Devialet Mania portable speaker with intelligent optimized sound gets matching sci-fi looks

Posted on 08/11/2022 by Gaurav Sood

Devialet, the high-end French audio technology company known for its winning audio equipment and accessories – including Expert 1000 Pro Amplifier, Dione soundbar, Phantom speakers and Gemini earbuds has added another product to its lineup. The premium brand has debuted its first-ever truly portable speaker with the promise of exceptional intelligent sound delivery without compromising on design.

Christened Devialet Mania, the portable speaker has the peculiar Daft Punk helmet vibe to it, and geeks will want to sport it in their desk setup without a doubt. Not surprisingly the battery-powered speaker carries a mind-numbing price tag of $790, and will only be the privilege of rich brats, or a crazy audiophile who wants to burn a hole in their pocket.

Designer: Devialet

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The meticulously designed speaker has no front or back, boasting a roundish design like a kettlebell at the gym. What makes this portable speaker premium in audio quality is the intelligent use of technology to calibrate sound based on where it is placed. For example, if the Mania is placed near a wall, the speakers will pump the sound to make it wider and thumping. This is done via the four microphones at the base of the speaker, performing Active Calibration to map the room for acoustics. Things like bigger obstacles, furniture and walls to “automatically adapt the audio rendering” to adapt to the surroundings.

Just for the record, Mania has six individual drivers, four Hi-Fi speakers projected in each corner, and high-excursion woofers to create the best sound out there you can expect from portable Bluetooth speakers. The company provides this speaker with an automatic room mapping option to guide the machine learning model to ascertain the level each speaker needs to operate at for the best-sounding audio. IPX4-rated Mania gets built-in Alexa for voice commands along with support for AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect.

Devialet Mania is available in three finish options – Deep Black and Light Gray for $790 and the flamboyant Opéra de Paris has 24-karat gold components priced at $990. The charging dock is priced at $80 for the first two, while the third will get it as a part of the package.

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Top 10 ultimate speaker designs that every audiophile needs

Posted on 08/11/2022 by Srishti Mitra

Owning a great speaker is always essential, not only to blast out some groovy music at your parties but also for those days when you want to sing along to your favorite tunes at the top of your lungs, in the privacy of your room. Whatever may be the requirement, having a clear, distortion-free, handy, and interactive speaker is necessary. There are a lot of innovative speakers out there in the market, so picking the right one that meets all your needs can be a task, especially since we all tend to have different audio requirements. Hence, we’ve curated a collection of functional, creative, and exciting speaker designs for you. From a planet-shaped Hi-Fi speaker to Marshall’s latest palm-sized speaker – there’s a unique speaker for everyone here. We hope you can find the one that’s meant for you!

1. OEPLAY MusicStar5

Looking quite like something out of an *insert high-end audio company name* catalog, the OEPLAY MusicStar5 is a pretty sizeable audio unit that makes the ultimate promise — to make you hear music the way the artist intended it. Shaped like a planet, the hi-fi speaker creates an immersive soundscape, irrespective if you’re watching some TV, or listening to your favorite tunes.

Why is it noteworthy?

Armed with a high-performance AMT tweeter and some seriously impressive audio tech, the MusicStar5 is designed to fill any room with distortion-free sound that has both power and detail. It creates an immersive soundscape, whether you’re watching something on television, tuning in to audio from a music/streaming app, or even listening to lossless music tracks via USB.

What we like

Crafted with only the finest materials
Frequency range going all the way to 33Hz and up to as 55kHz

What we dislike

No complaints!

2. Sanaullah’s Speaker

There are quite a number of notable speakers that look more like art pieces or decorative accessories rather than hi-tech audio gadgets. This wireless speaker concept design is clearly aiming for the latter class but tries to add a bit of portability to the formula, though that part is a little questionable.

Why is it noteworthy?

This wireless speaker concept tries to give the best of both worlds with a portable speaker that looks interesting enough to be considered decorative. Instead of a typical bar or barrel shape, it takes the form of an arch, which is basically a long bar that is bent into a smooth curve. The speaker’s shape is quite visually interesting, and instantly grabs attention!

What we like

Has a visually exciting shape
Directs audio in multiple directions

What we dislike

It’s still a concept!

3. Frame Sound

Frame Sound is a concept for a speaker that focuses on creating playlists for you and letting you adjust it to your preference. It is rectangle-shaped and industrial-looking, evoking the feels of the old-school radio that some of us may have grown up with.

Why is it noteworthy?

What makes this more than just a speaker is that its focus is on playlists. You can save and easily access your frequently played playlists through buttons found at the top of the speaker. The purpose of the dials is if you want to mix it up by having new songs pop up on your playlist. Pushing the dial toward the speaker will add newer or more “unfamiliar” songs to the playlist while pulling the dial in the opposite direction will decrease that ratio. This makes the entire audio-listening experience more personalized, and intimate!

What we like

Has a dial feature instead of just the usual play, pause, rewind, and forward buttons
Focuses on playlists, hence adding a personal touch

What we dislike

The product description doesn’t really explain how the music part comes in

4. The Marshall Willen

Just about as small as a slice of regular bread (that’s the best size comparison I could come up with), the Marshall Willen is the company’s tiniest portable speaker ever made.

Why is it noteworthy?

With its iconic guitar-amp-inspired design, the Willen lets you carry your love for audio around with you. It weighs a mere 0.68 lb (310 grams) and comes with a rubber strap that lets you secure it pretty much anywhere. On the inside, the Willen houses a 2-inch driver powered by a 10W amp, and two passive radiators that help deliver the punch of a much larger speaker.

What we like

IP67 water and dust resistance
Ability to pair with other Willen speakers in what Marshall calls a ‘Stack Mode’

What we dislike

There’s no WiFi connectivity or voice-command compatibility on this one

5. The Bored Buds

The Bored Buds are a concept for a pair of earbuds that are not just intuitively designed but are also multi-functional. Basically, they’re earbuds that are also part of a Bluetooth speaker.

Why is it noteworthy?

So when you’re not listening to music using the audio accessories, they are nestled in the speakers through the protective case and serve as the control buttons. The speaker itself does not have any interface or display so the earbuds will serve as your on/off, pause/play, and volume up/down buttons.

What we like

100% recyclable
Feature a pill shape, so they fit comfortably in your ears

What we dislike

No complaints!

6. Polaroid Speakers

If you have been a photographer or love photography, chances are you have used or at least are familiar with the name Polaroid. After giving us colorful cameras to make photography impactful, Polaroid is venturing into the musical lanes with a series of four consumer-oriented speakers that are reminiscent of the company’s vibrant image.

Why is it noteworthy?

The four speakers in question are simply called P1, P2, P3, and P4. The basic naming doesn’t at all mean that these music players are in any way inferior to the competition. All of them have the hues to floor us. The little, cube-shaped Polaroid P1 music player the company says “is apple size.”

What we like

All the speakers can be paired with a simple tap and have the same music flowing through all the rooms of your house

What we dislike

Don’t boast support for voice assistants or any fancy connected features

7. DROPS

In many cases, like smart home speakers, these audio devices have taken on more artistic forms, functioning both as tech equipment as well as room decor. Some even hide in plain sight as picture frames or sculptures. This wireless speaker concept is cut from the same cloth, providing a beautiful art piece that is both a Bluetooth speaker you can carry around as well as a wireless charging pad for your devices.

Why is it noteworthy?

What we like

A part of the base also functions as a wireless charger
The speaker can actually be removed from the base if that wasn’t yet evident, allowing DROPS to be used anywhere at any time

What we dislike

Charging outdoors could prove to be difficult when the battery runs out

8. The Aurras Speaker

The Aurras speaker concept tries to take its design cues from Caterpillar, better identified by its CAT logo, a brand whose heavy equipment has become a de facto standard in the industry. It has even lent its name to smartphones that try to capitalize on the company’s fame for producing rugged products.

Why is it noteworthy?

The speaker looks like something that would be coming out of an outer space warp gate, carrying inside it other spaceships. The trapezoidal shape and industrial appearance give it an almost militaristic look in this context. You can almost expect the front of the device to lower like a drawbridge and unleash dozens of smaller ships upon enemy forces.

What we like

Designed to be easy to take apart using an Allen key
Its aluminum and HDPE plastic shell were also chosen to give it actual ruggedness

What we dislike

No complaints!

9. Ocelli

Ocelli- The Split Speakers by Indian concept designer Shantanu Maheshwari transverses the thin line of size and requirement. It offers consumers a choice to pick one speaker that’s apt for both stationary and portable usage and do a little more. The interestingly designed speaker system is conceived to split in the middle so you can have two small speakers to carry in your backpack.

Why is it noteworthy?

From how the designer puts it, the idea of splitting the speaker in half is inspired by the cleave separating eyes of a bee. The form has been specifically chosen for its friendliness and convenience. The Bluetooth speaker is divided in the center by a metallic strip that binds the two speakers together. The nice mesh body, metallic connection, and three choices of colors give it an incredibly entertaining design aesthetic bound to appeal to all audiophiles.

What we like

Ocelli will also provide a day’s playback time when untethered from the charging pod

What we dislike

There is no information on the backup or its sound wattage at the moment
It’s still a concept!

10. Oa

Oa is a speaker that you can use as a pillow to embrace (not to lie on) to help you fall asleep if that’s a problem that you’re having. But more than just something that can play white noise or sleep music, it actually is designed to capture the life of the companion (meaning you) and the device.

Why is it noteworthy?

The shape of this companion is like any oval-shaped smart speaker with one major difference: there’s a huge hole in the middle which they call curved grooves. And of course, the material used is smoother and softer since it’s meant to be embraced by the user and may even be tossed and turned as you sleep.

What we like

Gives off some “vibrations” to keep you warm and help you sleep

What we dislike

No complaints!

The post Top 10 ultimate speaker designs that every audiophile needs first appeared on Yanko Design.

This cloud connected JBL speaker concept with curved display elevates audio bliss to the next level

Posted on 07/11/2022 by Gaurav Sood

Talk of portable speakers and JBL has got every kind of user covered. Be it an adventurer who wants to cling an audio device to their hiking backpack, someone throwing a pool party, or one looking for casual audio listening at home. The JBL Clip 4, Partybox 310, or JBL Extreme 3 are the perfect options for these situations.

Having an Amazon Eco Dot or Google Nest Audio brings more options for a connected lifestyle – way more than your Bluetooth speaker. So, getting the audio quality of a JBL speaker, combined with the connected capability is the way to go.

Designer: Monoranjan Ghosh

This concept JBL speaker for modern audio listeners is just the right kind of accessory with those welcome geeky functions. The designer calls it TRIGO, an internet-enabled speaker with a curved digital display for enhanced user experience and ease of playing music. The user can beam voice commands at it to control music, listen to podcasts on the fly or communicate with other devices for a seamless lifestyle that’s becoming the norm of the current times.

The design language of TRIGO takes a detour from the flat or roundish aesthetics that we’ve seen on their current and previous models. This time around, a reimagined portable JBL speaker gets a triangulated shape with a futuristic vibe to lure young audiophiles. The sub-bass audio drivers are placed on the inside of the triangle-beaming on both sides, and the mids and highs are forced through the speakers to one side. On the outside to one side is the display interface for the current track, play/pause, shuffle, artist Albumart and seek bar. Complementing the visual player interface is the cool bias lighting on each side for that techno feel.

This concept JBL speaker hits all the right notes in terms of design and carrying aesthetics. Thus, making it well suited for weekend parties, shower karaoke, or listening while working at home. The silver lining here for me is the interactive display that adds zing to the whole experience of listening. I’m sure JBL will be looking at this concept with keen interest because this design beacons the future.

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The best earbuds, headphones and speakers to give as holiday gifts in 2022

Posted on 07/11/2022 by Billy Steele

The holidays are a good time to upgrade an audio setup, whether it's for yourself or for someone on your shopping list. We’ve compiled a group of the best audio gear that ranges from noise-canceling headphones to true wireless earbuds and speakers. There are also a range of prices for each product type, so you don’t necessarily have to break the bank unless you’re really looking to splurge this year.

Sony WH-1000XM5

If you’re shopping for the complete package in a new set of headphones, there’s one clear best choice. No other company packs in as many features as Sony does on the WH-1000XM5, and they’re combined with a stellar sound and effective ANC. With this model, Sony redesigned its flagship headphones, making them way more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The company also made noticeable improvements to the active noise cancellation, adding a separate V1 chip in addition to the QN1 that was inside the M4. The 1000XM5 still has all of the features that typically make Sony’s premium headphones so good. 30-hour battery life, a combo of touch controls and physical buttons, Speak-to-Chat automatic pausing when you talk, and the ability to change noise modes based on your activity or location. — Billy Steele, Senior News Editor

Buy WH-1000XM5 at Amazon - $398

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

If sound quality is the primary factor in your next set of headphones, Bowers & Wilkins pair impressive audio quality with solid ANC performance. The Px7 S2 are my favorite headphones I’ve reviewed this year in terms of sound. There’s also a more refined design that doesn’t look overly plasticky and the headphones fit comfortably even after hours of use. Call quality, ambient sound and automatic pausing need some refining, but they get the job done. At the end of the day, the design, sound quality and noise cancellation make the Px7 S2 a strong pick in the current field. Plus, they’ll last way beyond the stated 30 hours of battery life. — B.S.

Buy Px7 S2 at Amazon - $399

Sennheiser Momentum 4

When picking the best-sounding headphones from 2022, it’s difficult to choose between the Px7 S2 and the Momentum 4. However, Bowers & Wilkins gets the edge in terms of design, but they’re evenly matched on sound quality and the rest of the competition isn’t close. Sennheiser does have an impressive 60-hour battery life in its favor and improved ANC performance. Those two items alone might be enough for you to overlook the very generic design for the music lover on your list this year. — B.S.

Buy Momentum 4 at Amazon - $350

Audio-Technica M20xBT

Audio-Technica’s affordable wireless headphones have consistently offered solid performance that would make a great gift, even with the lack of noise cancellation. The company’s latest are the M20xBT, a Bluetooth version of the A-T’s popular M20x wired cans. A comfy fit and up to 60 hours of battery life will cost you just $79. Connect to multiple devices at once with Bluetooth multipoint connectivity and reliably control tunes with physical buttons. The design isn’t as refined as the company’s pricer models like the M50xBT2, but you get the bulk of what makes Audio-Technica’s cheaper options so good. — B.S.

Buy M20xBT at Amazon - $79

Sony LinkBuds S

Sony’s first set of LinkBuds were a unique open-wear concept, but they weren't for everyone. To expand the lineup with more universal appeal, the company debuted the LinkBuds S back in the spring. These earbuds may be tiny but they still offer active noise cancellation and the smaller size means they’re more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. That’s the entire point of the LinkBuds S as Sony built them to be worn all the time, although you can expect up to six hours of use with ANC enabled. Transparency mode makes this possible and features like Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control highlight the list of additional features. — B.S.

Buy LinkBuds S at Amazon - $198

Beats Fit Pro

If you're shopping for a set of workout earbuds this year, the best option is the Beats Fit Pro. These offer a lot of handy features from AirPods thanks to Apple's H1 chip. The overall size is smaller than a lot of earbuds, which leads to a comfy fit. Plus, the added wing helps keep them in place during physical activity. Punchy bass brings energy to cardio sessions but the low-end tone remains balanced, rather than overpowering, and six-hour battery life should be enough to get you through the bulk of the day. — B.S.

Buy Beats Fit Pro at Amazon - $200

JLab Go Air Pop

Thanks to JLab, you can give a decent set of true wireless earbuds as a stocking stuffer. For $20, the Go Air Pop covers most of the basics. Eight-hour battery life, on-board controls, EQ presets, IPX4 moisture protection and the ability to use just one earbud at a time are all on the features list. The Go Air Pop is smaller than its predecessor, the Go Air, and this model comes with a case that completely closes. What’s more, the company kept the integrated USB on the charging case, so you don’t have to worry about looking for a cable when you’re out of power. — B.S.

Buy JLab Go Air Pop at Amazon - $25

UE Wonderboom 3

If you’re shopping for a Bluetooth speaker this year, the UE Wonderboom 3 is an affordable, tiny option that still packs a punch. It’s adventure-proof thanks to an IP67 rating, audio quality is bright and an outdoor mode boosts treble and bass so sound can be heard over a greater distance. You can also easily pair two Wonderboom 3 units for stereo sound, which won’t cost you a fortune thanks to the low price. And with up to 14 hours of battery life, you should be able to keep the tunes going for a while. — B.S.

Buy Wonderboom 3 at Amazon - $100

Marshall Tufton

If someone on your list asked for a Bluetooth speaker but has a more refined audio taste, perhaps the Marshall Tufton will fit the bill. It’s pricey, but the investment gets you up to 20 hours of battery life and the option of a wired connection via 3.5mm aux jack. As is the case with all of the Marshall wares, the Tufton carries the look of the iconic guitar amps and this model has an audio quality that’s equal parts dynamic, warm and almost analog in its performance. On-board treble and bass knobs are also there to assist with any adjustments. — B.S.

Buy Tufton at Marshall - $450

Marshall Acton III

While portable Bluetooth speakers are great on-the-go, there are benefits to the set-it and forget-it options like Marshall’s Acton III wired model. It’s ideal for someone’s bedroom, living room or kitchen and offers 60-watts of power for just $280. Marshall’s classic amp-styled exterior looks great too, with its fabric grille and soft-touch exterior made up of 70-percent recycled materials. On top, you’ll find backlit physical controls so you can adjust settings in the dark and won’t always need a phone to control playback.

The Acton III delivers a rich and dynamic sound across a wider soundstage than previous models, with a bass response that’s also hefty for its size. On top of the sound quality, you get app support with EQ controls, OTA updates and a placement compensation feature to adjust for the acoustics in your space.

The overall build quality and sound makes it a gift anyone can appreciate, even as a stationary companion to a small portable speaker. There are two larger options as well, if you know someone who likes it loud. Either way, you’ll be a shoe-in for the party that will inevitably follow. – Jon Turi, Homepage Editor

Buy Acton III at Marshall - $280

High-res streaming subscriptions

Wireless white headphones on yellow pastel background.

If you’re unsure of what to give the music lover in your life this holiday season, why not allow them to give high-resolution streaming a shot. Several services offer the option of higher quality audio, but unfortunately not many of them allow you to gift a subscription. Instead, you’ll simply need to purchase a gift card that your recipient can apply to a high-res plan. Gift cards are available for Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, Tidal and others, although you may just need to buy a generic gift card for the company in cases like Amazon and Apple. I’d also suggest giving an App Store or Google Play gift card for someone to apply to a Nugs.net plan to unlock a vault of high-resolution live performances from Bruce Springsteen, Jack White, Pearl Jam, Dead & Company and more. — B.S.

Shop Apple Music gift cards Shop Amazon gift cards Shop Tidal gift cards

This wireless speaker concept is like a piece of portable sculptural art

Posted on 04/11/2022 by JC Torres

Speakers today have outgrown their humble origins as mere audio equipment. Whether they’re proudly standing beside your TV or are discretely sitting on your shelf or coffee table, speakers have grown to become a part of your room’s decor and ambiance, especially the newer breed of smart speakers. The majority of commercially mass-produced speakers, however, still adhere to common designs and simple forms, mostly revolving around cylinders and rectangles. Of course, there are also quite a number of notable speakers that look more like art pieces or decorative accessories rather than hi-tech audio gadgets. This wireless speaker concept design is clearly aiming for the latter class but tries to add a bit of portability to the formula, though that part is a little questionable.

Designer: Mohammod Sanaullah

Many of the speakers that are elegant and beautiful are also the ones that you’d prefer to keep at home. Sure, many of them might be wireless, making it trivial to move around the house, but their price and build might not make them ideal for outdoor use. On the other hand, the speakers that are designed to be really portable often come in designs that prioritize durability and ease of handling over aesthetics.

This wireless speaker concept tries to give the best of both worlds with a portable speaker that looks interesting enough to be considered decorative in any context. Instead of a typical bar or barrel shape, it takes the form of an arch, which is basically a long bar that is bent into a smooth curve. In addition to being a more visually interesting shape, it also helps direct audio in multiple directions, with speakers lining the outward-facing surface of the arch.

The speaker’s shape also makes it easy to carry without having to introduce handles that ruin the otherwise clean design. The arch itself is, in a way, the handle, and you can easily lift it up from its center to carry it. Save for a few inches on each end, the speaker is covered with the now typical fabric that most speakers have today. The textured surface gives it additional character, almost like rough concrete used for architectural arches. It also provides a bit more grip when carrying the speaker and holding its body.

Of course, this design is pretty much just theoretical, so its portability is still in question because of its relative size to most portable speakers. It at least challenges the status quo of portable speakers adhering to simple forms and shapes, as if they are only meant to be heard but never seen. These speakers might indeed have different priorities compared to speakers that stay at home, but it might only be a matter of time before they also become objects of aesthetic beauty as well.

The post This wireless speaker concept is like a piece of portable sculptural art first appeared on Yanko Design.

Bang & Olufsen brings its design DNA to the metaverse with its first NFTs

Posted on 02/11/2022 by JC Torres

Perhaps it was thanks to Mark Zuckerberg’s and Meta’s recent event that the Metaverse and its related but dissimilar buzzword Web 3.0 came back under the spotlight. After a long stretch of near silence, companies and brands are once again showing interest in this still ambiguous market, especially when it comes to controversial non-fungible tokens or NFTs. After all, NFTs that can sell for thousands of dollars apiece are perfect for limited edition collectibles that put the brand’s stake in future virtual worlds. Granted, most people still can’t make heads or tails of all these concepts, but there’s already a good number of collectors and believers that are willing to show their support with their money and other resources. It’s for this group of fans that Bang & Olufsen had decided to take the plunge into the world of Web 3 and the metaverse with an NFT collection designed to show off its creative chops more than its audio expertise.

Designer: Bang & Olufsen

Although the technologies and details swarming around NFTs are indeed complicated, the basic idea behind its pull is understandable from a human perspective. In essence, it is related to owning a unique and singular digital artifact, similar to the idea of physical property that can’t be cloned perfectly. In a digital world where it’s trivial to copy files and images, such a kind of ownership sounds radical and revolutionary. Of course, implementation has been far from perfect, leading to the rather contentious position of NFTs, especially among artists, designers, and other creatives.

That hasn’t stopped big brands from proving they can go with the flow and the times, and Bang & Olufsen’s “DNA Collection” NFTs are in the same vein. The company best known for its exquisite audio equipment has announced an upcoming collection of 1925 NFTs, a nod to the year the company was founded. Rather than just a simple NFT drop, as these events are usually called, B&O is putting a rather unique and fun twist that tries to share the spirit of creativity with its music-loving community.

The DNA collection revolves around some of its most elegant products, including the Beogram 4000 as well as the Beoplay A9 and Beolab 90 speakers. These have been distilled down to key parts like legs, frame, front cover, and back cover, which are then combined with a custom-made range of digital product materials. During the minting process, buyers will be able to get a random selection of products and product materials that will allow them to mix and match designs for a truly unique B&O product that they’ll be able to display in their future virtual home in the metaverse.

The DNA Collection is meant to showcase Bang & Olufsen’s design heritage over the decades, which is an admittedly surprising venture for the company. While the brand is definitely praised for its design chops, it is, at its heart, an audio company, something that won’t translate so smoothly to Web 3.0. NFTs are also still a divisive topic within the design community, especially because of their environmental repercussions. In that regard, B&O promises that it has chosen a blockchain that reduces its climate impact, even if that impact can still be quite significant.

The post Bang & Olufsen brings its design DNA to the metaverse with its first NFTs first appeared on Yanko Design.

These stone-like outdoor loudspeakers are perfect for gardens and poolsides

Posted on 26/10/2022 by JC Torres

You often play music indoors because the acoustics is often better inside enclosed spaces. You don’t need to pump up speakers to the max to be heard, and you don’t risk annoying neighbors with genres they might have no love for. Plus, most audio equipment like speakers aren’t exactly meant to stay outdoors for long, lest Mother Nature wreaks havoc on their sensitive electronics. Lately, however, it has been trendy to have outdoor gatherings to celebrate newfound freedom from home quarantines and restrictions, not to mention parties at pools that really get crowds wet and wild, especially during summer. Fortunately, there are indeed speakers designed not only to be heard outdoors but also to survive whatever weather may come, and Focal’s new set of speakers definitely looks the part of weather-beaten objects.

Designer: Focal

There are admittedly quite a number of speakers that can withstand a splash of water or some dust, but these aren’t meant to be left outside for long periods of time. Those that are designed to be more permanent outdoor fixtures do meet the durability requirement, but they also clearly stand out as alien parts of your garden or pool. That might be fine for some people, but others might prefer outdoor speakers with a bit more discretion in how they blend with their surroundings.

The new OD Stone 8 from Focal’s line of Littora 200 outdoor speakers easily fits the bill with its round, egg-like shape and its textured finishes that deceive your eyes into thinking they’re made of stone. These loudspeakers easily fit almost any outdoor motif, whether it’s a lush garden or a pool with concrete surroundings, which covers pretty much all poolsides. These speakers are also IP55 rated, which means they’ll survive both a rainstorm and an accidental jet of water from the pool.

The Littora 200 collection also includes the new OD Sub 12, a subwoofer that you can partially bury underground to mix with the rest of your garden. These also come shaped like giant mushrooms, so they will blend well with other plants, not to mention the boulder-like OD Stone 8. These two speakers complement each other not only in terms of acoustics but also in thematic appearance.

Of course, no one will probably mistake these speakers for real mushrooms and stones, especially given how geometrically perfect they look. It’s still a nice touch, though, to have audio equipment that is almost virtually invisible rather than standing out and becoming a visual distraction. And they aren’t all just about good looks, though that’s definitely one of their selling points. The speakers are also equipped with Focal’s Iris cone drivers, so you get the brand’s full audio expertise at your beck and call as well.

The post These stone-like outdoor loudspeakers are perfect for gardens and poolsides first appeared on Yanko Design.

Magnetic Levitating UFO Bluetooth Speaker

Posted on 20/10/2022 by Craziest Gadgets Jeff

This is for sure one of the coolest speakers we’ve seen. It’s literally floating. Or least the top half is. If you can bet the bottom part to float too, call us, we’ve got a proposal for ya, probably not that illegal. This Levitating Bluetooth Speaker uses the magical and mysterious power of magnets (how do they work?) to make the speaker float in mid-air. Meanwhile it can also spin around like an alien carousel full of little aliens riding cows around in a circle. Why do aliens like cows so much anyway?

So the speaker, yeah, the speaker connects to your phone or whatnot (probably your phone though) via bluetooth and pumps out that bassy bass with 5W audio drivers. Feel the earth move under your feet, because this speaker won’t feel the earth at all since it’s floating. There is a rechargeable battery in there since we’ve yet to develop anything better. Perhaps some actual aliens could help us out a bit on that front? Please? We’ll give you more cows.

This speaker looks pretty sleek, and has a modern look with it’s glowing light. It’s an instant party, just like aliens like to do. Party with cows. You can also just use the UFO top part on it’s own with the base, but what fun would that be?

Magnetic Levitating UFO Bluetooth Speaker

This ‘50s microphone-inspired portable lighting speaker is fabulous interplay of light and sound

Posted on 05/09/2022 by Gaurav Sood

There have been many stylish lamp and Bluetooth speaker combos designed with fashion and function on top of the mind. These options have either been spherical or bulky. To offer a device – inspired by the shape of a 1950’s microphone – designer Alessandro Pennese has come up with Mik – Lighting Speaker, which interplays with light and sound: elements that enliven the environment!

Mik is modeled after the microphones from the ‘50s but it changes the function. The Lighting Speaker is a light source in one half and a smart Bluetooth speaker in the other with a handle that offers it that microphone appearance. Capable of being used as a pendant lamp, travel lamp or table lamp – the speaker lamp supports voice control and manages impactful audio (however, the exact sound output possible is not specified). A smart candlelight speaker for modern dwellers, the Mik’s sleek profile renders it lightweight for effortless transition between hanging light and portable speaker for campsites.

Designer: Alessandro Pennese

A solution offering versatility in use, while saving space, the Mik – Lighting Speaker comes in two parts. Tapered in the middle, the upper part comprises a smart speaker and the lower section is an LED lamp that has a nice, mood-enhancing ambiance. The speaker shell is made from polypropylene, the lighting diffuser has a translucent polycarbonate casing and the lantern-style handle is made from steel. All the mentioned materials are made using injection molding for uniformity in the finish.

For precise control when in portable mode, the Mik features dedicated buttons for power, Bluetooth, and light intensity adjustment on the top of the speaker section. The two parts of the Lighting Speaker are assembled by mechanical interlocks. This allows the light and speaker to be connected or disconnected by simple rotation, making the device easier to service and repair. The music playing light source is certainly a concept begging to see the light of day.

The post This ‘50s microphone-inspired portable lighting speaker is fabulous interplay of light and sound first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Bluetooth speaker and wireless charger is like a piece of sculptural art

Posted on 04/09/2022 by JC Torres

Wireless speakers have been on the rise in the past few years, especially with the mass exodus of headphone jacks from smartphones. Because of that, manufacturers have started playing with different designs, going from traditional boxes to cylinders to all sorts of shapes and forms. In many cases, like smart home speakers, these audio devices have taken on more artistic forms, functioning both as tech equipment as well as room decor. Some even hide in plain sight as picture frames or sculptures. This wireless speaker concept is cut from the same cloth, providing a beautiful art piece that is both a Bluetooth speaker you can carry around as well as a wireless charging pad for your devices.

Designer: Jong Han Lee

Most portable speakers come in rectangular or cylindrical forms. These, after all, are the easiest to produce and the most convenient to put in any location. Ever since their popularity exploded, however, designers have started to go beyond the norm and explore different styles and aesthetics. Some are inspired by nature, while others try to pay homage to art movements of the past. All of these with the goal of creating a product that isn’t just functional but also pleasing to look at in any space.

DROPS, as its name would imply, is inspired by the gentle ripples created when something small falls on a larger body of water, represented by the concentric circles in the center of the base. Just like how the water eventually settles down and returns to its calm state, the rest of the base outside the ripples is flat and smooth. Coincidentally, this part of the base also functions as a wireless charger, so you can easily put your phone or earbuds down on it while playing some music.

The actual speaker itself is actually the tetrahedron that stands upside down on its top, representing an object falling into a pond. Like many wireless speakers these days, it uses some fabric material to cover its surfaces. The only parts that remain uncovered are the playback buttons on top, and the curved tip below that acts as the wireless charging contact point for the base. This would also be where strong magnets are located that keep the speaker from toppling over.

Yes, the speaker can actually be removed from the base if that wasn’t yet evident. This allows DROPS to be used anywhere at any time, though charging outdoors could prove to be difficult when the battery runs out. The loop on top is specifically designed to be easily hooked onto a carabiner or strap. It’s no larger than most portable speakers, though its actual audio output can’t really be guaranteed. Then again, there are speakers of this size that can produce decent quality sound, so that might not be that big of a problem.

The DROPS speaker and wireless charger concept isn’t exactly mind-blowing or game-changing in terms of innovation, but its distinctive design will definitely make it an eye-catching piece in any room. The use of a flat circular bed to both represent water and serve as a wireless charger is definitely genius. Its very design and reference to water produce an almost calming effect, making it an excellent centerpiece when listening to some soothing and relaxing tunes.

The post This Bluetooth speaker and wireless charger is like a piece of sculptural art first appeared on Yanko Design.