Speakers have long been a compromise between function and form. They need to sound good, but they also take up space, often standing out as clunky, boxy contraptions in an otherwise well-designed room. This speaker, however, rewrites that equation entirely. Instead of a traditional box with drivers and grilles, it transforms its entire front surface into a vibrating diaphragm, producing sound in a way that feels almost magical. The result? A speaker that’s not just slim—it’s practically a piece of art.

The illusion that the DIYR speaker creates is that at first glance, you wouldn’t even guess it’s a speaker. Its ultra-thin profile makes it look more like a decorative panel or divider than an audio device, and that’s precisely the point. It can be propped against a wall, used to divide spaces, or simply be placed somewhere as an accent piece, all while filling the space with rich, immersive sound. The fact that it doesn’t rely on conventional speaker cones means it disperses audio more evenly, avoiding that directional, pinpointed effect most traditional speakers create. Instead of sound coming from one focused area, it radiates across the entire surface, creating an almost ethereal listening experience.

Designer: DIYR.DEV

You’d expect the DIYR speaker to come from a predominantly tech company, but their ethos is more around build-it-yourself decor and lifestyle tech. DIYR, also the company behind this innovation, is all about modular, easy-to-assemble products that encourage a hands-on approach. You won’t find an over-complicated mess of wires and screws here. Instead, it comes together intuitively, making the act of putting it together feel like part of the experience rather than a chore. That said, this isn’t just an exercise in aesthetic minimalism—it’s a serious piece of audio tech.

Underneath the sleek design, the speaker boasts high-quality engineering for optimal sound reproduction. Traditional speakers rely on cones that push air in a focused direction, but this one uses exciters attached to a flat panel, turning the entire surface into a sound source. The technology isn’t entirely new—flat-panel speakers have existed in various forms—but few have executed it with this level of refinement. The result is a sound profile that’s not just immersive but also uniquely diffused, almost as if the music is emanating from the air itself rather than a specific point in the room.

The speaker is powered by a 40W amplifier, ensuring strong, clear output despite its slim profile. The frequency response ranges from 40Hz to 20kHz, covering a full spectrum from deep bass to crisp highs. Unlike traditional speakers that rely on forward-facing drivers, this one disperses sound in a more even manner, making it ideal for both near-field listening and filling an entire room with audio.

Connectivity is as modern as the design itself. The DIYR Speaker supports Bluetooth 5.1 for seamless wireless streaming and also includes a 3.5mm auxiliary input for wired connections. Powering this device is a 7,200mAh rechargeable battery, giving it an impressive 10-hour playback time on a single charge. This means you can move it freely around your space without worrying about cables or power outlets, making it as versatile as it is stylish.

The DIYR Speaker arrives entirely flat-packed, so you get to put it together as a part of the experience. Just the act of assembly gives you a very clear understanding and appreciation of exactly how unique the thing is. I’ve covered tech for 10 years – I’ve never ‘assembled’ a speaker, so the idea of doing so with a flat-panel speaker isn’t just refreshing, it’s entirely new. The process isn’t difficult – The speaker’s panel is actually a 4mm-thick cardboard membrane (making it easy to source, budget-friendly, and recyclable) that you cut out. After that, you simply follow the guide and snap the exciters to the left and right sides of the panel, with the wires leading to the processor which mounts on a pole that holds the panel up.

You’re probably wondering whether a cardboard panel does a good job of producing music, and it’s something the DIYR folks point out too, researching a variety of materials before zeroing on the cardboard panel for its budget-friendliness as well as its ability to produce great sound. Plus, cardboard is easy to print on too, which means the DIYR speaker can come in a variety of gorgeous patterns, designs, gradients, and color variants, blending into your space seamlessly as haute decor.

This kind of innovation hints at a broader shift in product design—one where technology dissolves into living spaces rather than disrupting them. So for those tired of conventional speaker design, this is a glimpse into the future. A future where sound isn’t confined to a black box, but instead radiates from a surface as thin as a canvas. Where technology isn’t something you have to accommodate, but something that seamlessly integrates into your space. It’s rare to find a speaker that excites both audiophiles and design enthusiasts in equal measure, but this one does exactly that—without compromise.

The post This Ultra-Thin Speaker Disguises Itself as Decor—But Its Sound Will Surprise You first appeared on Yanko Design.

Although smartphone screens and cameras are evolving at a rapid rate, the audio experience often comes as an afterthought. Yes, you can indeed connect wireless earbuds these days, but not all of these offer the depth and power that audiophiles demand. Wired audio accessories sometimes still offer the best listening experience, but only if you have headphones actually capable of doing a decent job.

External DAC devices are a must for some more discerning listeners, but you probably won’t want a box dangling from your phone, no matter how small it is. Not unless said box actually looks appealing and eye-catching, like these DACs and headphone amplifiers that look like a blast from the past with their cassette tape design. Even better, these actually support modern features like Bluetooth, allowing almost anything to become a source of joy for music lovers.

Designer: FiiO

This isn’t FiiO’s first cassette-themed DAC, but it is definitely its most ambitious. Aimed at a younger, more fashionable, and more design-conscious audience, the Snowsky Retro Nano takes the nostalgia up a notch. The DACs more closely resemble the actual proportions of a cassette tape, including the section at the top that marks the location of the pressure pad, magnetic shield, and other components. The small CLD display even mimics the turning animation of the spools for a more authentic recreation.

Of course, this design is just icing on the cake of FiiO’s renowned expertise in DAC devices. What’s a bit interesting is that each Retro Nano comes with eight sound presets that transform the sound into something coming from a bygone era. Of course, you’re free to fine-tune the settings to your liking using the FiiO Control app. The DAC comes with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone jacks to cater to different tastes and requirements, and the 3.5mm jack supports in-line controls so you can even take voice calls with the Retro Nano connected.

Another detail that separates this nostalgia trip is its support for Bluetooth audio, so almost any device can benefit from its DAC capabilities. The device itself has three modes, including Bluetooth, Phone, and PC, making it effortless to switch between wired and wireless connections in a snap. Powering all these is a rechargeable 3.7V lithium battery that can be quickly swapped out with a fully charged one when it is completely drained.

Some might consider wired headphones an old technology, so it’s almost fitting that these DACs embrace a similarly dated design. That said, what’s old is new again, and cassette tape designs ironically bring a sense of novelty and fun to products these days. More importantly, the FiiO Snowsky Retro Nano Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifier actually encourages you to “glam up” the device with included stickers and a lanyard, creating an experience not just around music but self-expression as well.

The post FiiO Snowsky Retro Nano DAC mixes retro cassette aesthetic with modern features first appeared on Yanko Design.

Feeling overwhelmed with all the information flooding your way, whether they’re from meetings, clients, or news in general? Ever felt that there are now even fewer hours in a day for you to grasp, condense, and act on those work tasks, let alone the chores you need to do to keep your family healthy and happy? We could probably all use a virtual assistant, one that is always with us every step of the way, ready to take notes and give us a helping hand or voice to navigate the stormy landscape of today’s information-filled world.

That’s where the OSO AI Earbuds come in, revolutionizing conversations with the power of AI. Discrete, stylish, and powerful, this system offers crystal-clear audio and cutting-edge technology to cut through the noise and quickly get to the meet of meetings, presentations, and discussions. Reducing stress while staying ahead of the game with the perfect tool to take your productivity to new heights and stay on top of your tasks.

Designers: Sen Cai,  Bill Wang, Max Huang, Eric Xiao

Click Here to Buy Now: $149 $249 ($100 off). Hurry, only 11/335 left! Raised over $73,000.

Revolutionizing Audio Experience with Advanced Hardware

The OSO AI Earbuds redefine audio excellence with their next-generation hardware. Designed for comfort, the semi-in-ear design ensures a secure fit, preventing discomfort even during long hours of use. Whether in meetings or enjoying music, these earbuds are crafted for all-day wear. The 12.6mm dynamic driver delivers powerful sound performance, providing enhanced bass and rich audio depth, immersing users in a captivating listening experience.

Smart audio tuning takes the listening experience to another level. With Bluetooth 5.2 and A2DP support, the earbuds adjust the EQ in real time, ensuring balanced audio and consistent bass performance. This feature guarantees optimal playback, making it a perfect companion for entrepreneurs who need reliable audio quality on the go. The OSO AI Earbuds are more than just a gadget; they are a gateway to superior sound.

Seamless Integration with AI-Powered Features

The OSO AI Earbuds are not just about sound; they are your personal AI assistant. The Personalized AI Voice Chat feature allows interaction with basic AI like Siri and Google Assistant. Upgrade to the AI Premium Plan, and the earbuds tap into your recorded conversations, offering personalized responses. Powered by ChatGPT-4o, the AI answers everything from complex topics to everyday queries, enhancing productivity.

The AI Cloud Service, powered by Laxis AI, further boosts productivity. It provides real-time transcription in over 40 languages, summarizing conversations with actionable insights. The virtual assistant can even join meetings on your behalf when schedules clash. Additionally, the AI Writer, backed by Anthropic and OpenAI, transforms conversation notes into emails, social media posts, or newsletters with ease.

Unified Meeting Hub for Effortless Management

Centralizing your communications, the OSO Cloud acts as a unified platform for all conversations. It effortlessly transcribes and summarizes meetings, phone calls, and media playback, storing everything securely. This feature transforms how entrepreneurs manage information, allowing easy access and management of all interactions. Build your personal intelligence vault and streamline your workflow with this innovative hub.

Recording capabilities are extensive, capturing conversations across various scenarios. From Zoom meetings to podcasts, every interaction is recorded and transcribed through the earbuds. This ensures that no detail is missed, providing a comprehensive record of all communications. The OSO AI Earbuds are indispensable for business professionals who need to stay organized and informed.

Next Generation Smart Case for Unmatched Convenience

The smart charging POD enhances the OSO AI Earbuds’ functionality, offering more than just charging. With a smart screen, users can control music, adjust EQ settings, and record effortlessly. The impressive 250% longer battery life ensures that the earbuds are ready for extended use, providing unmatched convenience and performance. It even has a cute, animated face to give your AI assistant a friendly personality!

Built for endurance, the earbuds offer up to 6 hours of continuous playback or 3 hours of talk time on a single charge. The smart case extends this to a total of 21 hours of playback or 10.5 hours of talk time. This ensures that entrepreneurs remain connected and productive throughout the day, without the worry of running out of power.

Transforming the Way We Work and Communicate

The OSO AI Earbuds are a revolutionary tool for modern business professionals. Combining advanced audio hardware with powerful AI features, they transform how we work and communicate. From recording and transcribing meetings to providing personalized AI interactions, these earbuds are an essential accessory for anyone looking to enhance productivity and efficiency. Whether you’re managing multiple tasks or seeking a seamless audio experience, the OSO AI Earbuds are designed to meet the demands of busy entrepreneurs.

With the barrage of information assaulting us from all sides today, there has never been a better time to invest in an advanced tool that will help give us peace of mind. In addition to the OSO AI Earbuds themselves, this limited-time Kickstarter period includes a special $99 price for the first year of the OSO Premium AI Plan, a sweet 48% discount. Embrace the future of audio technology and personal AI assistance with the OSO AI Earbuds, where every interaction is optimized for success.

Click Here to Buy Now: $149 $249 ($100 off). Hurry, only 11/335 left! Raised over $73,000.

The post Boost Productivity with OSO AI Earbuds: Your Ultimate Personal AI Assistant first appeared on Yanko Design.

There can be many sources of stress in our lives, and one of the more unavoidable ones sometimes comes from our neighbors. Those living in apartment complexes have had the unfortunate experience of having to bear with rowdy children, rumbling washing machines, and other sources of noise coming from units above them without any recourse. Unfortunately, we can’t always cover our ears either, as that brings up a whole different set of problems of their own.

We’re often treated to futuristic or magical solutions that can seemingly mute undesirable sounds at will, but we actually do have some of that technology available today. With a little imagination and forward-thinking design, the active noise cancellation technologies used in headphones and microphones could potentially be employed to also cancel out the noise in our homes, as this bat-shaped device concept tries to demonstrate.

Designer: blender KIM

Bats are quite known for their use of sound and echo to navigate their way through a dark world, which seems to be a fitting motif for a speaker whose function is to actually echo sound rather than simply produce it. In its inactive state, the batty speaker looks like a bat hanging from the ceiling of a cave, its wings wrapped around its body and its digital eyes closed like slits. With a warm, muted color scheme, they’re supposed to blend well with most interior motifs and look a little less distracting.

Whether or not you’ll find it disturbing to have these cylindrical objects hanging from your ceiling is a different question entirely, but they do make for a curious sight. That’s especially true when its lower body tilts down, making it look like a bat in mid-flight.

Of course, a visually striking speaker won’t simply make the noise go away, and the batty concept design proposes the use of a special kind of ANC or active noise cancellation to pull off that feat. In essence, it would detect and analyze impact sound and airborne sound transmitted from the unit above through the slab of your ceiling and emit opposing phase waves in the direction of the noise, effectively canceling out the sound.

This is practically the same principle used in ANC in general, so it definitely has some scientific basis. The slight difference is that it also listens for the sounds produced by impacts such as heavy footsteps and machine vibrations, the most common sources of annoyance in these situations. In cases where batty speakers are too far apart, an auxiliary sensor can be installed in between them, acting like a cave stalagmite that assists bats in echolocation. Whether such a concept will actually be effective is something that only experimentation can truly tell.

The post Bat-shaped speaker concept reduces noise to keep you from going batty first appeared on Yanko Design.

This CD player has my heart because it combines the two tech trends I’m absolutely on board with – transparency and retro-revival. Meet the MusicFrame M1 – a CD player that turns albums into art. Designed to look like framed art, the M1 is, in fact, a gadget that plays compact discs. Sitting within the frame is a transparent enclosure that houses a CD player. The components are bare-bones, giving you a gorgeous look at the player’s internal architecture. Place a CD in and the CD’s album art becomes the frame’s art.

It’s a strategy that the folks at CoolGeek know too well, having made a similar Vinyl player in the past that held the vinyl disc vertically for everyone to admire. Now that the vinyl resurgence is complete, CoolGeek’s moving to the next format of disc-based audio – the humble CD. For those of us who still remember untangling headphones or curating the perfect mix CD, there’s something undeniably sentimental about reviving these shiny discs. If you’ve got them buried somewhere in a drawer or a closet, this $99 player might just be the best way to play/display them!

Designer: CoolGeek

Click Here to Buy Now: $99 $179 ($80 off) Hurry! Only 160 of 500 units left

The CoolGeek MusicFrame M1 isn’t your dad’s bulky stereo system or even your old Discman. This stunning device reimagines the CD player as a floating frame that elevates both form and function. Designed with high-transparency acrylic, the MusicFrame is all about showcasing the CD as a visual and auditory centerpiece. When a disc spins inside the frame, it transforms into a dynamic piece of art, with its album artwork taking on a gallery-like presence. Spotify wishes it looked this cool…

What’s striking about the MusicFrame M1 is how it balances modern minimalism with vintage flair. Its clean geometric design looks at home in any space, whether mounted on a wall or perched elegantly on a table. The rotating disc sits perfectly in the center of the frame, with the player’s components behind it. a remote controls playback, and a seven-segment display on top gives you player information like song-length, track number, and player mode.

The CoolGeek MusicFrame M1 offers versatile playback modes to suit both modern and retro setups. While it’s primarily a CD player, it supports Bluetooth 5.0 and a 3.5mm aux input, making it compatible with wireless speakers and traditional audio systems alike. It doesn’t have built-in speakers, which emphasizes its role as a high-design accessory meant to integrate with your favorite sound setup. It also harks back to the Discman days when most disc players came with an aux cable and an understanding that you’d use your favorite wired headphones. For audiophiles, the MusicFrame is compatible with CD-DA, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, and WMA formats, offering plenty of flexibility for revisiting music collections over the years.

Adding to its practicality is the inclusion of a remote control, letting you adjust volume, switch tracks, or change playback modes with ease. The player sports a built-in lithium battery (3.7V/2600mAh) ensuring it can run wirelessly, further adding to its versatility as both a functional and decorative piece. Measuring just 318 mm wide and 229 mm tall, the MusicFrame M1 just as easily sits on tabletop surfaces as it does hanging on walls. My only recommendation – choose a CD with gorgeous album art to add to the MusicFrame’s appeal – I hear Black Parade by My Chemical Romance is a great pick.

What makes the MusicFrame M1 truly special is how it taps into a collective longing for tangible connections in a digital world. Streaming platforms have given us the convenience of having the world’s music library at our fingertips, but they’ve stripped away the tactile joy of owning, holding, and displaying music. The M1 doesn’t just let you play a compact disc—it lets you celebrate it as an artifact of creativity and culture, bringing back the sheer nostalgia of the pre-MP3 era. Or heck, even the post-MP3 era when downloading dubious tracks on Limewire and burning them on CDs was a thing!

CoolGeek’s offering feels perfectly attuned to a broader design trend that values the fusion of art and technology. It’s not hard to see the parallels with brands like Nothing, whose transparent earbuds transform tech into something you admire aesthetically as much as you use functionally. Or Teenage Engineering, whose devices are as much about sparking nerdy joy as they are about performing well. The MusicFrame M1 belongs in that same category—a product that’s as much about the visual and emotional experience as it is about the sound.

The MusicFrame M1 starts at a mere $99, which is a pretty affordable price for the ultimate nostalgia trip. It makes for great wall or table art, or even the perfect gift for a millennial or a Gen-X kid. Heck, at that price it’s literally cheaper than Spotify’s yearly subscription! The MusicFrame comes in two colors – white or black, with global shipping starting in March 2025.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99 $179 ($80 off) Hurry! Only 160 of 500 units left

The post This $99 Transparent CD Player Frame Is the Ultimate Retro Tech Flex first appeared on Yanko Design.

Japanese multinational Korg is known for its musical instruments and recording equipment. It is now testing new waters with a collective of turntables that you and I can shy from, but musicians and creators would find difficult to neglect. Not necessarily noteworthy for their appearance, which is reminiscent of Vestax’s Handy Trax portable turntables, the new turntables from Korg are meant to simplify scratching for DJs, while the company’s Nutube vacuum tube integration in a separate model will give audiophiles a reason to tune in.

Korg announced the release of its three new portable turntables: Handytraxx Play for DJs, the premium Handytraxx Tube for awesome sound quality, and the flagship Handytraxx 1bit for digitalizing vinyl at the NAMM Show 2025. The global music and entertainment event was lit up by tunes from Korg’s turntables designed to give users the freedom to play or scratch records anywhere. Let’s delve a little deeper into what that is!

Designer: Korg

The Handytraxx Play is the entry-level turntable developed especially for DJs in the collection collaboration with Toshihide Nakama: former Vestax President and co-creator of the Handy Trax. Nakama passed away during the development of the Play in 2023, but the OG design ethics remain the basis of this model filled with Korg’s audio tech and incredible digital processing. The portable player runs on an AC adapter or six AA batteries, offering DJs the flexibility to take their music anywhere.

This is made possible with a built-in looper for live looping; low-pass and high-pass filters for a smooth transition; EQ filter with a low isolator; custom-designed tonearm to minimum needle skipping; and belt-driven motor for rotation correct, which together ensure, a casual player can play records on the go or a hardcore DJ can conduct reliable performance during events demanding scratch play. Korg has built-in Handytraxx Play with a 2.5W speaker so you can have nonstop parties even if external speakers are not connected.

The concept of record players is reviving in the surmounting consumption of audio on smartphones through earbuds; the $800 Handytraxx Tube steps up to embrace the trend and give serious music aficionados a reason to rethink their choice. Designed to bring enthusiasts closer to the timeless allure of analog records, the Handytraxx Tube with its portable battery-operated design, built-in stereo speakers, and Korg’s Nutube vacuum tube-powered phono amp offers unmatched warm sound.

The flagship model in the Handytraxx series from Korg is the Handytraxx 1bit which offers vinyl recording capability in amazing 5.6 MHz, 1-bit (DSD) format. This best-captured vinyl essence is delivered in 5.6 million samples per second, which is way above other competing formats, so the sound quality is unmatched. Whether you’re planning on digitalizing your vinyl collection for better, or want a turntable for casual playback, the 1bit is right there for an asking price of $1200. Korg hasn’t made an official date when these turntables will be released. But going by the anticipation, we are guessing summer release.

The post Korg rolls out a trio of turntables musicians and creators will find hard to neglect first appeared on Yanko Design.

The AirPods Max launched in 2020 – 5 years ago, and the only update we’ve seen in that time is a color-refresh and a shift to USB-C. Now sure, headphones aren’t the kind of devices that need replacing every 2-3 years the way you would with smartphones, but I really think it’s time for a Gen2 AirPods Max… because Apple’s come a long way since 2020.

In the past few years, Apple has made a push for the metaverse (or spatial computing as they say) but more notably, the company has also launched its own AI service, dubbed Apple Intelligence. Apple Intelligence lets you achieve a variety of tasks, outpacing Siri by large magnitudes in its ability to search for information, generate content, and even set up commands/tasks/schedules. It’s the kind of AI that the AirPods Max would benefit massively from – which is why Felix Schwamkrug decided to build it into his version of the Apple AirPods Max 2.

Designer: Felix Schwamkrug

The second iteration of the AirPods Max retains the same pebble-inspired can design, with a minimalist overall appearance. There are a few notable changes, though. For starters, the headphones sport the Apple logo on the earpieces, something Apple wouldn’t be caught dead doing. However, personally I think it looks nice. All of Apple’s flagship devices have the logo – the iPhone, MacBook, iMac, Mac Mini, iPad, so why not the AirPods Max. Sure, the smaller AirPods are too tiny to sport the logo, but hell, even the iPod Shuffle had the Apple logo on it, so why not the AirPods Max?

Other clear visual changes can be found in the headphone’s headband – which goes from the woven-style build to something more robust, sporting a hard outer plastic shell and a padded inner cushion. The previous AirPods Max were known to be on the heavier side due to their use of metal, so the plastic headband helps cut weight without cutting out on aesthetics.

The Gen2 headphones also ditch the rotating crown found on their predecessor for a two-part interface, comprising of a touchpad as well as a button. The touchpad lets you swipe up or down to increase volume or side by side to skip songs. Unlike the crown that can register accidental input, this recessed touchpad offers much more protection against accidentally brushing against a crown and having your music volume bumped up dramatically.

Beside the touchpad is the AirPods Max 2’s pièce de résistance – its Apple Intelligence button. Pressing this will trigger Apple’s internal AI assistant, allowing you to search for songs, set reminders, or probably even curate playlists based on your mood. It’s all pure speculation here, but imagine being able to hit a button on your headphones to set an alarm or a task, or even start a workout without needing to take your phone out of your pocket. Of course, the button serves other purposes too, like answering/rejecting calls or playing/pausing music.

The headphones are pretty perfect on the audio front (which is probably why Apple never updated them), although a few incremental upgrades are in order. For starters, many users noticed condensation inside the headphones after a few days of use – something Apple never really explained in detail. A few tweaks to the architecture should solve that problem. The headphones retain the 40mm drivers with the neodymium ring magnet motor, although the concept now boasts the use of the new H2 chip, which has its own NPU for handling Apple Intelligence tasks.

The AirPods Max 2 is clearly a concept, but it paints a much-needed picture of what version 2.0 of Apple’s flagship headphones should look like. Felix rendered the headphones in 3 colorways, although I personally could use a few more – maybe some reds, greens, and that gorgeous orange colorway that Apple announced last year!

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Speakers today come in all shapes and sizes, but the one thing they all still have in common is that they all have a fixed way of emitting sound, either in a single direction or in all directions. Yes, you can move a directional speaker to face somewhere else, but you can’t turn it into a 360-degree speaker or vice versa. It isn’t exactly a limitation of technology but more of a limitation of design, something that needs a bit more creative thinking to solve.

Fortunately, it’s not an impossible puzzle, as this concept design proves. Using a simple folding mechanism, this Bluetooth speaker turns from a pentagon-shaped barrel into a flat panel or anything in between, giving you the flexibility to use the speaker in a way that matches your lifestyle or your needs, instead of forcing yourself to adapt to the speaker’s unchanging design.

Designers: Andrew Lim, Anthony Saul Lopez (All Design Lab)

Think five gold bars all laid out side-by-side in a row, except they’re made of aluminum. That’s pretty much the unfolded appearance of the Pentatonic speaker concept, with all the drivers facing forward. The four outer panels actually house the speakers, a combination of regular drivers and bass, while the middle panel has the controls for volume and pairing with a Bluetooth audio source.

Although the panels are made of aluminum, they are all held together with a luxurious leather backing that contrasts with the metal in both texture and appearance. The material also gives the arrangement some flexibility, letting you roll the speaker up into a pentagon shape, with the speakers facing inward, or a rough star shape with the speakers facing outward. Or you can even have them alternate in a snake-like formation depending on where you need to direct the sound.

This flexibility is what gives the Pentatonic concept its appeal. You lay it all out with the speakers facing forward like a regular speaker, or spread the sound around like an omnidirectional speaker. You can even use it while it’s rolled up, with all the speakers facing inward. Not only does this mean that you can continue using the speaker even as you carry it around like a duffle bag, it also creates a sort of echo chamber that amplifies the sound.

As interesting as the design might be, there could be reasons why this design is difficult to implement in reality. The flexible backing, for example, might leave little room for wires connecting the different speakers. There might also be the question of durability, as wires tend to wear down faster when bent in this or that direction frequently. Still, it does touch on the subject of how speakers are designed today, demonstrating that there’s definitely still plenty of room for innovation.

The post Pentagon-shaped foldable speaker concept changes its form to adapt to your life first appeared on Yanko Design.

The original Minimoog, first sold in the 1970s, revolutionized the way music was made. Before it came along, synthesizers were massive, complicated beasts that stayed tethered to studios. The Minimoog was portable, easy to use, and brought electronic music into the hands of any musician who dared to experiment. Suddenly, prog-rock, funk, jazz, and disco had a whole new palette of sounds to play with, and the world of music hasn’t been the same since. This LEGO Minimoog pays tribute to that iconic machine.

LEGO builder Eliot Obrien took this legendary instrument and reimagined it on a 1:1 scale, complete with details that would make any synth enthusiast smile. Rotating knobs? Check. Pitch wheels? Of course. The keys? Fully pushable, naturally. And in an inspired touch, the rear control panel opens up to reveal the circuits inside, a nod to the heart of the original Minimoog’s magic.

Designer: Eliot Obrien

The process of assembling the set feels oddly poetic, like you’re channeling the spirit of an engineer designing the instrument for the first time. Each piece snaps into place with purpose, as if you’re connecting to the energy of Robert Moog (creator of the Moog synth) himself. You’re building a modular synth, what’s more modular than a LEGO brick, eh??

What’s wild is how much the Minimoog shaped music culture. Artists like Kraftwerk, Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder, and Herbie Hancock were pioneers in using its warm analog tones to push their creative boundaries. Even now, decades later, its sounds can be heard in genres as far-flung as EDM and hip-hop. This LEGO version somehow captures that impact—it feels alive, like a miniature monument to the synth’s enduring influence.

The LEGO recreation stays very true to its original. Aside from the fact that it’s a perfect 1:1 representation, every aspect of the LEGO Minimoog is interactive. Its deck flips up to reveal the circuitry at the back. The keys can be pushed, knobs turned, and mod/pitch wheels rotated. The synth comes in the perfect color combination too, capturing the wooden outer construction as well as every single component down to the screws and the capacitors in the back panel circuitry.

Obrien (who built this MOC or My Own Creation) hasn’t specified how many parts this build requires, but my guess is that given the wood paneling uses multiple layered bricks (and the circuitry at the back is exceptionally detailed), this build should easily average in the 2000+ brick mark. If you’re in that niche intersection of being a music nerd and a LEGO enthusiast, there’s no build that’s more apt than this brick-based Minimoog. It’s currently up on the LEGO Ideas website as a submission, and is accepting votes from the broader public. Almost near the halfway mark with 4,740 votes, the submission is well on its way to hitting the 10k vote mark, following which LEGO’s internal team just might turn it into a retail box set. If you’d like to see that happen, cast your vote on the LEGO Ideas website here!

The post LEGO Minimoog Synth sports a Gorgeous 1:1 Scale Design With Playable Keys and Rotating Knobs first appeared on Yanko Design.

Noise-canceling headphones have long been synonymous with premium pricing, where features like ANC are reserved for those willing to part with a significant chunk of their paycheck. But Belkin, a brand better known for practical chargers and laptop accessories, has decided to disrupt this norm. They’ve entered the audio scene with the Soundform Isolate, a pair of headphones that challenge the idea that quality must always come at a cost. We met Belkin at IFA where they showcased the Soundform Isolate – the company spoke about how entering a new industry as an established brand was difficult – so the best way to disrupt the space was to disrupt pricing.

Belkin has been a trusted name in tech accessories for years, but with the Soundform Isolate, they’re stepping into the competitive world of noise-canceling headphones. Priced at just $60, these headphones aim to provide the essentials of active noise cancellation (ANC) without the sticker shock of high-end models. What’s the catch? Well, there really isn’t one, given that Belkin’s primary aim is to establish its name in the audio space. The headphones are well-designed, work exactly as advertised, have an impressive battery, and a price tag that should really make you wonder why the hell Apple charges upwards of $400 for a pair of ANC headphones.

Designer: Belkin

Right away, the Soundform Isolate stands out for its clean, no-frills vibe. Offered in understated shades of sand or black, it folds up neatly—a traveler’s delight. The CloudCushion earcups, aptly named, feel like a soft retreat for your ears, especially if you’ve endured stiff or uncomfortable headsets in the past. Comfort here is an integral part of the design DNA, making long hours of wear remarkably pleasant.

Battery life? Let’s just say it goes the distance. Flip on ANC, and you’re set for 40 hours—ample time for marathon workdays or that endless backlog of podcasts. Turn off ANC, and the battery stretches to an astonishing 60 hours. That’s endurance that punches well above its price. A handy transparency mode is also in the mix, keeping you connected to your surroundings without fumbling to take the headphones off.

Whether you’re fielding work calls or jumping into a Netflix binge, it’s all handled with ease thanks to Bluetooth 5.4, which ensuring smooth pairing and Multipoint letting you toggle between two devices seamlessly. Controls include a smart balance of touch gestures and good old physical buttons, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best.

For those who still enjoy the occasional wired experience, the Soundform Isolate has a few tricks (or wires) up its sleeve. It ships with both a USB-C to USB-C cable for digital audio and charging, and a trusty 3.5mm analog cable. If that wasn’t enough of a pleasant surprise for a $60 headphone, the device also comes with a built-in relaxation track of ocean waves. It’s an unexpected but delightful feature, perfect for a quick mental escape in the middle of a chaotic day.

With the Soundform Isolate, it’s clear that Belkin’s goal was to strike a balance between affordability and functionality. These headphones won’t wow hardcore audiophiles, but that’s not the point. Instead, they provide a straightforward, comfortable, and feature-rich experience that caters to everyday users. Whether you’re diving into your favorite playlist, catching up on podcasts, or simply enjoying some peace and quiet, the Soundform Isolate delivers a solid performance without overcomplicating things. And at the same price as an Uber to the airport, this headphone is definitely a no-nonsense recommendation.

The post Buying your first ANC Headphones? The $60 Belkin Soundform Isolate is the Perfect Entry-point Pick first appeared on Yanko Design.