Kodak, as we all know, has a very peculiar visual style. They value results over aesthetics. It began with a simple box camera with a 100-exposure roll of film. And now, the newest proposal for a new Kodak Bluetooth speaker concept is designed for audio enjoyment rather than visual pleasure as a new product lineup after Kodak’s corporate expansion.

Designer: Hyunjun Yu

The field of audio technology is continually developing, bringing us chic and new products that improve our listening experience. The Kodak C400R Bluetooth Speaker combines the appeal of retro design with the practicality of contemporary wireless technology. With its retro-inspired design and advanced audio capabilities, this speaker not only delivers high-quality sound but also adds a touch of nostalgia to any space.

The Kodak C400R Bluetooth Speaker honors the classic aesthetics of old-school audio gear. Inspired by archival film cameras, this speaker’s slim, minimal, and portable design makes it look like a vintage camera. A genuine vintage feel is produced by retro-inspired elements, including textured fabric, metallic highlights, and the Kodak branding. The speaker becomes a focal point that delivers excellent music and gives any space a nostalgic and upscale feel.

The minimalism of the design seems to follow the principles of Dieter Rams, who truly believes in the concept of ‘less is more.’ This design has a minimum variety of tangible elements which aligns with their tagline; you press the button, and we do the rest. The speaker only has two buttons for UI requiring minimum user intervention. Just press the button and get quality audio feedback.

It is a perfect fit for people who focus on quality and functionality over the aesthetic value of products. With its cutting-edge audio components, it reproduces sound in a clear and balanced manner. The speaker can nonetheless create deep bass, clear highs, and finely detailed midrange tones, resulting in an immersive listening experience despite its small size. The Kodak C400R Bluetooth Speaker provides excellent sound quality whether you’re listening to music, viewing a movie, or participating in a conference call.

The Kodak C400R Bluetooth Speaker uses contemporary wireless technologies despite its retro look. It effortlessly links with smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices using Bluetooth connectivity, enabling a hassle-free wireless music experience. Because of the speaker’s wireless range, you can walk around and fully enjoy the sound of your favorite music or podcasts without being tied to your device. The speaker comes with two rechargeable batteries and a charger, so you always have one charged to use, and your speaker never runs out of charge, just like a camera.

The Kodak C400R Bluetooth Speaker skillfully integrates contemporary wireless technologies with retro looks. This speaker offers a distinctive audio experience that mixes nostalgia with portability with its retro-inspired design, cutting-edge audio capabilities, and portability. The Kodak C400R Bluetooth Speaker is a tribute to the ongoing attraction of both classic appeal and cutting-edge audio technology, whether you’re a fan of vintage aesthetics, a music fanatic, or simply appreciate the fusion of classic design with modern functionality.

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Nothing Phone 2 is just around the corner and Carl Pie is pinning down targets with maximum conviction. So, what’s going to be the next prime target in his crosshair? Over-the-ear headphones sound like the next big untapped product to capture for now.

Since we are talking about a consumer-centric gadget, a wireless pair of headies looks like the most probable bet. Whether it’ll please purist audiophiles or not, still the market is huge to get a big chunk of the pie.

Designer: Yungwon Kang

If you already loved the head (1) wireless headphones concept, then there’s another one that’ll pique your interest. These pair of cans christened headset (1) are envisioned for high fidelity audio delivered right to the ears and come with a detachable amplifier to amp the quality on demand. No need for steeply-priced AMPs, DACs or high-fidelity cables – just attach this amplifier to the outside of the headphones nd the audio instantly sounds lively.

The exterior design and color theme look inspired by the AirPods Max, albeit the round-shaped cushions lend them a signature look. The see-through character is sensibly kept limited to the outer shell of the cans, suggesting they are not open-back headphones and provide good sound isolation for noisy environments.

Addition of the dedicated amplifier module promises bidirectional audio output for a life-like soundstage. Something that’s very close to what the audio creator intended to achieve and is replicated in the output of the headphones. All the amplifier controls are embedded on the surface, while the controls for ANC, volume and power lie on the sides of the cans.

Yungwon has chosen the signature white and black color options for the headphones. It’ll be interesting to see if Nothing draws inspiration from this concept design to create a pair of wireless headphones to take on the likes of Sony, Bose, Sennheiser and Apple.

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Although humans are primarily considered to be highly visual creatures, we have also become more acutely aware of the important role that sound plays in our lives. Ambient sounds make us aware of our surroundings, especially of potential dangers, while music can sometimes more easily affect our emotions and mental state than images. Sound quality can also make or break an immersive experience, whether you’re watching in a cinema or lounging at home. It no longer pays to compromise on the audio experience these days, especially at home, where people come to expect to enjoy their favorite tunes or lose themselves in captivating movies anytime they like. Fortunately, KEF has drawn on 60 years of acoustic innovation to bring together immersive high-fidelity audio with the convenience of digital streaming in a package that looks stylish and elegant in any space.

Designers: Michael Young and KEF Product Design Team

There are plenty of audio solutions for the home these days, but it seems that most products force buyers to make some sacrifices just to get one or more features. High-end speakers, for example, have laudable audio output, but their bulky forms leave a lot to be desired when it comes to visual appeal. Conversely, more luxurious-looking equipment tends to skimp on performance in order to spend more resources on aesthetics. Fortunately, KEF’s decades of experience have allowed it to design speakers that deliver on those much-wanted features without compromise.

The KEF LS50 Wireless II, for example, comes in a more conventional cabinet design for the best acoustic performance, but its smooth curves and stylish finishes give it a classy appearance that looks beautiful in any interior motif. Of course, it isn’t all looks with its high-quality loudspeaker and support for a variety of music services, making it the ultimate all-in-one speaker system for all your listening needs.

Click Here to Buy Now: $2,799.99

The tall KEF LS60 Wireless, on the other hand, represents the brand’s ultimate vision for HiFi audio experiences. Its slim body, designed in collaboration with Michael Young, stands proudly anywhere you put it in a room, while its crystal-clear audio quality, up to 24bit/384kHz, makes its presence heard and felt. Its striking design definitely makes it a conversation starter and makes you the envy of the town.

Click Here to Buy Now: $6,999.99

Small doesn’t have to be terrible, at least not in a bad way, as proven by the KEF LSX II. Its compact size belies its surprising performance, supporting high-quality streaming up to 24bit/384kHz that will definitely be the life of any party or movie night, especially when paired with other wireless speakers in the house. Its small yet stylish body makes it ideal for placing anywhere, though you will most likely place it where it can easily grab attention by the way it looks and sounds.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1,399.99

With the KEF Wireless HiFi Speaker Collection, you no longer need to decide between performance and appearance. Whether it’s the dashing LS50 Wireless II, the tall LS60 Wireless, or the fun LSX II, you’re guaranteed to have an immersive audio experience that will touch your soul and bring life to any gathering.

Click Here to Learn More about the KEF Wireless HiFi Speaker Collection.

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Why just listen to music when you can do much more? The Fender RIFF looks like your average Bluetooth speaker, letting you play your favorite tunes wirelessly… but flip it around and plug your electric guitar in, and the RIFF lets you quite literally riff on your favorite songs, playing supplemental chords, adding your own bassline, or improvising a killer lead. The speaker has a 60W output that packs an absolute punch, and a whopping 30 hours of battery power, letting you jam all night till the sun rises.

Designer: Ponti Design Studio for Fender

The Fender RIFF has all the hallmarks of a great Bluetooth speaker, but given its parent brand, it also packs an absolute bunch of features for guitarists and musicians. Stylistically, it deviates from the classic guitar amp aesthetic and opts for something a little more subtly contemporary, but the all-black squarish design with the Fender logo front and center still feels reminiscent of a guitar amp. On top, however, instead of those famed metal-tipped knobs, lies a ridged touch-sensitive wooden panel. With three grooves to slide your finger in, the touch panel lets you increase or decrease the RIFF’s volume, as well as play around with its treble and bass levels.

While the RIFF is, at its core, a Bluetooth speaker, it also supports guitar amplification, allowing you to hook your electric guitar to it for a quick jam session. You can either play solo or alongside music playing wirelessly through your phone for a much more interesting jamming experience. Touch-sensitive controls on the front of the wood panel let you do basic things like play/pause music, connect/disconnect Bluetooth devices, while the wooden panel gives you broad EQ settings, letting you fine-tune the bass and treble for just the right sound you need. Moreover, Fender also offers an Auto-EQ Room Tuning feature via the free downloadable Fender® RIFF app.

A built-in fabric handle lets you carry your RIFF around with you wherever you go.

As far as output goes, the RIFF doesn’t pull its punches. The $469.99 speaker packs a whopping 60 watts of sonic bliss, with 6 custom-tuned audio drivers, including 2 woofers, 2 bass radiators, and 2 tweeters to cover the full spectrum range. You’ve got Bluetooth 5.2 built-in for a reliable connection, and a battery that lasts a whopping 30 hours before it needs charging via the USB-C port at the back. Finally, the RIFF is also built for the outdoors, with an IP54 dust and splash-proof rating, and if you REALLY want to rock it up, the RIFF’s Party Mode lets you connect as many as 100 RIFF speakers together wirelessly… because if you aren’t bothering your neighbors, are you really a rock lover?!

The post Fender Unveils A Hybrid Bluetooth Speaker + Portable Amp That Lets You Jam To Your Favorite Tunes first appeared on Yanko Design.

At the PlayStation Showcase event, Sony announced a lot of new gaming titles, a streaming-only handheld, and towards the end of the event, a pair of TWS earbuds. These first-ever gaming wireless earbuds from the Japanese electronics giant are all set to increase the in-game immersion three-folds, be it on PC or PS5. Strangely, they somehow look inspired by the EVOLUTION 3D conceptual TWS Gaming Earbuds by Adam Shen that were mustered up a couple of years ago.

Already Sony dominates the premium wireless earbuds market with the WF-1000XM4, and the value-for-money LinkBuds S. Now with the PS5 earbuds Sony wants to create a niche offering for passionate gamers who desire immersive audio to hear every little detail for in-game tactical advantage.

Designer: Sony

The PlayStation earbuds will come with innovative wireless technology developed by SIE for superior lossless audio and low latency. The earbuds codenamed Project Nomad has been in development for some time now with industry leaks and renders giving the tech community a sneak peek of the design and hardware details. Although Sony has officially revealed the earbuds, they’ll only be up for grabs sometime during the holiday season.

They are understandably themed on the PS5 gaming console with the contoured white outer shell and bulb-like design to suit the ergonomics of the human ear better. Charging case for these audio accessories are also distinctly crafted with a cylindrical shape. Something like the Nothing Ear Stick, sans the twisting mechanism, as they open like a pouch.

From what is apparent, the buds have physical volume rocker buttons and a subdued light bar on the charging case indicating the remaining charge levels. Sony has also confirmed that they’ll “simultaneously connect to smartphones via Bluetooth” for audible strategic advantage in action games. Other than these visual details, everything is still under wraps — things like the details of ANC mode, audio drivers, or multipoint connectivity option.

If Sony can make them compatible with the PlayStation VR 2 headset, both will make for another compelling reason to own one. While they might not be positioned as premium as the upcoming WF-1000XM5’s, we expect them to be stashed between the Linkbuds S and the recently launched WF-C700N for budget buyers.

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Visually, the Nopia looks like quite a basic synth. No display unit, no labeling, basic construction, and just 12 keys… yet the synth’s launch video has over 2 million views since its debut last week, and the Nopia Instagram page has more than 17 thousand followers. If you’re wondering why, just give the video above a watch and you’ll realize what makes the Nopia so special.

Unlike any other MIDI synth I’ve seen before (and I’ve seen quite a few), the Nopia v1 isn’t as much a synth as it is a chord generator. This means that when you hit a key, instead of hearing an individual note, you’ll hear a pre-ordained chord that’s programmed to that note. Press another key and you get another chord within the same tonal scale. Buttons on the right side let you change your scale, but whenever you do, the synth keys never play notes… they only play chords, and they play chords within the same “tonal harmonic scale”. The result is fantastic to the ears, and opens up a myriad of possibilities for amateurs and professionals alike.

Designers: Martin Grieco & Rocío Gal

Playing chords are tricky. You need to learn which notes make up which chords, then you need to figure out where they’re located on a keyboard, and then struggle as your fingers work up their muscle memory as you switch between different chords. With the Nopia v1, it’s as easy as just pressing a button. Moreover, the Nopia v1 also lets you accompany your chords with bass notes, drums, and arpeggios by just pressing a button or flipping a switch.

The different buttons, knobs, switches, and sliders on the Nopia v1 help layer your chords with more complex elements. A bass option gives a punchy root bass note, while the arp option turns your chord into a dreamy chordscape of dancing notes. The Nopia v1 even has a built-in vocoder that lets you almost instantly turn your song into something very Daft Punk-like, helping modulate your voice along with the synthesizer to create something robotic yet melodic.

The synth works on the concept of “Tonal Harmony”, which maker Martin Grieco mentions that no other synthesizer on the market does. Tonal Harmony looks at chords related to a particular scale, and lets you play them instead of playing ‘any random chord’. It’s a lot like choosing your toppings for you, based on an ice cream flavor you pick. Choose a sorbet and your toppings get limited to fruits and syrups. Choose a chocolate or vanilla and you get options like oreo, mint, and choco chips. This ability to offer a select number of chords makes playing/ideating/jamming a whole lot easier and fool-proof.

The Nopia v1, built as a prototype by Martin Grieco and Rocío Gal, has an incredibly basic aesthetic. There’s no labeling, no branding, and really no display to tell you what you’re doing, what features are on, or what preset you’ve selected. The synth looks basic, almost to a fault, but it’s all by design. The reason it looks so bare is because it’s an audio playground for anyone to tinker with. I’m assuming Grieco and Gal will probably make a few tweaks to the overall design as time passes by, but for now, the Nopia is simple… and that’s just the way it should be.

So what’s the hype around Nopia v1?? Why does this simple-looking synth have millions of views online and upwards of 17 thousand followers on Instagram? To understand what makes the Nopia so special, it’s worth comparing it to ChatGPT. The reason ChatGPT became so popular is because it was intelligent, unique, and had the ability to turn practically anyone into a specialist by providing them with a vast amount of tailored information on any topic. Google Search could never do that. Nopia works sort of the same way. Instead of having you learn chords, harmonic scales, modes, synthesis techniques, etc., Nopia just invites you to press keys and play with controls. There’s no judgement, and there’s absolutely no way you’ll be able to play anything “wrong”. Everything you do sounds melodic, sort of like playing a harmonica, but with a whole lot of sonic complexity built in.

Makers Grieco and Gal just dropped this video announcing the Nopia a week back, and the response has been absolutely overwhelming. We’re still awaiting details on availability, interoperability, price, etc… so stay tuned for more!

The post 2.1 Million Views in 6 Days… What Made This MIDI Synth’s Launch Video SO Viral? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Renowned Danish luxury audio brand Bang & Olufsen has another captivating offering for enthusiasts and collectors that’ll be truly an object of desire. This is the Beosystem 72-23 Nordic Dawn edition – a meticulously crafted music system boasting cutting-edge technology with timeless design, showcasing the luxury brand’s long-standing commitment to delivering extraordinary audio experiences.

The Beosystem 72-23 Nordic Dawn is a tribute to the heritage and Scandinavian roots, drawing inspiration from the breathtaking Nordic landscapes. This is done with the use of a color palette reminiscent of the serene dawn skies and tranquil ocean waves. The design showcases a seamless fusion of sleek minimalism and elegant craftsmanship, making it a stunning addition to any modern interior.

Designer: Bang & Olufsen

At the heart of it is the revamped turntable, which serves as the centerpiece of the system. This iconic vinyl player is an embodiment of Bang & Olufsen’s dedication to delivering exceptional sound quality, with a precision-engineered aluminum platter and an advanced tonearm, ensuring optimal playback performance and audio fidelity.

The music system at its core designed for seamless connectivity and versatility. Offering various options for audio playback, including streaming services, vinyl records, and even analog radio. The Beosystem 72-23 Nordic Dawn version incorporates state-of-the-art technology, enabling wireless connectivity with other Bang & Olufsen products, allowing users to create a multi-room audio experience throughout their homes.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the elusive music system boasts premium materials and finishes. The polished aluminum accents and oak woodwork add a touch of sophistication to the system, elevating its visual appeal. Bang & Olufsen’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in this limited edition release, as the company has made efforts to ensure eco-friendly manufacturing practices.

Furthermore, this Beosystem offers intuitive and effortless control. Users can navigate through their music library and adjust settings with ease using the Bang & Olufsen app or the touch-sensitive control panel. The system also includes a dedicated remote control for a traditional and tactile user experience.

As with all Bang & Olufsen products, the Beosystem 72-23 Nordic Dawn Limited Edition delivers an unparalleled listening experience. Whether it’s the rich and warm tones of vinyl records or the immersive sound of streaming services, this music system delivers crystal-clear, detailed sound that envelops the listener. The integrated speakers are well-tuned to ensure a well-balanced audio delivery.

Limited to a select number of 100 units worldwide, the Beosystem 72-23 Nordic Dawn edition is a collector’s dream. Compared to the regular Beolab 28, this one costs almost four times with a price tag of  EUR 60,000 (approximately $64,700).

The post Limited Edition Bang & Olufsen Beosystem 72-23 Nordic Dawn is a mashup made in heaven for collectors first appeared on Yanko Design.

Beats Studio Buds debuted back in 2021 with a comfortable fit, good sound and everything else that left a lot to be desired. After staying in the rumor mill for quite some time now, Beats is officially out with a solid successor. Although they look quite like their big brother, Beats says that 95 percent of the internal components are new.

Working on the weak points of the Studio Buds, these refreshing earbuds come in a smoky transparent design. I can already see the obvious inspiration from the radical Nothing earbuds. As a complement, I absolutely love the translucent design of the Buds + as compared to the completely transparent Ear (2). There are Back and Ivory color options too of earbuds at the same price tag of $170.

Designer: Beats By Dre

There are small little increments in every aspect that make these earbuds worth the upgrade, apart from the luring transparent design that exposes the intricately crafted audio elements on both the buds and the case. The audio quality has improved with better drivers and the Dolby Atmos spatial audio works seamlessly for an immersive soundstage. For obvious reasons, the buds get a different microchip rather than the Apple silicon, compared to flagship Beats Fit Pro.

Active noise cancellation on Buds + is far better courtesy of the three times larger microphones that improve sensitivity, transparency mode and noise cancellation in noisy ambient environments. Battery life has also got a bump-up as the charging case gets 50 percent more juice at 18 hours of listening time in ANC mode and 27 hours in normal mode. The buds themselves have a 16 percent better battery rated for six hours of playback with ANC on and nine hours with it turned off. Fast charging is also a novelty here as five minutes of charging provides an hour of playback time.

Reworked venting system comprising three acoustic vents means a superior air release mechanism so that the wearer doesn’t feel uncomfortable during long hours of listening. This also helps in far better transducer movement for quality audio output as compared to the Studio Buds. IPX4 water resistance makes them well-suited for exercise or a brisk run in inclement weather conditions.

Beats Studio + buds come with four sets of soft eartips (XS, S, M & L) and a black USB-C cable. The latter in no way matches the translucent aesthetics of the whole package – Beats By Dre should have gone the extra step here to complete the look. That said, the Buds + are not a dupe for the flagship AiPods Pro, but for just $20 more than the Studio Buds they are a far better package one-on-one.

The post Translucent Beats Studio Buds + are here to rival Nothing Ear (2) but not AirPods Pro first appeared on Yanko Design.

Fairphone smartphones are known for their ability to last, easily repaired and being sustainable. Now the Dutch social enterprise is extending this very design philosophy for a pair of headphones that are easily repairable and save you from buying a new pair when you feel like the audio drivers have gone obsolete.

Strangely called the Fairbuds XL (remember these are headphones, not earbuds) these over-the-ear Bluetooth headphones boast modular aesthetics for replacing components like battery, earcups or audio drivers with utmost ease. If Fairphone must be believed, the headphones can be fixed using just a Philips head screwdriver which is a damn good prospect!

Designer: Fairphone

The modular design consists of 13 separate parts that include a pair of speakers, headphone battery, joystick control, flat cable, headband base, and all the cushions and covers that make up this audio accessory. So, the next time the manufacturer releases a new pair of improved speaker drivers, simply swap the old ones to extend your audiophile journey without breaking the bank. The same goes for the 500-charge cycle battery which can be replaced once it reaches the end of life.

On top of this, the foldable Fairbuds XL is made from 100 percent recycled aluminum, pure recycled tin solder, 80 percent recycled plastics and fair trade gold. Thus, making it the preferred option for music lovers who are considerate of their planet-conscious choices. The IP54-rated headphones weigh just 330 grams and are easy to store given their compact form factor.

The cans are loaded with 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver 20–20,000 Hz frequency response and have 32-ohm impedance. Active noise cancellation is also present courtesy of 2 microphones on the left and 4 on the right earcups. Fairbuds XL support Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity and when the juice runs out they can be connected via the USB-C or USB-C to 3.5 mm audio adapter.

Supported codecs include aptX HD (plus AAC and SBC) and multipoint connectivity is another feature that should keep buyers interested. 800mAh battery on the headphones should last around 26 hours with the ANC mode turned on and 30 hours if turned off. Fairphones has given fast charging a miss here, so they’ll be fully charged after a painstaking wait of 3 hours.

Given all the specifications, the Fairphone Fairbuds XL should deliver respectable sound and ANC performance. Can they compete with the likes of Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort 45 or Apple AirPods Max is still a consideration. Currently, they are up for purchase at a price tag of €249 in Europe and shortly in other parts of the globe too. Fairphone also plans to introduce replacement parts soon, so these headphones should be the next favorite for content creators and music lovers of course.

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Renowned British speaker manufacturer, Bowers & Wilkins, has been at the forefront of innovation and design in the audio industry. One of their most iconic creations is the Nautilus loudspeaker, which has captivated enthusiasts worldwide for good three decades now.

This year, as the Nautilus celebrates its 30th anniversary, B&W has introduced a version of the award-winning speaker with a stunning Abalone Pearl finish. Let’s dive into the world of the incredibly fashioned loudspeaker to discover the beauty and craftsmanship behind the remarkable Nautilus arriving in a mesmerizing new hue.

Designer: Bowers & Wilkins

Bowers & Wilkins founder John Bowers had a vision to create a loudspeaker that wouldn’t sound anything like an existing loudspeaker. Nautilus was an embodiment of that vision, which in its existence now is regarded as one of the most visually striking speakers on the market, and sound quality is uncompromising as well.

It’s easy to align with the fact that Nautilus’ unique design breaks away from the traditional speaker form factor yet provides an auditory experience unparalleled. To achieve exceptional sound quality, the loudspeaker was designed with a reverse-horn shape enclosure. This design style helps decrease unwanted sonic contributions and ensures accurate sound reproduction.

The 30th-anniversary edition of the Nautilus in a breathtaking Abalone Pearl makeover is not only symbolic of the traditional audio quality but the shimmering effect of the pearl finish, which adds a touch of elegance, makes this edition apart from the rest, within the company ranks or outside.

Crafting a Nautilus loudspeaker is an intricate process that requires time and precision with a great deal of detail. Each speaker shell takes an entire week to make, with an additional three days dedicated to the final polish. Reportedly, Bowers & Wilkins still adheres to the same hand-built manufacturing process used in the creation of the Nautilus 30 years ago. It is followed by the new colored Nautilus loudspeaker as well.

But if you’re interested, just hold your horses! The meticulous manufacturing process and limited production capacity make acquiring a pair of Nautilus speakers pretty challenging. The air of exclusivity and anticipation to the ownership is only possible if you’re willing to wait a year for delivery after shelling out close to $125,000 for the Abalone Pearl version of the Nautilus.

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