Author Archives: Gaurav Sood

Arduino-powered crane record player brings industrial influence and hands-on controls

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Whether it’s built for serious music enthusiasts, I can’t say. But it has a strikingly inventive design, which deserves a home. This is the crane vinyl record player, which breaks away from conventional streaming and recorded music players, and gives music tactile and engaging controls with industrial aesthetics.

Inspired by construction sites, the vinyl record player is envisioned by Love Hultén, artist-designer renowned for reimaging vintage technology, and features a scaled-down version of a crane in place of a traditional tonearm. The towering, bright red crane, looming over the platter, gives the record player an interesting machine-like appearance, which has a different way of playing the vinyl records.

Designer: Love Hultén

Love Hultén reimagines the record player with an industrial intention and a control system that uplifts the analog music scene with tactile performance. He uses a functional crane system for a tonearm, intensifying the record player’s appearance for a home with industrial aesthetics. The player requires the user to manually manipulate the crane. The user physically navigates the vinyl surface, making it an unusual but exciting way to play the records.

The deliberate tactile control is carried out by a physical control panel on the record player, allowing the user to operate the crane in construction mode, like on a construction site. The crane vinyl player commissioned by Rebin Shah requires the crane tonearm to be controlled manually, where the user guides the stylus left, right, up, and down, turning each listening session into an unexperienced experience.

By taking away the convenience of effortless audio playback and adding the fun of participation into the musical act, the crane vinyl player invites the user to learn how movement translates into sound. The crane’s precise movement is driven by Arduino-powered motors and sensors. The record player itself features a slanted aluminum control panel with color-coded buttons and rotary dials that again remind one of the retro music systems.

The interesting red crane display resides on a contrasting white monolithic speaker base featuring a 2.1 stereo system with Bluetooth, while a ferrofluid visualizer animates the sound in real time. The glass dome and exposed wiring on the record player, conceived by Hultén, display the artist’s internal interest in visual engineering and the art of turning retro for modern adaptation.

This record player that “moves like a machine” and explores the tactile relationship between machines and humans arrives at almost the right time. Vinyl sales are rising and the recorded music of yesteryears is making a resounding comeback. In such an environment, amid the contemporary turntables, this retro-modern option appears as a shining light!

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Steam Controller Returns with a Modern Redesign and Deeper Ecosystem Integration

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Steam surprised gamers with the announcement of three new products back in November 2025. Those were the Steam Machine gaming console, the Steam Frame wireless VR headset, and the brand new Steam Controller, marking the first-ever update in a decade. While the first two don’t yet have a clear release window, the Steam controller is almost here.

Priced at $99, the controller is scheduled to launch on May 4, putting it within immediate reach for gamers invested in the platform. However, details around pre-orders remain unclear, leaving some uncertainty about how quickly users will be able to secure one, subject to the RAM availability crisis. Regardless, the update represents a significant step forward from the original Steam Controller, which debuted in 2015 with a bold but divisive design that relied heavily on dual trackpads instead of traditional analog sticks.

Designer: Steam

This new iteration reflects a more balanced approach as Valve appears to have taken feedback from years of community use and criticism, integrating more familiar elements while retaining some of its experimental DNA. The repositioned trackpads remain part of the experience but are no longer the dominant input method. Instead, the inclusion of a standard D-pad and a second thumbstick brings the controller closer to conventional gamepads, making it more intuitive for a wider audience. The overall layout bears a strong resemblance to the Steam Deck, suggesting tighter integration with Valve’s existing ecosystem and improved compatibility with modern game design.

That shift in design is not just cosmetic; it addresses one of the biggest barriers of the original controller: accessibility. Earlier, the reliance on trackpads required a learning curve that many players found difficult to overcome. By contrast, this updated model blends precision controls with familiarity, making it more suitable for a broader range of genres, including fast-paced AAA titles that demand responsiveness and accuracy.

Image Credit: The Verge

Connectivity has also been modernized. The controller supports both wired and wireless play, offering flexibility depending on user preference. A USB-C port ensures faster and more reliable wired connections, while built-in Bluetooth expands compatibility across devices. A notable addition is the magnetic charging puck, which simplifies the wireless charging process and reduces the friction typically associated with battery management. These upgrades align the controller with current hardware standards, ensuring it feels contemporary rather than experimental.

However, there is a limitation that may affect its appeal beyond dedicated users. The controller is designed primarily for the Steam ecosystem, meaning its full functionality is likely restricted to Valve-supported platforms. While this ensures deep integration and optimized performance within Steam, it could limit adoption among gamers who prefer a more universal controller that works seamlessly across consoles and third-party platforms. Despite this, the new Steam Controller represents a thoughtful evolution rather than a radical reinvention.

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Zempire Stealth-Jet two-burner camp stove is incredibly slim at 2-inch thick

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When you’re packing for a family camping trip, you have to be extra cautious about the amount of space your essential gear will take up. There are portable and transportable options for everything from furniture to tents and fittingly, now you have stoves capable of sliding under the flip seat of your rig or fit the back pocket of the driver’s seat. Zempire in the US is creating a Stealth-Jet camping stove series, targeted ideally at people who want to camp light, without compromising their cooking experience.

The ultra-thin profile of the Zempire stoves is definitely among the slimmest in the industry. Measuring only 2 inches thick, these dual-burner stoves are designed to travel easily and have enough heat to boil water in a breeze. Featuring two high-power burners with up to 10,000 BTUs of heat per burner, Stealth-Jet stoves, the company claims, are designed to be ultimate camping companions for cooking family meals or catering to large groups at the campsite.

Designer: Zempire

While the Zempire Stealth-Jet camp stoves are designed to cater to the cooking needs of a group of people outdoors, these can double as emergency backup for power outages at home. While this is only an extension service, the main USP of the ultra-low-profile stove is definitely the industry-defining slimness. This allows the stove – made from powder-coated pressed steel – to pack down flat for convenient transportation. Interestingly, the stoves arrive in a carry case with a handle and latch closure, which makes them incredibly portable and effortless to carry.

Accompanying the slimness of the stove is its extra-wide surface. While the former offers portability, the latter ensures the stove can accommodate large pans and pots for cooking large meal portions. Providing campers with an extra cooking surface to work with, the stoves feature high-power twin burners. Reportedly, each of them offers up to 10,000 BTUs of heat per burner. Relatively, for a single burner, the total BTU output is low, but if you consider the total output and the fact that you can easily accommodate a large pan and a pot side by side, you will spend less time cooking and more time relaxing at the camp.

The Stealth-Jet stoves come with wind blockers on the back and sides, offering consistent flame without hindrance in the outdoors. The stoves run off both propane and butane, ignited by two pull-start piezo knobs each (the Solo model, of course, has one adjustable gas knob). The Zempire provides its camping stove series unit with a propane canister hose connector in the box. The carry case, however, has to be purchased separately.

Stealth-Jet camp stoves are offered in three different sizes (slimness, however, is the same 2-inch or 5 cm in all of them): Stealth-Jet Wide, Twin, and Solo Camp Stoves. Starting at $210, the Stealth-Jet Wide Camp Stove is the largest of the trio, measuring 23.2 x 12.0 x 2.0 inches when packed. It weighs 4.9 kg. The Twin stove is slightly smaller at 18.5 x 12.0 x 2.0 inches, which also means it weighs slightly lighter at 3.82 kg only. It is priced at $170. The single-burner Solo stove weighs 2.6 kg and offers up to 10,000 BTUs of heat. It will cost you $130.

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Rogbid SpinX smartwatch has built-in scroll wheel and tactical flashlight

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Most modern smartwatches are essential health and connectivity hubs, featuring high-resolution OLED/LCD screens, comprehensive health monitoring, built-in GPS, NFC for contactless payments, and whatnot. They focus on fitness tracking while being highly practical and comfortable to wear.

Rogbid wants to change the perception of a smartwatch from just being a health tracking wearable that stays connected to your smartphone to one that is utilitarian within its own rights. The Chinese smartwatch brand has revealed the SpinX smartwatch that comes with a scroll wheel for navigating menus and other options with better precision. This little change simplifies things for the wearer, which is a small win that goes a long way.

Designer: Rogbid

This precision scroll wheel has a full-area pressure-sensing system to make operations smooth. The little hardware comes with a full-area pressure-sensing system that eliminates any blind spots, especially in the corners. Essentially, we are talking about a 360-degree pressure-sensing control system that brings faster command navigation to the fore and improves the overall experience. The SpinX smartwatch comes with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a 466 x 466 pixel resolution. The elements displayed are going to be color correct since it has 99.5% Adobe RGB color accuracy.

Apart from the intuitive scroll wheel control, the watch has a built-in flashlight that is much more than the bright screen mode that normal smartwatches use for the flashlight function. SpinX goes a step further by adding a specialized optical lens and a deep reflector for better results. The focused beam from this flashlight is very useful in inclement weather conditions as it prevents light scattering. This comes very handy on foggy nights and rainy seasons. The flashlight comes in three modes: High, Beam, Strobe, and SOS for a more granular control over the usage scenarios.

Another highlighting feature of the smartwatch is the built-in 1100mAh battery pack, which ensures you don’t need to recharge it for 40 days on active usage. In the standby mode, it can last up to 100 days, which is staggering. Compare that to my Galaxy Watch’s meagre backup that lasts only a day at best, and this smartwatch already has my vote. The 3ATM water-resistant watch is adventure-ready with military-grade durability (MIL-STD 810H certified) and a built-in compass.

Of course, it comes with comprehensive health tracking features like a heart rate monitor, tracking SPO2 levels, and keeping a tab of sleep health. For active individuals, the smartwatch has more than 100 sports modes, including an activity tracker. The watch faces on this one can be customized as per your liking, and the Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity to your phone keeps things seamless. SpinX is available in classic black finish with the option to choose from the Tech Black or Vibrant Orange scroll wheel. With a price tag of $50, this smartwatch is already going to be on many people’s wishlists, I’m sure.

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Smart Concept #2 reimagines the iconic city car as a fashion-forward electric micro-mobility commuter

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Smart has always had a knack for making the smallest cars feel like big ideas. The original two-seater wasn’t just about transportation; it was a statement about how little you actually need to move through a city. With the smart Concept #2, that philosophy doesn’t just return, it gets reinterpreted through a far more expressive, almost fashion-led lens.

At first glance, the proportions instantly take you back. The compact, upright stance, near non-existent overhangs, and wheels pushed right to the corners are all deliberate callbacks to the original Fortwo. But this isn’t nostalgia for the sake of it. The Concept #2 stretches to about 2.79 meters subtly growing to create a bit more usable interior space while remaining firmly in microcar territory.

Designer: Smart

What’s interesting is how smart has shifted the conversation from pure utility to identity. The brand calls it “Function becomes Fashion,” and it shows. The matte white and warm gold two-tone finish feels more like a wearable than a vehicle, while details like strap-inspired elements on the bumpers and door handles borrow cues from luxury accessories rather than traditional automotive design. There’s even a subtle influence of sneaker culture in the textures and tire patterns, turning what would otherwise be functional surfaces into design statements.

This shift matters because the original smart succeeded in cleverness but struggled to evolve emotionally. Concept #2 attempts to fix that by making the car feel personal. It’s less about squeezing into tight parking spots (though it still excels at that) and more about how the object itself fits into your lifestyle. Underneath the stylized surface is a thoroughly modern EV architecture. Built on Smart’s new Electric Compact Architecture, the concept is designed to deliver the kind of urban usability that today’s drivers expect. The projected range sits close to 186 miles, which is more than sufficient for daily city use, while DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent takes under 20 minutes, essentially the time it takes to grab a coffee.

The packaging remains its strongest trick. The signature “wheels-at-the-corners” layout maximizes cabin space within that tiny footprint, while a tight 6.95-meter turning circle makes the car feel almost pivot-like in dense urban environments. It’s the kind of manoeuvrability that reminds you why cars like the original Fortwo made sense in the first place. There’s also a subtle shift in how the car integrates into daily life. Features like Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) hint at a future where even the smallest cars double as mobile power sources—useful for everything from charging devices to supporting outdoor activities.

The bigger picture is just as important. Since becoming a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, Smart has moved upmarket with crossovers and SUVs. Concept #2 feels like a deliberate course correction, returning to the brand’s core idea, but doing so with a premium edge shaped by Mercedes-Benz design sensibilities. Set to evolve into a production model debuting at the Paris Motor Show in late 2026, the Concept #2 is less of a wild design exercise and more of a near-production preview. That makes its details (both practical and expressive) feel intentional rather than experimental.

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Smart Concept #2 reimagines the iconic city car as a fashion-forward electric micro-mobility commuter

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Smart has always had a knack for making the smallest cars feel like big ideas. The original two-seater wasn’t just about transportation; it was a statement about how little you actually need to move through a city. With the smart Concept #2, that philosophy doesn’t just return, it gets reinterpreted through a far more expressive, almost fashion-led lens.

At first glance, the proportions instantly take you back. The compact, upright stance, near non-existent overhangs, and wheels pushed right to the corners are all deliberate callbacks to the original Fortwo. But this isn’t nostalgia for the sake of it. The Concept #2 stretches to about 2.79 meters subtly growing to create a bit more usable interior space while remaining firmly in microcar territory.

Designer: Smart

What’s interesting is how smart has shifted the conversation from pure utility to identity. The brand calls it “Function becomes Fashion,” and it shows. The matte white and warm gold two-tone finish feels more like a wearable than a vehicle, while details like strap-inspired elements on the bumpers and door handles borrow cues from luxury accessories rather than traditional automotive design. There’s even a subtle influence of sneaker culture in the textures and tire patterns, turning what would otherwise be functional surfaces into design statements.

This shift matters because the original smart succeeded in cleverness but struggled to evolve emotionally. Concept #2 attempts to fix that by making the car feel personal. It’s less about squeezing into tight parking spots (though it still excels at that) and more about how the object itself fits into your lifestyle. Underneath the stylized surface is a thoroughly modern EV architecture. Built on Smart’s new Electric Compact Architecture, the concept is designed to deliver the kind of urban usability that today’s drivers expect. The projected range sits close to 186 miles, which is more than sufficient for daily city use, while DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent takes under 20 minutes, essentially the time it takes to grab a coffee.

The packaging remains its strongest trick. The signature “wheels-at-the-corners” layout maximizes cabin space within that tiny footprint, while a tight 6.95-meter turning circle makes the car feel almost pivot-like in dense urban environments. It’s the kind of manoeuvrability that reminds you why cars like the original Fortwo made sense in the first place. There’s also a subtle shift in how the car integrates into daily life. Features like Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) hint at a future where even the smallest cars double as mobile power sources—useful for everything from charging devices to supporting outdoor activities.

The bigger picture is just as important. Since becoming a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, Smart has moved upmarket with crossovers and SUVs. Concept #2 feels like a deliberate course correction, returning to the brand’s core idea, but doing so with a premium edge shaped by Mercedes-Benz design sensibilities. Set to evolve into a production model debuting at the Paris Motor Show in late 2026, the Concept #2 is less of a wild design exercise and more of a near-production preview. That makes its details (both practical and expressive) feel intentional rather than experimental.

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Volocopter makes comeback with VoloXPro that combines proven design with New eVTOL tech

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Volocopter has launched a new eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) multicopter called VoloXPro that has some new impetus but rides on tested configurations from the company’s previous design. The German aerospace firm envisions the VoloXPro to be used in a range of applications, with the air taxi sector being one of the primary job roles at launch.

Volocopter, launched in 2019, had a glorious initial run. It was one of the most celebrated flying taxi startups in Europe after the launch of VoloCity eVTOL aircraft. One of the pioneers of air mobility using eVTOL aircraft, Volocopter, however, had a rough phase and struggled with aerospace certification and revenue generation. It was, in fact, on the verge of insolvency before its buyout by China’s Wanfeng Auto Holding Group, the owners of Diamond Aircraft in March 2025. VoloXPro now marks the return from the ashes for the German eVTOL company.

Designer: Volocopter

VoloXPro is Volocopter’s first announcement after the €10 million takeover. This emission-neutral eVTOL, the company says is a low-noise platform, capable of being used in a range of applications and different use cases. Volocopter was reportedly working on this new aircraft, which has the potential to alter personal transportation, tourism and medical emergencies, throughout 2025.

Lunched now at the ongoing AERO Friedrichshafen show, in Germany, the new VoloXPro is an all-electric two-seat VTOL aircraft. It can cruise at a top speed of 70mph, drawing power from 18 rotor sets in a circular pylon over the cabin. The aircraft shares a few components with VoloCity air taxi introduced sometime in 2022. For instance, the two share the modular cabin design and the multirotor configuration.

With the common components, the company is trying to play it safe. It hopes that this approach will allow it to keep the price of the VoloXPro affordable, and that, it shall help fast track the multicopter’s path to aerospace certification, since the safety of the shared configurations is already proven in the earlier VoloCity design. Volocopter is hopeful of attaining the required certifications for VoloXPro by the end of 2026.

In addition to the shared approach, Volocopter is packing the new eVTOL aircraft with new technological additions and a range of cockpit layout options. The idea of the latter is to make the aircraft ready for a host of applications for both private individuals and group operators. As noted above, the VoloXPro is now a two-person craft, which the maker is targeting at flying clubs, schools, and aviation enthusiasts. We do not have the exact details about battery capacity, but we learned that the aircraft will have a 40 km range and the ability to carry up to 154 kg of payload. Its maximum take-off weight is 600 kg.

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Mohab Altus quick-deploy hardshell rooftop tent turns any rugged truck into comfy, all-season camping rig

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Clumsy extensions, flimsy fabrics, and cumbersome installation of rooftop tents have often marred the camping experience for many, including the creators of the Altus – a mobile habitat. This was essentially before the hardshell tents made it to the scene. These tents are growing in number, and their differences in functionality are just making the space more clustered with undeniable options.

The Altus – Hardwall Rooftop Cabin – lands in an undeniable category, considering the well-rounded approach it brings to the rooftop tents. Created in Standard and XL models (difference based on size rather than functionality), the Altus by Denver-based Mohab is positioned as a hard-sided rooftop cabin that automatically goes from 8.7-inch drive height to 45-inch, livable quarter, in under 60 seconds.

Designer: Mohab

The claim is unsubstantiated at the time of writing, but if it’s anywhere around the quick timeframe, the setup definitely gets a five-star from me. That said, the way this electric-lift system of the cube really deploys is what makes the setup even more intriguing. As the videos on the product listing page on Mohab’s website show, on the click of the deploy button, the sidewalls of the cabin flex up to form a living space. The walls on the front and back flip down independently later, once the walls on the side have been erected. The Altus series comes with a manual deploy system as well. It allows users to set up the cabin without power.

Sitting atop the cuboid – they call the Altus – is its pop-up roof. This roof hinged at the rear, rises up on the front, creating standing headroom and a significant perch for your panoramic sighting of the surrounding vista on a clear day. You’ll want the all-weather housing (provided with heating and air conditioning) of the Altus to remain completely shut and airtight amid a downpour.

Coming to the construction, the Altus series hardwall rooftop cabins feature aluminum alloy frames and PET panels. The material used in construction allows the cabin a lightweight form factor: Altus weighs 120 kg, and the Altus XL is just 5 kg heavier at 125 kg. The former measures 93 x 54 inches, which is enough space for a double mattress. The XL model, on the other hand, measures 101 x 54 inches, which should provide space for an extra person to fit in. Both models have a similar design with slider windows on either side and a hinged pop-up roof.

The boxy, hard-walled Altus can conveniently mount on a range of rugged trucks and 4x4s with Mohab’s Fortis rack systems (sold separately). Of course, that’s a bump in the overall cost of the rooftop tent, but with the convenience and efficiency offered, the Altus definitely makes up for the extra cost. Price for the Altus rooftop cabin starts at $5,139 with a pickup bed rack. The Altus XL with a pickup mount starts at $5,449.

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Gunther Werks Project Endgame is a bespoke 911 Speedster infused with Iron Man DNA

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There’s always been a theatrical edge to Gunther Werks’ reinterpretations of the Porsche 911 (993), but Project Endgame pushes that idea into full cinematic territory. Conceived as a one-off Speedster commission and effectively the closing statement for the California-based restomod specialist’s open-top series, it fuses extreme performance engineering with a design language. Something that openly channels Iron Man’s energy in both form and function.

Built on the bones of a 993-generation 911, Project Endgame undergoes a complete transformation. Its most radical element is the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter air-cooled flat-six, developed in collaboration with Rothsport Racing. Producing an immense 840 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque, the engine delivers its output through a six-speed manual transmission. This preserves the tactile, mechanical connection that defines analog driving, which purists absolutely value.

Designer: Gunther Werks

This combination of old-school air cooling paired with modern forced induction in more ways than not mirrors Iron Man’s own blend of legacy ingenuity and futuristic power. A classic example of how engineering evolves into something far more advanced. Weight reduction is equally obsessive with the experienced tuner. Extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the body keeps the car at roughly 2,600 pounds, creating a power-to-weight ratio that borders on hypercar territory. The aggressive stance, widened bodywork, and sculpted aerodynamics echo the armored silhouette of Iron Man’s suit.

The mirrored ethos of a machine that’s muscular, purposeful, and unmistakably engineered for speed and impact. The Speedster configuration, with its low windscreen and open cockpit, adds a sense of exposure that parallels the vulnerability beneath the armor, reinforcing the duality between raw human control and overwhelming machine capability. The Iron Man influence becomes even more explicit in the detailing. The exterior’s red-and-gold finish directly mirrors the superhero’s iconic suit, but it’s not just cosmetic.

Functional components such as intercoolers receive gold plating, a detail that reflects both performance optimization and visual storytelling—much like Tony Stark’s tendency to fuse engineering necessity with stylistic flair. The interplay of metallic tones across the bodywork gives the car a glowing, almost reactor-like presence, as if energy is constantly pulsing beneath its surface.

Inside, the cabin is a symphony of narrative space. A central design element between the seats evokes the arc reactor, the fictional energy source that powers Iron Man’s suit. This sculptural feature isn’t merely decorative; it anchors the interior’s identity, turning the cockpit into a symbolic command center. The gear shifter, embedded with gemstone accents, subtly references the precision and complexity of Stark’s technology, while bespoke materials and finishes throughout the cabin create an environment that feels engineered rather than assembled. Every surface, control, and accent appears intentional, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship associated with Stark Industries.

Despite its dramatic theme, Project Endgame remains grounded in performance authenticity. The chassis, suspension, and braking systems are all engineered to handle the immense power output, ensuring that the car’s capabilities extend far beyond its visual impact. It’s not a static showpiece; it’s a fully realized driver’s machine that demands engagement and rewards skill.

As the final evolution of Gunther Werks’ Speedster program, Project Endgame serves as both a technical milestone and a creative culmination. It demonstrates how far the restomod concept can be pushed when engineering excellence meets narrative ambition.

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Edifier Melo Bar desk speaker turns any setup into a living canvas of sound and light

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Edifier has spent years refining compact audio gear that quietly slips into everyday setups, but the Huazai Melo Bar takes a more expressive turn. The desktop speaker is not just a multimedia utility, but a visual extension of the workspace itself.

The Melo Bar keeps things minimal and compact, yet underneath that restrained form is a fairly considered acoustic setup. It features dual 52mm drivers paired with a symmetrical bass reflex structure, tuned to deliver a balanced spread across frequencies.

Designer: Edifier

Backed by a Class D amplifier pushing 5W continuous output and peaking at 10W, the speaker is designed for near-field listening, where clarity matters more than sheer loudness. DSP tuning helps maintain that balance, ensuring vocals stay crisp while lows don’t overwhelm the mix. What makes this audio accessory feel more dynamic is its ability to adapt to different listening scenarios. Edifier builds in three distinct sound modes: Music, Game, and Movie. Each one is about subtly adjusting the output profile. Music mode leans toward detail and clarity, Game mode emphasizes spatial cues for directional awareness, and Movie mode pushes for a more immersive, room-filling feel.

The speaker also doubles as a communication tool, thanks to a built-in microphone with AEC echo cancellation. It’s a practical touch that turns the Melo Bar into a quick solution for calls and meetings, especially in hybrid work environments where switching devices can feel unnecessary. Where the Melo Bar really breaks away from convention is in its visual customization. The front panel isn’t fixed—instead, it uses a modular design with 10 themed panels and an additional blank option for DIY expression. It’s a small but meaningful shift, allowing the speaker to evolve with the user’s setup rather than remain a static object on the desk.

Paired with this is a full RGB lighting system capable of displaying 16.8 million colors and 15 preset lighting effects. The lighting can be adjusted directly on the unit or through Edifier’s Connect mobile app and TempoHub PC software, giving users flexibility in how much control they want. Connectivity remains straightforward but modern with Bluetooth 6.0 for stable wireless performance with support for A2DP, AVRCP, and HFP profiles, while a USB wired mode handles both power and audio through a single cable. With a wireless range of up to 10 meters, it comfortably covers typical desk-to-room distances without dropouts.

Physical controls are integrated into the design, allowing users to tweak volume, switch modes, and cycle through lighting effects without relying entirely on software. Additional touches like input indicators and a dedicated do-not-disturb mode add to the everyday usability, keeping distractions in check when needed.

The Huazai Melo Bar doesn’t compete on raw power or audiophile credentials, as it leans into something more relevant for today’s desks. A speaker that sounds good, adapts to different tasks, and visually integrates into the space it occupies. Available in Mist White and Night Black, the Melo Bar is priced at 329 Yuan (around $48), making it an accessible entry into a category that’s increasingly blending performance with personality.

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