The vinyl record player, once an iconic symbol of music’s golden age, has evolved into a nostalgic artifact. Yet, in a world where retro trends keep resurfacing, bringing back the record player in an exciting new way would be a perfect blend of past and present. Enter the Hauf Vertical Record Player, a modern twist on this timeless piece of technology that reimagines how we experience both music and design.
At first glance, the Hauf Vertical Record Player captures attention with its unique vertical orientation. Gone are the days of flat, table-top turntables. Hauf redefines the way we interact with vinyl records by turning this traditional medium into a visual experience. Watching the record spin vertically becomes an engaging spectacle, adding a new dynamic to how we connect with our music. For any audiophile or design enthusiast, it’s a captivating way to merge sound and sight, transforming the act of listening into something both audible and aesthetic.
The design of the Hauf Vertical Record Player is a celebration of vintage charm married with modern minimalism. Its sleek, space-saving form doesn’t just sit in the corner of the room unnoticed. Rather, it becomes a focal point, a piece of functional art. By elevating the record player vertically, Hauf not only maximizes space but also enhances the appeal of vinyl collections, putting them on display like gallery pieces.
A key element of the player’s design is the clever use of materials that blend strength with elegance. The juxtaposition of industrial steel arms and smooth, white textured plastic creates a striking contrast. The steel arms provide an edgy, robust quality that speaks to durability, while the soft, white textured plastic adds a contemporary, clean look. Together, these materials form a balanced composition that complements modern interiors without sacrificing the vintage charm of vinyl culture.
Hauf’s Vertical Record Player reimagines what a record player can be, offering not only a nod to the past but also a futuristic approach to home audio systems. It embodies a fusion of function and form, a perfect centerpiece for music lovers and design aficionados alike. As vinyl continues to make its resurgence in today’s digital age, the Hauf Vertical Record Player stands as a bold reminder that some things never go out of style, they just evolve.
There is a great deal of interest in mindfulness practices that almost borders on obsession, so it’s no surprise that there are just as many apps advertising the perfect solution. Even something like playing calming music has dozens of smartphone apps for it. It’s a handy feature that you can take with you and use anywhere, but it also carries the risk of temptations and distractions.
A dedicated meditation device can take away those pitfalls, especially if it comes in a form that inspires a more relaxed state. Even better if it has a simple interaction model that takes away any ambiguity or complexity, like this speaker concept that uses a simple method of placing artful photo cards to play matching relaxing music.
Having a dedicated speaker just for playing calming, meditative music might sound overkill, but it has plenty of perks when it comes to putting you in a more relaxed state of mind. In theory, these would be designed with a specific use case in mind and won’t burden the user with unrelated features and controls. It would also adopt an aesthetic that inspires relaxation and meditation, rather than trying to appeal to fashion or outdoor use.
miinfm, for example, combines two shapes immediately associated with meditation – a bowl used in some Asian cultures, as well as the smooth slopes of a Zen landscape. Other than three embossed controls in front, there are no other details that would distract your eyes. In form alone, the speaker already has a minimalist visual that leads the mind into a deeper state of thinking.
The more interesting aspect of this design concept, however, is the way it selects which music to play. Rather than having you choose from a list from a display or from your phone, the speaker makes use of physical cards for that purpose. These cards look like instant camera photos with artistic imagery, and you simply insert the card in the “valley” between the mountain peaks where an infrared scanner is hidden to identify the card.
The exact implementation detail for this simple yet creative mechanism is left to speculation, but it is definitely not impossible to pull off. Although it does require some physical action by the user rather than an automated process, it actually enhances the experience by creating a ritual to prepare both your body and your mind. Light a candle or incense, slip in a meditation card, and relax to the calming tunes from this aesthetic speaker.
Modern life is full of hustle and bustle, and it can be difficult to find a moment of peace. In such a world, it is important to create a calming and serene atmosphere at home. Music is an excellent and powerful tool to soothe your mind and jazz up your mood. If you’re looking to enjoy some tranquil melodies at home or enhance your home’s ambiance, these five products are the solutions you need. They will enrich your daily routine and life with their gentle sounds, or your favorite tunes.
They will fill your living space with delightful tunes and soothing melodies, while also doubling up as stylish additions to your home decor, thanks to their artistic designs and unique features. Whether you’re revisiting the charm of CDs or welcoming guests with tranquil door chimes these products offer a harmonious blend of sound and style.
1. Portable CD Cover Player
Say hello to the Portable CD Cover Player! Imagine combining the nostalgia and beauty of retro design with a modern appreciation for visual art, and you have the Portable CD Cover Player. It is a minimalist and portable device designed to take you back to the golden age of CDs while keeping in touch with the present.
The Portable CD Cover Player doesn’t simply offer a satisfying auditory experience, but also a great visual one. It is amped with a sleek design, and thoughtful functionality, which converts the simple act of playing music into an artful and tasteful visual display, adding an element of functional elegance to your home.
The Portable CD Cover Player serves as a charming and alluring nod to the past. It provides a tangible connection to your favorite songs by allowing you to insert the CD jacket or sleeve into a specially designed pocket. This offers a physical counterpart to the digital album art, allowing you to showcase your prized music collection.
Besides delivering high-quality sound, the CD Cover Player also elevates your home with its classic and nostalgic aesthetic appeal, making it the center of attention in any room, and also a massive conversation starter. It is the perfect mix of the past and the present.
What we like
Equipped with a 40mm full-range speaker and woofer unit, which provides a rich and immersive audio experience
The powerful battery delivers 7-8 hours of uninterrupted playback, ensuring your music sessions are never cut short abruptly
What we dislike
It is limited to analog music, and cannot be synced with digital mediums
2. Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers
You can now step into the future of audio innovation with the Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers. It offers a novel and revolutionary take on the traditional smartphone speaker. It provides a unique blend of portability and sustainability, which reduces the need for a power source while offering an impressive auditory experience.
The speaker is made from a durable metal, which sets it apart not only for its functionality but also for its elegant and minimalist design. This makes the speaker a valuable and noteworthy addition to any tech-savvy household.
The Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers are made from Duralumin – a high-strength aluminum alloy that is known for its use in the aviation and aerospace industries. This material is pretty durable but also improves the speaker’s ability to resist vibration, which provides a pure and unaltered sound quality.
You need to simply place your smartphone into the speaker’s dock, and it fills the entire room with a sound that will completely envelop you. It creates an excellent immersive listening experience without the need for batteries or any electricity. It is also quite portable to carry around.
What we like
Eco-friendly and power-free design that reduces your carbon footprint
Features a sleek and streamlined aesthetic, which merges well with any decor
What we dislike
The speaker is compatible with most smartphones, but may not be compatible with devices encased in bulky covers or cases
3. Door Chime Tori
Called The Door Chime Tori, this little design isn’t your conventional and typical door accessory. Named after the Japanese word for ‘bird’, this nifty chime brings a touch of nature to your home owing to its cute bird-like shape and metallic tail feathers. The chime’s gentle movement creates tranquil and charming chirps, which will remind you of birds in their natural habitat.
This chime will make a delightful and amusing addition to your entryway, and it will allow some soothing and charming sounds to envelop your home. It helps to create an ambiance that is calm, melodic, and pleasant, allowing your home to feel like a haven.
The Door Chime Tori converts the ordinary door chime into a sensory and artful experience. It features a design that is minimal yet colorful, functioning as a charming and visually pleasing decor accent. At the same time, it creates soothing sounds to form a welcoming atmosphere.
The chime’s body is made from die-cast zinc which offers durability, and it features magnetic attachment which lets it easily get installed onto any ferrous metal surface. This isn’t the kind of door chime you hide away, but allow it to take centerplace on your door.
What we like
Produces soothing bird-like sounds
An elegant and colorful accent that elevates your door decor
What we dislike
It is limited to ferrous metal surfaces for mounting
4. CD Jacket Player
Meet the CD Jacket Player, another wonderful product that gives you a dose of nostalgia. This audio device merges nostalgia with contemporary design, transforming the traditional CD player into a minimal and classy piece of art. It features a boxy form, which will remind you of a picture frame or an oversized Polaroid photo.
The CD Jacket Player includes a transparent middle section that boasts the CD’s spinning bed. This unique design not only brings back the physical experience of album art but also serves as a sophisticated and tasteful decorative piece for your walls.
What makes the CD Jacket Player unique is that it combines the tactile and visual aspects of music listening and appreciation. It encourages users to manually insert cover jackets, which creates an interactive experience, and brings back the charm of physical albums in a digital age.
Its built-in rechargeable battery makes it pretty portable, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite CDs without the hassle of wires. The player supports both wired and wireless audio output, making it versatile for any listening preference.
What we like
The player supports both wired and Bluetooth audio output
It features a minimal and charming design that also doubles up as a home accent
What we dislike
It involves the manual insertion of cover jackets, which may not be convenient for all users
5. Door Chime Bo
Say hello to the Door Chime Bo – a Japanese-inspired chime, that is named after the Danish word for ‘live’ or ‘reside’. The door chime adopts an innovative approach to sound and style, forming a subtle yet unique experience. It is equipped with small metal bars that seem to float in front of your door, owing to its minimal base.
The sound created by the Door Chime Bo isn’t just pleasing to your ears, but also your mind. It can create a soothing environment. The chime has a streamlined and clean look, with no strings getting in the way, and no chime looking untidy or out of place.
Since the chime eliminates the clutter caused by strings and out-of-place chimes, it features an innovative design that is unlike most door chimes we see in the market. It features a strong neodymium magnet that supports easy installation onto any ferrous metal surface, ensuring it is compatible with various door types.
The sounds created by the chime are gentle and soothing, providing a pleasant auditory and sensory experience, that perfectly pairs up with the elegant and minimal aesthetics.
What we like
It delivers a subtle and pleasing sound
It features a strong neodymium magnet which makes it easy to install
What we dislike
The sound made by the chime may be too soft and subtle for some people
Anyone who has ever done spring cleaning knows that you will still find some old compact discs and cassette tapes in your pile of junk. CDs are also still pretty popular now specifically in the K-pop and J-pop industry. The challenge though is to find devices that can still play these “artifacts”. Kickback is a brand that banks on nostalgia with its line up of retro products. Three of the more popular ones are the Discman, Portable Cassette Player, and the Jukebox Mini.
The Discman is inspired by the Sony portable CD player that was very popular back in the days. Aside from being named after it, the design sensibilities is also taken from that particular CD player. What makes this different is that it has a fully transparent exterior so you can see your disc spinning around as you play it. The Bluetooth-enabled device also has a small digital display so you can see what track is playing and some buttons for various controls.
The Portable Cassette Player has a simple name enough so you can understand what it is. Well, that is, if you still know what a cassette tape is. For though of us who know what it is, it is also a portable device with a simple and minimalist design. Just like the Sony Walkman where it draws its design from, it is small enough to fit into your pocket. Well, if you still have cassette tapes of course.
Lastly, we have the Jukebox Mini, which is just semi-nostalgic when it comes to its design. It’s a Bluetooth speaker but with a retro design with two round speakers encased in a rectangular case. It claims that it carries the same quality as speakers from Sonos or Beats Pill. It can be placed on a shelf or desk or mounted on the wall, or you can also carry it around. It comes in cute mint, white, and pink colors.
TWS or True Wireless Stereo earbuds have become such a common sight that their no longer weird to see something sticking out from people’s ears these days. It’s not a pretty sight, no matter how minimalist or sleek they are. Unfortunately, limitations of acoustics and technology also limit the possible designs for these tiny accessories, but what if such restrictions were loosened up a bit?
This concept design for open-ear earbuds try to explore that possibility, offering a product that isn’t just functional but also aesthetic. With just a few changes to the basic formula, earbuds become chic fashion accessories you won’t feel ashamed to wear, almost like wearing large but stylish earrings, without the piercings, of course.
The basic earbuds design evolved from humble earphones to the point that the Apple AirPods were even ridiculed for looking like EarPods with their wires cut off. Other wireless earbud today don’t sport such dangling stems, but the basic mechanism remains the same. You stick part of the buds inside your ear canal and hope they won’t fall off thanks to the fit of the buds or their shape.
The are, however, other ways to bring sound waves to your ear without blasting them directly into your ear canal. Some “open ear” headphones, for example, use bone conduction to deliver vibrations directly to the bones in your head that you “hear” as sound, while other use simpler but more refined air conduction that won’t tickle your temples.
This earbuds design concept uses the latter to fashion earbuds that wrap around your ear to secure its position, leaving the actual speaker just a few millimeters away from the ear canal opening. This is a similar design to the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds launched early this year with one important difference: it’s made to look really good.
With an elegant matte texture and a mirror-like finish on the ball-shaped tips, these earbuds look more stylish than the typical rugged or sporty earbuds in the market. The way they hang on the sides of the ears rather than sticking down with a stem makes them look more like ear clips or earrings, giving them the appearance of fashion accessories or even jewelry.
The sleek and thin body doesn’t take up too much space or shove distracting forms, so you can still wear your favorite earrings that complement the earbuds. It’s a simple change to a tested formula, but one that completely changes the appeal and purpose of the product, from simple tech accessories to an expression of your taste and personality.
Pro-Ject is the first name that pops up when we speak of high-quality turntables. The Austria-based company launched the entry-level T1 EVO range for audiophiles on a budget last month. Now they’ve revealed the flagship Signature 12.2 turntable for music lovers who want the ultimate sonic experience from their favorite vinyl.
This turntable represents the highest-level technology at the most accessible price, even though $15,000 is way beyond any normal audiophile’s budget. The audio accessory is a successor to the acclaimed Signature 12 turntable that made it to the top rankings of the most reliable audio equipment reviewers.
Known for their tenacity to bring high-quality record players to the audiophiles who can spend an exorbitant amount to follow their hobby, Pro-Ject has gone all out on this one. The turntable weighs around 80lb with the high-mass record platter weighing more than 25 lb and anti-resonant MDF made from stainless steel weighting 50 pounds. The platter is dampened underneath, spinning on an inverted ceramic ball bearing having a magnetic support. The use of more than 100 precision CNC-machined components provides stability and dampens any external interferences resulting in sonic sound reproduction that’s very close to how the artist intended.
According to Pro-Ject, listeners are in for a treat as the Signature 12.2 delivers “a deep, full and immersive sound quality that’ll deliver new sonic experiences — even from songs users have heard a thousand times.” The flywheel belt-drive turntable is loaded with a 12-inch S-shaped aluminum tonearm having a 3-point pivot bearing and a removable headshell for easy swapping of phono cartridges. If you are into choosing your preferred cartridge, the Signature 12.2 doesn’t come with one of its own. That said, the player is compatible with 33⅓rpm and 45rpm playback speeds. If you want to be precise between this range, there’s the electronic speed change option too.
The records are hooked onto the platter with a Signature Record Puk that comes included in the package. To enhance the premium appeal sturdiness of the unit, Pro-Ject hand-painted the record player’s MDF plinth in 10 coats, and it’s loaded with steel pellets to further reduce vibrations. With all the advanced tech fitted inside this beautiful vinyl player, you would expect it to do complete justice to your collection of records.
Rather than having a display for all the controls, Pro-Ject has opted to go with a hand-polished aluminum panel to avoid any unwanted electromagnetic radiation. The elegant analog look complements the whole look and feel. The high-end playback record player in piano-black finish will begin shipping in November 2024 for a retail price tag of $14,999.
The Zoey smart home assistant concept represents a harmonious blend of aesthetics and elegant design. This smart speaker can be detached from the dock so that you can use it wirelessly. Moreover, you can stick it to any metal surface as it comes with high-grade magnets on the back. At its core, Zoey is designed to be user-friendly, featuring intuitive voice recognition capabilities that make interaction effortless.
The sleek form factor, with its smooth curves and premium materials, invites users to engage with it regularly. Unlike traditional speakers, which can often be bulky or unattractive, Zoey’s design philosophy emphasizes minimalism and sophistication, ensuring it complements rather than disrupts a desk’s visual harmony.
The smart home assistant connects effortlessly with various devices, allowing users to control lighting, temperature, and security systems with simple voice commands. The portable device also boasts high-fidelity audio performance, providing a rich listening experience whether users are streaming music, podcasts, or audiobooks. If you’ve got another speaker biting the dust you can pair it with Zoey to create a stereo surround environment.
Zoey’s versatility extends beyond mere home automation; it serves as a central hub for other smart gadgets as well. With built-in features such as reminders, calendar management, and news updates, it transforms mundane tasks into seamless interactions. The touch interface of the device also lets you seamlessly navigate through the menus and various compatible apps. The design incorporates subtle LED indicators that provide visual feedback, enhancing usability while maintaining the speaker’s sleek appearance. This attention to detail reflects a commitment to creating a product that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The potential for personalization is another hallmark, as users can choose from a range of color options and finishes, allowing them to select a model that best fits their style. In a world where technology often feels impersonal, Zoey stands out by merging practicality with artistic design. Zoey is not just a portable home assistant speaker; it is a thoughtfully crafted home companion that embodies the future of smart living.
Although they have been around for a long time already, it was the retirement of the 3.5mm headphone jack from smartphones that really caused a surge of interest in wireless headphones and earbuds. There is a wide variety of designs for over-ear cup headphones, most of them naturally focusing on the headphones themselves. The experience of using these accessories, however, doesn’t stop after you’ve taken them off, but most manufacturers seem to make charging headphones an afterthought. This design concept, in contrast, offers a more holistic experience, one that ensures you can continue enjoying your tunes even when your headphones are charging.
Although it’s only too easy to lose one or two wireless earbuds, the small objects at least have a proper place to call their home. In contrast, larger wireless headphones have to be hung somewhere if they’re not left lying on a desk, and even then you have to remember to plug them in to charge. And, of course, you’re left with your phone or laptop speakers while its charging, perhaps with a noticeable loss in sound quality.
If earbuds and charging cases always come together, then maybe wireless headphones should also come with a wireless charger out of the box. That’s what the Eko concept tries to bring to the table, almost literally, offering a standard place where you know you’ll always find your headphones. Of course, it also charges while resting, so you can be sure that your personal listening device is always ready by the time you leave.
That stand, however, does more than just charge the headphones. It also functions as a Bluetooth speaker, so you can enjoy high-quality audio even when the headphones are docked. The concept doesn’t exactly say whether it can work independently of the headphones, but that’s often the case with Bluetooth speakers anyway. There can perhaps be a feature that could make it seamlessly switch between the headphones and the speaker as needed.
Eko also has a modern and stylish appearance, one that uses a streamlined band design instead of the usual circular cups. The speaker charging dock is a triangular prism that matches the dark motif of the headphones. One concern about the concept design is the comfort of the headphones themselves, as its speaker don’t seem to go over the ears like most designs and would instead press on it.
As people become more aware of the role that sound plays in immersive content, the number of speakers in homes also begins to rise. This means that these audio equipment are starting to make their presence not just heard but also seen, and sometimes not in pleasing ways. Fortunately, manufacturers are also becoming more sensitive to this aspect of product design, and we’re seeing a growing number of speakers that extol aesthetics as much as audio quality, though the side effect of this trend means getting locked into a specific design the moment you make your purchase. This customizable speaker concept, on the other hand, offers some flexibility that not only lets you decide how the speaker will look but where you want to put it as well.
Designer: Eshant Kumbhakarn
Compared to TVs, the true value of speakers lies not in their appearance but in their audio output. Unfortunately, these products still take up physical space, and hiding them doesn’t exactly work because that can negatively affect the way sound travels. Some audio equipment brands try to disguise speakers as art objects or minimize their footprint as soundbars, but this speaker concept design tries to combine both ideas to deliver the best of both worlds.
Aura is a concept for a speaker panel that delivers audio in 360 degrees. Rather than pushing sound from the front as you might expect from a flat box, the actual speakers are located around the edges. Thanks to this design, it is possible to place Aura anywhere and in any orientation, whether vertically on a wall, horizontally below a TV, or even lying flat on a long meeting table.
To help make this flexibility more practical, Aura has a special feature that very few speakers have. It has physical controls as well as input ports on both long sides of the speaker, letting you control it directly regardless of the position or orientation. Admittedly, that does add a complication to the internal implementation of the speaker, but it’s not entirely impossible given today’s technology.
That alone already makes it notable, but Aura’s real value comes from its customizable and interchangeable front panel. In theory, this lets you select a design that would match the motif of the room or even the material of the table on which it will be placed. Whether it’s a marble-like finish, wood, or a typical gray mesh, Aura puts the owner in control of how the speaker looks and blends into the background. Even better, you can always change that panel when you change your interior design, prolonging the speaker’s usefulness for years to come.
Weak sales forecasts and the relentless innovation by Adidas have forced Nike on the back foot. They’ve banked too much on the success of the Air Force 1, while the low-rise multi-colored Samba and Gazelle sneakers by Adidas are the current rage. Does that signal a bleak future for Nike footwear? We hope not and expect Nike to bounce back with a successful pair similar to the Air Jordan.
Foraying into the highly competitive yet lucrative audio accessories market could be on the cards. If Nike does decide to extend its influence beyond the athletic apparel and footwear line this could be it. This concept design for a pair of earbuds with the Nike branding gives active individuals a fair idea of what they’ll be like if they ever exist.
Crafted for Nike, these concept earbuds are sporty and have a comfortable fit with a secure design that should stay in even during intense physical activity. The design is minimal making them lightweight and easy to use. This means people with active lifestyles will love them. Due to the small size don’t expect drivers comparable to the flagship earbuds like B&W Pi8, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4, Technics AZ 80, or Denon Pearl Pro.
They have a very recessed form that flows to the case that has a unique top in a sporty finish. In a way they emulate the soles of a shoe and that goes well with the theme. Just like the Nothing Ear (2) buds they have a horizontal positioning of the buds in the case, but in the face first position which can make them harder to take out.
The Nike branding is embellished on the sides very aggressively and I hope there are touch controls in there since they are the norm these days even with budget options out there. Jinkyo doesn’t enlist any specifications or features on this one, but I assume there should be ANC and transparency options too. Overall, this concept is heavily weighed in towards the design and look, but a little more imagination in the features and functionality of the buds would have spiced up things.
