Audio can determine how you enjoy your gaming, movies, or music playlists. While 360-directional audio can elevate our listening experience, there is yet another layer of realism that can take it to another level and help you feel the sound to your core. Meet GADOL, the world’s first omnidirectional vibration speaker that opens up a new world of audio to your ears. The sleek gadget has 360-degree omnidirectional sound and the ability to vibrate for a new sense of realism that will transform and make your experience even more immersive, whether it’s watching movies, playing games, meditating and more.
Designer: iTEC Technologies
Click Here to Buy Now: $349$699 ($350 off). Hurry, only 56/300 left, less than 6 days to go. Raised over $100,000.
Transform your space with Gadol
The Bluetooth 5.0 speaker comes with Vibration Sound Transfer (VST) technology to create a vibration effect, so the audio in your ears matches the vibration created by the full-range speaker. This results in a sound profile that’s balanced and immersive. The GADOL speaker produces sound through the surface it is placed on, and the sound adapts to the room’s setup for consistent sound regardless of your position in the room. Sound waves from the speaker spread evenly in every direction so you can enjoy meditation sessions, movie sprees, grooving to favorite playlists, or playing horror games in the dark hours.
Those resonance vibrations created by the speaker have therapeutic and relaxation benefits for a holistic healing solution when it’s time to rejuvenate. The benefits of such a listening session go beyond just the auditory experience, as it eases you into a state of focus no matter what the task. In particular, the VST technology produces different resonance vibrations on different surfaces it is placed on. For example, on a glass surface, the speaker delivers a fuller sound, while on a wooden surface, the acoustics are deep.
GADOL offers a solid 18 hours of playback at high volumes, and you can achieve even more backup if played at lower volumes. Made from a durable iron alloy chassis with an aluminum top cover, the compact listening machine is designed to fit any space or cater to any occasion. Other products offer such features, but auditory fatigue is one problem with them. This speaker doesn’t have any such issues as it’s been tested extensively before creating a consumer-ready version.
Currently up on Kickstarter for crowdfunding, the GADOL omnidirectional speaker has well surpassed its funding goal for good reason. The prospect of something different from conventional listening methods has piqued the interest of music lovers who backed the project. Early bird pledges come with the prospect of getting the $700 speaker at half the price if you resonate with the idea.
Click Here to Buy Now: $349$699 ($350 off). Hurry, only 56/300 left, less than 6 days to go. Raised over $100,000.
True Wireless Stereo or TWS earbuds continue to evolve every year, but their charging cases have mostly been nothing more than portable battery packs. In 2022, JBL showed that there’s so much potential in those pebble-shaped devices when it slapped a touch screen on them. That may look fancy and cool, but some might think it’s also just a gimmicky feature. It is, however, just the tip of the iceberg, because the second-gen screen-toting Smart Charging Case that comes with the new JBL Tour PRO 3 definitely offers more, proving that there’s plenty of room for improvement and creativity if you’re willing to also pay the literal price.
A touch screen on an earbuds charging case is admittedly more of a nice convenience than a killer feature. It allows you to control playback, screen calls, and view media information without having to pull out your phone. It’s definitely an eye-catching design that made JBL’s earbuds look like they’re from the future, but the capabilities of the next-gen charging case can be qualified as a necessity, especially for globetrotters and frequent flyers.
The JBL Tour PRO 3’s second-gen Smart Charging Case can function as a wireless audio transmitter, practically replacing the role of a Bluetooth dongle. Simply plug the case into a USB or analog socket and have the audio stream to the earbuds instantly and with lower latency than Bluetooth. This feature was made with in-flight entertainment systems in mind, giving travelers more flexibility and peace of mind, knowing they don’t have to rely on fickle and unstable Bluetooth dongles ever again.
The Tour PRO 3 charging case is also one of the first few to support the new Auracast technology. The case becomes the source of an audio broadcast, allowing other Auracast-compatible earbuds, earphones, and speakers to share and enjoy the same tunes. You can also join other Auracast broadcasts by tapping on the case. Of course, there’s also a measure of privacy with a password to keep random people from joining your party.
The JBL Tour PRO 3 earbuds themselves won’t be overshadowed by its charging case, boasting a new head tracking technology that makes audio sound like they’re coming from outside your head and stays fixed in place no matter how much you swing or turn your head. For all these advanced features, however, the buds will set you back around $334, which isn’t exactly a small amount. The JBL Tour PRO 3 will arrive in mid-September bearing Black and “Latte” colorways, though availability in the US has not been announced yet.
If you’re a hardcore audiophile or have a few hardcore music lovers in your life, then you know a true blue audiophile just needs a bunch of amazing audio devices to set his/her mood. All an audiophile needs is a collection of impressive audio designs to blast out their favorite tunes. Whatever your musical need may be, it is integral to own clear, distortion-free, nifty, and interactive audio devices. And if you manage to get retro-themed music players, then it’s a whole new experience for you! Retro-style music players take you to an era gone by while maintaining some modern functionality. And, we’ve curated a collection of our favorite retro music players for you. These gadgets are wonderfully retro-esque, they have been imbibed with modern functionality. Their aesthetics may be from their past, but their utility is embedded in the future.
1. Black Wheel
Named Black Wheel, this one-of-a-kind innovation is the latest iteration of the stunning Wheel design by Miniot. The turntable cleverly conceals the electronic and mechanical components beneath the record, which stores all the varied parts within a thin circular yet sturdy body, which vanishes once you put a record on.
Why is it noteworthy?
When placed upright, the Black Wheel creates a pretty apparent illusion. It features a minimal and classy charm that attracts you instantly, even when placed horizontally. It includes a unique control system that can be felt but not seen.
What we like
Equipped with a thin and compact body that doesn’t alter audio quality
Features a space-saving design
What we dislike
It has an old-fashioned charm which may not appeal to users of modern products
2. SP3000T
Say hello to Astell&Kern’s latest portable music player, which attempts to bring a modern device that looks retro on the outside but partially retro on the inside, creating a device that merges the past and present. Called the SP3000T, this device features a retro twist, since it incorporates dual vacuum tube amplifiers on the back.
Why is it noteworthy?
The tube amps aren’t just for sure, they function the way tube amps did in the past. They provide the device with an analog appearance and sound, offering a unique audio quality that is warm and pretty soothing, something that cannot be achieved by only digital sound.
What we like
You can switch between analog tube amplifiers and the digital op-amp mode
Equipped with 8GB of memory
What we dislike
Too large and heavy for a portable player
Expensive price tag
3. FUTURAHEAD Headset
Say hello to the FUTURAHEAD headset, which provides a whole new music-listening experience. These conceptual headphones feature a digital screen that has been integrated into the outer shell to display playlists, videos, the user’s mood, as well as the rhythm of the music, genre, or images. The square shape of the cans is inspired by the retro design of headphones of the past.
Why is it noteworthy?
With the FUTURAHEAD headset, Olga wanted to create a product that merges retro looks and modern tech, while ensuring the functionality is top-notch. According to the designer, “Future Nostalgia as a visual style became a source of inspiration for this project.”
What we like
Amped with peppy details, and charming aesthetics
What we dislike
If you’re a private person, you may not like the fact that the music you’re listening to is being displayed on the digital screen
4. LEGO Radio
This LEGO Radio is the perfect retro-themed music player! It cannot play your local radio station, but you can play the pre-recorded tunes that come along with it. You can turn on the dial, and Spotify and Apple Music too. It is equipped with an extendable antenna and tuner window to offer some old-school feelings.
Why is it noteworthy?
The adorable LEGO Radio is functional and it is amped with Apple Music/Spotify support. It has a lovely color palette which elevates the whole nostalgic aesthetic. It is 13 inches high, 9 inches wide, and 2.5 inches deep.
What we like
Features a stunning vintage-inspired green and beige palette
You can connect your smartphone in the hidden compartment on the back, and play your fav tunes
What we dislike
It doesn’t have an actual transmitter to play live radio stations
5. Portable CD Cover Player
Say hello to the Portable CD Cover Player – a minimal CD player with a lovely retro design that provides an excellent listening experience, with the pleasure of pretty visual art. You can put in the CD jacket or sleeve within the specially-designed pocket, and showcase your favorite CD with pride.
The Portable CD Cover Player is essentially the physical equivalent of showcasing digital album art, with the extra benefit of being able to showcase your physical original CD.
What we like
Portable and easy-to-carry product with a 40mm full-range speaker and woofer unit
Equipped with a powerful battery which offers 7-8 hours of top-notch audio
What we dislike
You cannot sync it with any digital medium, it only supports analog music listening
6. Battery-free Amplifying iSpeakers
These are the Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers, and they’re portable and battery-free. This iPhone speaker is a novel and exciting version of the conventional no-power smartphone speaker. It is made from metal, making it pretty functional and valuable, unlike typical speaker designs you see nowadays.
The speakers are built from Duralumin – an aluminum alloy that is used in aviation and aerospace industries since it has vibration-resistant properties. You can place the smartphone into the speaker, and the sound surrounds the room and you.
What we like
Does not require any power, and is electricity-free
Minimal, sleek, and unique aesthetics
What we dislike
Incompatible with bulky smartphone covers and cases
7. Retio
This stunning retro speaker is called Retio, and it is made using vintage Nixie tubes, creating a gadget that beautifully blends past aesthetics with modern utility. The Retio serves as a Bluetooth speaker and a clock. It features Nixie tubes that were made during the 70s to 90s, adding a hint of retro-ness to the product.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Retio is a portable product amped with 6 hours of playback time. It is powered by a 6800mAh battery, and the Nixie tubes have an impression lifespan of 22 years. The speaker is equipped with a powerful 10W Class-D amplifier and has been created with meticulous care and attention to detail.
What we like
Perfectly merges the past with modern functionality
Hand-crafted and amped with steampunk flavor
What we dislike
The numbers for the clock are difficult to read from a distance
8. Floating Record
Called the Floating Record, this high-performance turntable plays your record vertically, with the help of built-in full-range stereo speakers. It features a walnut wood base and a Carbon Fiber tonearm. It is made using high-quality materials, which add a whole new level of class to your living space.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Floating Record is essentially turntable tech reimagined to create a visually and mechanically interesting way to experience vinyl music. It is a must-have for all the vinyl lovers out there – ranging from the first-time record listener to the seasonal vinyl enthusiast.
What we like
No external gear is needed, it’s all integrated into the design
Perfectly blends with different interiors and environments
What we dislike
The turntable is pretty fragile and can skip if you don’t position the record properly
9. VIBESPIN
Meet the VIBESPIN – a super cool portable record player. This compact record player is designed by vinyl lovers for all the vinyl lovers out there. It features an elegant and timeless design, amped with modern features and high-quality elements. It is the perfect turntable for camping trips, outdoor adventures, or even parties in your home!
Why is it noteworthy?
What makes VIBESPIN unique, is that it works well for the indoors and the outdoors. You can use it on a road trip, or if you’re simply chilling at home. It features a retro vintage design, and its style will bring to mind the image of a big 1950s car, despite this, the turntable is pretty lightweight and ergonomic.
What we like
Occupies half the area of a 12″ record
Among the smallest record players available today
What we dislike
The stylus is pretty basic and doesn’t have a true aux out
10. iBoy Retro Toy
Designed by Classicbot, and called the iBoy Retro Toy, this adorable little product is a tribute to the iconic MP3 player. It features arms, legs, and earbuds for ears. He looks like a friendly little MP3 player! The Retro Toy can be used at home or in your office, adding a hint of nostalgia to both these settings.
Why is it noteworthy?
The iBoy features magnetic joints that support his arms and legs. He can be posed in any way you like. You can play around with the little toy, and get a whole bunch of poses, around a thousand! It serves as a helpful fiddling toy for when you’re stressed out, and need to distract and give yourself a little break,
What we like
Functions as a toy for grownups with detachable and lifelike headphones
With Apple leading the way, the design of wireless earbuds has almost become monotonous as many manufacturers try to flatter the brand through imitation. There are, of course, a few outliers and there is definitely plenty of room for creativity, especially now that earbuds and earphones have almost become a necessity for anyone who uses a smartphone. Of course, ergonomics and acoustics still play the most important role in designing such audio accessories, but if there was more leeway in those areas, you might be able to come up with something a bit more imaginative, like these buds that resemble a pair of birds tweeting a sweet melody into your years.
Designers: Jinho Choi, Seunghun Jeong
The standard design for earbuds these days, whether they’re wired or wireless, consists of a bulging mass on the end of a short stick. The larger shape is designed to go into the ear canals, tapering at the tip while almost rotund at its base. With some imagination, it almost looks like a pudgy bird, which is what this design concept has made out of the silhouette of the buds. And not just any bird, mind you, but a bird with an astronaut helmet on!
That’s the almost comical picture that AI drew for this design, which works perfectly in this scenario. The tips of the buds can’t be sharp and small like bird heads, so imagining these two birds wearing translucent space helmets gives the design a playful character. These birds sit on top of the branch, represented by the stalk of the earphones, at least when you place them down in a certain way.
What makes this design concept extra fun is that everything revolves around this avian idea, including both the packaging and associated accessories. Rather than just have the buds lying on a desk or dangling from some hook, a special stand mimics a small tree trunk where you can insert the earbuds’s stem, creating the semblance of birds perched on a tree. It would probably be nice if you could also hear audio coming out of the buds while in this arrangement to complete the image, but that would require a more complex audio solution.
The TweetTunes buds concept also includes a specially designed box that’s more circular than boxy. Opening up the packaging reveals two birds sitting inside a nest, or at least the representation of a nest. It’s definitely a subtle but nice touch, with the attention to detail you’d expect from larger companies. There’s still the question of whether such a bird-like shape actually provides both comfort and sufficient sealing, but having adorable earbuds like that on your desk is probably worth just the decorative value, even if you barely use it.
Wireless speakers have become the standard for home audio equipment these days, and they come in a wide variety of designs. Some are rugged and geometrical, meant to be ready to brave the outside world if needed, while others are like art objects you’d dare not knock down accidentally. These designs are clearly targeted at adults as if they are the only user group who can appreciate music. Kids in their formative years need to be exposed to music as well, and not just from the tablets or smartphones that parents hand over to them for playtime. This robot concept not only gives these children an advanced toy to play with but also lets them have a more personal friend to enjoy listening to music with.
With a widespread interest in robotics, toy robots are no longer the exclusive domain of young boys, or kids for that matter. Kids of all ages will find a humanoid robot interesting, especially if it can express human-like behavior even through simple emoticons. Even better if it can actually perform seemingly magical feats, like singing to them while they’re engaged in play.
The musicBOT concept design is pretty much a Bluetooth speaker in the guise of a small human-like robot. It combines two already existing features into one, but this is a case where the sum is greater than its parts. More than just the collection of functions, it creates a totally different experience for the child whose mind is still open to so many imaginative concepts.
musicBOT is not just a music player but also a companion for the child. It plays tunes while you play with other things or play with the robot itself. The concept doesn’t go into the details, but the robot can display different facial expressions on its dot matrix face. It can even connect with a nearby musicBOT via Bluetooth, making them look like they’re friends and perhaps encouraging their owners to do the same.
Technologically speaking, the concept isn’t ground-breaking and could actually be an actual product. The novelty it offers is more on the experience and the psychology, putting the child at the center rather than becoming a passive listener. It makes listening to music a more active engagement, allowing them to develop a stronger mental association with music than simply hearing it from the background.
The options for premium true wireless earbuds have gotten more interesting since the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro debuted with the stem design. Now, users have more reasons to rejoice as Google Buds Pro 2 is just around the corner, according to reliable leaks. The new ANC earbuds for the Pixel ecosystem are slated to make an appearance at the Made by Google event on August 13. The Pixel 9 series smartphones will be released at this event, and we have our calendars marked already.
According to numerous leaks and rumors, the buds will have wings for a secure grip, and unlike the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro that have adapted the stem design (very similar to the AirPods) this time, the Google’s audio accessory will continue with the stemless aesthetic of the current generation. As it goes in the gadget rumor mill, the Buds Pro 2 display unit has been received at a Reddit user’s store.
User [nothighandmighty] has not been shy about sharing the picture of the display model of the upcoming earbuds. For the most part, the new buds will be a lowkey upgrade to the previous version with incremental improvements that help them stay at par with heavyweights like Sony WF-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2. The Buds Pro 2 will be smaller than the current generation Pro model which makes them comfortable and compatible with small ears. Also, the wingtip is slightly larger for a more secure fit and will be color-matched with the chosen option. According to a leak by Dylan Roussel, the earbuds will come in peppy color options including Raspberry, Mojito, Porcelain and Haze.
The case will be smaller as well which makes them easier to carry around in a pocket. [nothighandmighty] notes that there is a small speaker mesh at the bottom, most probably to beam sound for the Find My Device feature just in case you happen to lose them a lot.
Heineken has laid great emphasis on the importance of social connections all these years, even before the times we got familiar with online socializing. For the Gen-Z the brand signifies freedom of thought and enjoyment with no strings attached. Going with this philosophy, a team of designers has conjured up this cool gadget christened Hei-Five.
A culmination of Heineken and high five, the palm-sized music device is about sharing songs with like-minded individuals and discovering new music. For instance, you hear a jiving tune at the trending restaurant in your city and desperately want to add that song to your playlist. Yes folks, the Hei-Five will do that without breaking a sweat.
Simply push the bottle cap-shaped button on one side and the gadget finds the song, thus allowing you to explore music tastes from around the globe. Whenever you meet a new friend at the beach or even a stranger at the local bar, simply clink each other’s device to create a unique playlist of both your tastes. There’s a dedicated share button to instantly share a song or playlist with someone having a Hei-Five device. That’s not it, when hanging in a group, stack everyone’s device on top of each other to create a potent speaker that plays the most liked songs in everyone’s playlist.
When the Hei-Five runs out of juice, simply dock it on the accompanying charger and it displays the current time and charging levels. The packing of the audio accessory is as interesting as its functionality. As soon as you open the box, there’s a Heineken can concealing the Hei-Five docked in the charging box. Stash it on your desk or living room shelf, onlookers will surely mistake it for a striking-looking beer can!
Google Nest has had a fair share of success thanks to its built-in Google Assistant capabilities. The capable speaker has been the first introduction to the world of smart speakers for many of us, and now it is inspiring the Omni Smart Speaker – which looks similar to the Google speaker – but adds an auxiliary screen to it that distinguishes it for the better.
So, if you’re looking to upgrade your smart speaker, you may have a new option, amid a plethora of choices already available from Google, Amazon, Apple and many other manufacturers. The Omni is far from the others with its novel display that shows real-time visual feedback of what’s happening, saving effort and confusion during voice commands.
One Object is a Hong Kong-based design and innovation studio with an undwindling focus on creating mobility, smart home, and home furnishing designs. Fueled by passion, dedication, and curiosity for novelty, the designers at One Object have come up with the distinct design of the Omni, which looks pretty recognizable in both form factors, yet is starkly different with the interesting, integrated display.
Described as the “next-generation smart speaker concept” – the Omni is equipped with a voice-enabled assistant – not sure which one though – and allows the users to tap on the convenience of voice to control home appliances easily and more intuitively. Whether the speaker is splash-proof or not, we are uncertain, so we are guessing it is made for indoor use only, where it would allow you to listen to different music in any room of your house.
You should be able to connect multiple devices in different rooms across the house and control them from the Omni, without moving a stride. And when you think, the commands are going to get mixed, you can look up and see the sleek, modern speaker’s integrated auxiliary display and see what’s happening in real time. Whether you’re adjusting the thermostat, turning on the lights, or setting the music, the Omni smart speaker will make every voice command “straightforward and responsive.”
It works as a bicycle bell, allows you to customize your bell sound/volume based on location or urgency, helps narrate GPS directions, and even doubles as a wireless speaker for music and podcasts when you’re not pedaling around.
Our cars and motorbikes have had electronic horns for decades at this point, so the fact that bicycles still resort to a metal ringer feels a little archaic, doesn’t it? That’s precisely the point folks at Trek Bikes are making – that bicycle bells haven’t adapted to modern times and scenarios. Sure, sometimes a melodious metal ‘trrring’ works well, but it may get drowned out in the bustling traffic of a city. Go on a mountain trail and that same metal ‘tring’ may sound too harsh and jarring. The solution, an electronic bicycle bell that lets you choose your sound based on your surroundings and situations… and when you’re not riding around, the bell doubles as an everyday Bluetooth speaker, for listening to tunes or episodes of your favorite podcast.
The $99 BellBeats isn’t just a Bluetooth speaker attached to your handlebars. It has audio drivers optimized by Harman and comes with an audio bank of bell/alert noises professionally sound-designed to encompass a wider frequency range so they’re much more audible, even in noisy environments. The tiny device is exactly the size and shape of a bicycle bell, and attaches to your handlebars exactly where a bell would sit. A thumb button lets you trigger the bell sounds, and depending on where you’re driving or how urgent the need is, you can choose between the quintessential trill of a metal bell or even a train horn. The BellBeats comes with a set of 8 bell sounds ranging from ambient to blaring, and you can set two sounds as your default, triggered either by short or long-pressing the thumb button.
Aside from the obvious bell function, the BellBeats has a few other tricks up its sleeve. For trail bikers, the BellBeats can be programmed to play ambient audio loops that alert hikers and pedestrians (or even animals) of your presence without being too jarring. The bell can also be synced with your phone to narrate directions while navigating using a map app on your phone. Although I don’t endorse it, you can even listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks while riding. Easy-access buttons on the speaker (not the thumb-button) let you play/pause tracks or increase/decrease the volume of your device.
When you’re off your bicycle, the speaker unit of the BellBeats can detach off its handlebar mount, turning into a puck-shaped Bluetooth speaker. Its punchy audio drivers deliver loud, crisp sound… although don’t expect it to have a good bass response. It’s loud for its size, but the low-end may disappoint when compared to larger wireless speakers with their own dedicated sub-woofers.
With all those upgrades, however, comes a caveat. Traditional metal bells don’t need to have their batteries recharged periodically… the BellBeats, however, does. It has a 6-hour battery life, which might be a deal-breaker for some. Essentially, that means it won’t last you more than a day if you’re an avid cyclist, and you’ll need to keep a power bank handy to juice your bicycle bell. The prospect of a bike bell dying on you mid-ride is even more worrying, as it can clearly lead to accidents. To remedy that, an LED battery bar above the volume controls keeps you updated on the BellBeats’ battery life, so you’re always aware of exactly how much juice you’ve got on hand. Still, it’s a trade-off worth considering if you’re ready to spring $99 for the device. Being able to customize your bike bell to sound like an old-timey honker or a train horn does have its own appeal!
One of my favorite parts of going on road trips when I was younger is listening to the radio in the car. You never know what you’re going to get when you switch through stations. And even at home, tuning in on to a physical radio is always a fun time, something that the new generation may never experience ever. But there are still some radios in the market and even more design concepts for those longing for the “good ole days”.
Designer: Gisung Han
This concept for a radio is an interesting one as it doesn’t just play on the nostalgia of tuning in to the radio. The Calming Noise Radio also harps on both the aural and tactile experience that we had when we operated a physical radio back when people still tuned into it. Since the only tactile feel we get know from listening to music is tapping on our devices, this concept harps on the dials as we go from one radio station to another.
The designer made the dials to be “unusually large” so that visually and tactile-wise it stands out. It actually looks like the wheel in The Price Is Right (for those who actually know what that show is) and is meant to be both familiar and unique. The radio is in a familiar rectangular shape with the felt-like grills giving an interesting contrast with the round wheel of the dials.
The Calming Noise Radio, if it gets turned into an actual radio, will also probably play around with the “subtle static noise” that we get from old radios with the analog frequency adjustment sound. This will of course be pretty strange and unfamiliar for those who grew up in the age of MP3s and music streaming but will bring a nostalgic feeling for those who still get goosebumps from the sound of LPs and cassette tapes.
