If you’re a true blue audiophile, or you have a few true blue audiophiles in your life, then you know that all they need are a couple of awesome audio devices to set their mood. All they require is an arsenal of excellent audio devices to blast out some groovy music at their parties or to sing along to their favorite tunes alone in the comfort of their room. Whatever your musical need may be, it is integral to own clear, distortion-free, nifty, and interactive audio devices. And, we’ve curated a collection of unique and innovative audio designs to cater to people’s diverse range of diverse audio requirements. From an invisible turntable to a Nothing-inspired resurrected iPod – there’s an ideal audio device in here for everyone!
1. Nothing x AIAIAI Headphones
The Nothing x AIAIAI’s headphones is a conceptual design that displays how two company’s visions can be merged to create one beautiful and functional product. The headphones feature individual details as seen in the AirPods Max, but they also have the transparent flair and beauty of Nothing.
Why is it noteworthy?
The headphone concept is made up of modular parts that can be easily replaced and swapped out on the fly. They feature stunning transparent housing on the cans, on the ear stem, and on the ear cushions as well. This transparent cushioning on the headrest truly makes the headphones stand out.
What we like
- Equipped with slide-out cans, removable ear-cups, and detachable aux cable
What we dislike
- There are only two color options – the usual black and white. Since it is a conceptual design, would have been fun if they’d experimented with different colors
2. Black Wheel
Called the Black Wheel, this unique innovation is the latest version of the Wheel design by Miniot. It smartly hides the electronic and mechanical components beneath the record, which seats all the different parts within a thin circular body, which disappears, the second you put a record on.
Why is it noteworthy?
When the Black Wheel is placed upright, the illusion created by it becomes quite obvious. It has a minimalist charm that pulls you in, even if it is placed horizontally. The Black Wheel also has a unique control system, that is felt but not really seen.
What we like
- Features an incredibly thin and subtle body without compromising the audio quality
- Space-saving design, that doesn’t occupy too much space
What we dislike
- The Black Wheel has an old-fashioned charm which may not be preferred by those who like modern aesthetics and contemporary style
3. Wall Hanging CD Cover Player
Meet the Wall Hanging CD Cover Player – a minimalist CD player with an innovative retro design that offers you a distinguished listening experience combined with the beauty of visual art. You don’t need to hide away the CD jacket, you just need to slip it inside the specially-designed pocket, and put it on display!
Why is it noteworthy?
What makes the Wall Hanging CD Cover Player so unique, is that showcasing this CD player equates to physically displaying digital album art. It also lets you show off the fact that you have your own physical original CD!
What we like
- Portable design that you can carry around with you, which also boasts a 40mm full-range speaker and woofer unit
- Has a 1800mAh battery that provides 7-8 hours of excellent audio experience
What we dislike
- Only offers an analog style of listening to music, it does not facilitate syncing music or playlists with any digital medium
4. Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeaker
Meet the Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers – this portable battery-free iPhone speaker is an innovative and unique version of the typical no-power smartphone speaker. It is made using metal, and offers a product with enhanced functionality and value, unlike other typical speakers on the market.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Battery-free Amplifying iSpeakers are made using Duralumin – a type of aluminum alloy that is used in aviation and aerospace industries, as it has vibration-resistant properties. All you need to do is insert the smartphone into the speaker and let the sound completely envelop you.
What we like
- The speaker is electricity-free and doesn’t need any power
- Features a minimalist and unique aesthetic that is quite captivating to look at
What we dislike
- Will not fit with bulky smartphone cases
5. ERA
This retro-modern portable cassette tape player features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 3.5mm jack that can you plug into your headphones of choice. Called ERA, this unique device features a retro aesthetic with modern functionality, and it truly merges the best of both worlds.
Why is it noteworthy?
The ERA is equipped with a small display beside the physical play/pause and track change buttons. This display adds modern functionality to the device. But, on the other hand, the volume knob looks like the knobs from radio sets of the past.
What we like
- ERA can by synced to your smartphone via Bluetooth
- Merges modern functionality with old-school aesthetics
What we dislike
- It isn’t designed for users who have a bias towards the medium they’re currently consuming music on
6. Ultra Open Earbuds
Bose teamed up with Kith – a fashion and lifestyle brand to create the Ultra Open earbuds. The earbuds were launched at CES 2024, and they mark the integration of Ronnie Fieg, the founder of Kith with Bose – where he will be responsible for merging fashion, culture, and sound to create interesting products.
Why is it noteworthy?
The earbuds are open-style, and they feature a distinctive design amped by a clip-on configuration which is not at all intrusive if you put on glasses or sport sunglasses on a hot day. The buds are cuff-shaped and can be easily hooked onto the outer ear for all-day-long comfort wear.
What we like
- Has an easy on-and-off fit for active individuals
- Designed to be a “breakthrough audio wearable” for enjoying music while “still hearing the world around you.”
What we dislike
- Technical specifications are limited at the moment
7. Urbanista Second Gen Headphones & Earbuds
Urbanista has launched the second edition of their Los Angeles headphones, and Phoenix TWS earbuds. Both the audio designs are currently in production and are expected to be launched in mid-2024. And what’s even better is that they are going to cost slightly less than their first-generation variants.
Why is it noteworthy?
The devices absorb natural sunlight, as well as light from artificial sources to charge the battery. The amount they are charged depends on the intensity and duration of exposure to light. But if exposed to a good share of sunlight, they can offer a week of non-stop listening.
What we like
- Feature better-designed components for improved efficiency so they can stay charged for longer
What we dislike
- They are still in production, so we are unsure how the actual products will turn out to be
8. Nothing Npod (1)
Named the Nothing Npod (1), this resurrected iPod by Shreyansh Onial and Aditya Pandharpure is designed as a tribute to Apple’s iconic iPod Shuffle and Nothing’s signature transparent aesthetic and glyph interaction. The design signifies how Nothing could transform the music industry by employing tech and nostalgia.
Why is it noteworthy?
It features a signature control panel on the front, as well as a matching circular glyph interface on the back, truly functioning as a fan-made reinterpretation of the iPod Shuffle. It also has a wireless charging coil on the back, as well as a USB-C charger on the bottom.
What we like
- The concept perfectly merges the design language of Apple and Nothing, to build an innovative audio device
What we dislike
- Lacks a pocket clip that you could attach to your clothes for easy use and control
9. CD Jacket Player
Meet the CD Jacket Player – a new minimalist CD player that merges functionality with visual appeal, creating an innovative product that provides users the freedom to listen to and enjoy their CDs anytime anywhere. It is a true blue portable design, that gives you access to your favorite tunes wherever you are.
Why is it noteworthy?
The CD Jacket Player serves as a minimalist piece of art, which looks like a picture frame or an oversized Polaroid photo owing to its boxy shape. It also features a transparent middle section. The transparent component unveils the CD’s spinning body, which is an excellent spot to place the CD’s cover jacket.
What we like
- Besides being a CD player, it also functions as a decorative element
- Portable and easy-to-carry design
What we dislike
10. The Earbugs
Called the Earbugs, this innovative audio accessory offers a unique audio experience, where the goodness of in-ear sound isolation of wireless earbuds is combined with the abilities of bone conduction technology to create a comfy and excellent listening experience for users.
Why is it noteworthy?
Bone conduction teams up with the earbuds’ dynamic drivers to form a 3D soundscape that offers a never-before audio delivery. The earbuds are ergonomically shaped are excellent for fitness and outdoor enthusiasts, and have a decent water-resistant rating.
What we like
- Equipped with bone conducting technology, offering superior transparency mode
What we dislike
- The Earbugs aren’t great for bedtime listening, as they don’t seem comfortable to use while lying on your side or sleeping
