5mm audio jack and a USB-A port.

The speaker’s value, however, goes beyond its utility and its looks. It may even go beyond its lifetime. Although it’s still a few steps short of its sustainability goals, Transparent is definitely making a bold change in the right direction, making the Small Transparent Speaker a truly one-of-a-kind product that bares its soul for everyone to see, literally and figuratively.

The post Small Transparent Speaker Review first appeared on Yanko Design.

AVA 4K wirelessHD portable monitor frees you to work and play anywhere without breaking a sweat

Portable monitors have popped up left and right in the past years, but InnLead’s latest innovation brings the same convenience without the hassles of cables. And, no, that doesn’t involve using flaky Bluetooth.

In the future, all communication between devices will be wireless. In addition to saving humans (and animals) from getting tangled up in wires and cables, it would also reduce the need to make and waste copper wires, plastics, rubbers, and other materials. We’re still far from that ideal future, though, and the wireless technologies we currently use aren’t always that reliable. InnLead’s newest portable touch monitor tries to give us a sneak peek at that future of ultimate wireless bliss.

Designer: Sunny Cheung

Click Here to Buy Now: $489 $627 (22% off). Hurry, Only 2/70 left!. Raised over $125,000.

Imagine having a second monitor for your laptop or an external display for your phone at any time or place you need it. Existing portable screens already deliver that but require you to mess around with one or two cables. There are wireless options available, but almost all of those rely on Bluetooth, one of the most unstable and unreliable wireless connections in use today. In contrast, the AVA 4K wirelessHD portable monitor brings the best of all worlds with only a few caveats, and it comes with lag-free touchback to boot!

The secret sauce to this seemingly magical capability is the AVA 4K monitor’s built-in 5G mmWave technology, allowing the high-speed transmission of data from device to monitor, including touch input. Unlike Bluetooth, which has traditionally been used for this use, there is zero lag that’s equivalent to having a wired connection. Even better, this mmWave signal doesn’t conflict with any carrier’s 5G bandwidth, so you can safely use the 4K wirelessHD monitor without worries about losing your signal.

In the spirit of full disclosure, there is one minor catch to this seamless setup. You will need to connect the wirelessHD Zero Lag Transmitter to your phone, computer, or Nintendo Switch to “throw” the device’s display to the monitor. That connection does happen via a USB-C cable, but it’s so convenient and near-instantaneous that it’s a small cost worth paying. Plus, you’re still free to move your phone or laptop anywhere up to 20 meters (66 feet) without breaking the connection.

The portable monitor itself is designed to be thin and light that you might even be perplexed how it could pack so many features in that package. It even has a built-in 8,000 mAh battery, so you won’t have to worry about placing an additional burden on your laptop or phone. The display comes with a kickstand that can fold 180 degrees and works both in portrait and landscape positions. And if you ever find yourself in a situation where the device doesn’t have a USB-C port for the wirelessHD transmitter, the portable monitor is also equipped with HDMI and USB ports for wired connections. It brings ZERO latency lossless video and image quality via wirelessHD connection, and 4K UHD via cable connection, which is fantastic in a portable size monitor

The AVA 4K wireless HD Portable Touch Monitor is undoubtedly one of the most advanced in its class. Featuring a light and minimal design that lets you easily take it anywhere, the portable touch screen offers the conveniences of a second (or first) screen without the hassles of cables or the unreliability of Bluetooth. It frees you not only from wires but also from your desk, allowing you to do what you need anywhere you go, whether it’s to work on your latest project or to enjoy a bit of downtime with your Nintendo Switch.

Click Here to Buy Now: $489 $627 (22% off). Hurry, Only 2/70 left!. Raised over $125,000.

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