When on the course, you need to bring you’re A game forward, every little thing matters when you hit the golf ball with the club, as the devil lies in the details. An important part of the whole experience is being correctly aware of the course. This is where a GPS Golf speaker comes in handy, as many pro golfers and budding ones are investing in the idea.

The golfing accessory has many benefits, right from being on top of the opponent with real-time yardages, or listening to your favorite tunes to destress. Bushnell has long been providing golfers with smart accessories to improve their game, and now their new GPS Golf speaker promises more. The accessory is a Bluetooth speaker, GPS rangefinder, and a look into the future of golf electronics.

Designer: Bushnell

The new version of the Wingman Bluetooth speaker is an upgrade to the Wingman View, introduced in 2023. The new speaker comes with a 3.5-inch color touchscreen that provides detailed metrics of the course you are currently on. Dubbed Wingman HD, the Bluetooth speaker graduates from a monochromatic LCD display on the previous version. To give you accurate details about the current course, the speaker employs the built-in GPS for tracking your location. It has a pre-loaded database of over 38,000 courses around the world, which is great if you love to play at multiple locations. The accessory details about the front, middle and back yardages, as well as hazards and distances from the hole to keep you one step ahead of the opponents. You can either have the information displayed on the screen or listen to it via the speaker.

You can connect the device to the smartphone with their mobile app that adds more functionality like flyovers of the entire hole, or detailed scorekeeping. The new speaker has a semi-cylindrical design that’s flatter on the top section. On the inside, it has two 15-watt drivers and a passive radiator to give the low-end frequencies a thump. To make things easy, the IPX67-rated Wingman HD speaker has magnetic mounts to stick it to your golf cart. There’s a feature on this called Dynamic Audio Adjustment that auto-adjusts the volume to compensate for ambient noises.

Depending on your taste, the sound can be adjusted with the Indoor and Outdoor EQ. There’s an added feature that allows you to record custom messages like “well played,” or trigger pre-recorded custom sounds like crowd applause. The best bit about the Wingman HD is that up to 100 of them can be connected to play simultaneously, which creates an altogether different playing experience, something similar to a packed sports arena. Bushnell Wingman HD is available now for $200, which is the same price as its predecessor.

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It’s a shame that the AirPods only come in white. Or that drones only come in white or black. Or that the GoPro is only ever in black. We’re surrounded by color but somehow consumer tech giants only want to play it safe. Sure, releasing colored variants of GoPros means that people will select more of one color than another, causing logistical and supply issues that can only be solved by tonnes of market and trend research efforts… but hear me out. If we have colored smartphones, we can have colored gimbals, TWS earbuds, and mics. Røde is working on the latter, with its newly announced color-edition Wireless Micro professional-grade mic.

Røde’s color-edition mics mark a pretty unique shift in consumer tech, because these mics, worn by content creators, are truly a part of their outfit at this point. Having mics that are boring and black just doesn’t make emotional sense. It’s also why a lot of creators bejewel their mics, or attach them to random objects just to make them more unique and attention-grabbing.

Designer: Røde

“These vibrant new colors mark yet another milestone in the evolution of the world’s best-in-class microphone,” says Damien Wilson, CEO of Røde. “The Wireless Micro has always been about making professional audio accessible, and now creators can showcase both their signature sound and style with the same award-winning system. A wave of color is about to wash over the world of content creation – and Røde is at the crest.”

The Wireless Micro comes in 3 new colors, adding to the existing Black and White variants. This new announcement brings more vibrant colors like Red, Orange, and Blue to the mix, giving the mic a funky appeal, sort of the way KitchenAid and Vespa would bring character to their designs through splashes of colors. Feature for feature, however, these colored variants are absolutely identical to their achromatic counterparts. They come with USB-C connectivity for the receiver, an impressive 21 hour battery life, and built-in Røde features like the patent-pending acoustic chamber design and the GainAssist feature that helps capture clearly and at a consistent volume.

Røde’s tiniest mic, this particular gadget also scored the “Best Microphone of 2025” recommendation from Rolling Stone magazine and is even available in the lightning-port variant for older iPhone users. The mics can further be controlled via Røde’s free iOS or Android app, and for people looking to hook this to their DSLRs or video cameras, Røde also makes a camera receiver that the Wireless Micro can be plugged into.

The Wireless Micro’s available on Amazon for a reduced price of $97, although listings for the colored variants haven’t hit the store yet. Given that Røde just announced these colorways yesterday, we can probably expect online retailers to carry the new colored versions shortly. That being said, this is also an invitation to other companies like DJI, Hollyland, Sennheiser, and the likes to consider turning their tech into true fashion wearables. Watches have dazzling, fashionable straps, Meta partners with fashion brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley for their smart eyewear. The least we can do is ask our action cams, wireless mics, and other vlogging equipment to not be ‘boring’.

The post Why Do Only Smartphones Come In Colors? Røde Announces Colored Wireless Mics first appeared on Yanko Design.

Xiaomi keeps lifting pages from the Apple playbook, and frankly, I’m here for it. Their latest Sound 2 Max speaker dropped last week, and it’s perhaps the clearest distillation yet of the company’s design philosophy, channeling that peak Jony Ive era when Apple was still making products that looked like they belonged in MoMA. Remember when Ive was literally mirroring Dieter Rams’ work for Braun and nobody cared because the results were so damn good? Xiaomi’s doing the same thing here, and while western companies have mostly abandoned this aesthetic for fabric-wrapped nonsense and rounded plastic blobs, Xiaomi’s carrying the minimalist torch with zero apologies.

This thing is a statement piece in an era of forgettable speakers. The die-cast aluminum unibody, the perfect symmetry of those three circular drivers, the complete lack of unnecessary bullshit – it’s all there. Put it next to Rams’ Braun LE1 from 1960 and you’d swear they were related. Even the buttons on top are practically invisible. This is what happens when you follow Rams’ “less, but better” philosophy to its logical conclusion. No stupid fabric, no quirky colors, no meaningless design flourishes. Just pure function made beautiful.

Designer: Xiaomi

Inside that gorgeous shell sits actual serious hardware. Xiaomi packed in two 4-inch 30W woofers, a 4-inch 30W midrange driver, and a 1.5-inch 10W tweeter in an MTM layout. That’s 100 watts total with a frequency response from 47Hz to 22kHz and 101dB SPL. Translation? This thing will fill your living room with sound without breaking a sweat. I’d bet good money it sounds better at 60% volume than maxed out, like most well-engineered speakers.

On the connectivity front, you get Bluetooth 5.2, dual-band Wi-Fi 6, analog RCA, and USB-C. The big miss? No AirPlay or Google Cast. What the hell, Xiaomi? It’s 2025. But I’ll forgive that sin because this speaker costs $280 while looking better than B&O gear at three times the price. You can pair two for stereo or four for surround, though that gets expensive fast.

I love that they made the front panels swappable with magnetic wood, fabric, and metal options. Smart move. These speakers live in our homes, they’re furniture as much as tech, and Xiaomi gets that. The included metal stand and ambient light bar just seal the deal.

The voice assistant and smart home stuff is there if you want it. Super XiaoAi leverages AI for natural conversations, but unless you speak Mandarin, who cares? The Xiaomi Mesh 2.0 compatibility is more useful if you’ve bought into their ecosystem.

Will this make Apple fanboys switch teams? Absolutely not. But for design nerds who miss when tech products were allowed to look like actual designed objects instead of kindergarten crafts, the Sound 2 Max is the real deal. It’s a modern speaker that respects its design heritage while delivering killer specs. Minimalism isn’t dead after all. It just moved to Shenzhen.

The post Xiaomi Channels Dieter Rams, Proves They’re Still the Apple of the East first appeared on Yanko Design.

The world of audio technology is always evolving, with designers constantly searching for ways to blend aesthetics, innovation, and user experience. The ORRIS bud-inspired speaker concept, created by designer Yejun Jo, is a striking example of how nature’s beauty can inspire cutting-edge technology. While this speaker is only a concept design at the moment, it presents an exciting vision of what the future of home audio could look like.

Inspired by the gentle curves and organic forms found in flower buds, the ORRIS speaker stands out with its sculptural design. The concept aims to do more than just play music; it seeks to become a centerpiece in any room, adding an artistic touch to home decor. The flowing shape and elegant surface evoke a sense of calm and natural beauty, making the speaker as pleasing to look at as it is to listen to.

Designer Name: Yejun Jo

One of the most innovative features of the ORRIS speaker concept is its 360 degree sound projection. Unlike traditional speakers that direct audio out of a single side, the ORRIS is designed to surround users with immersive sound from every angle. This creates a more expansive listening environment, allowing everyone in the room to enjoy rich, consistent audio quality no matter where they are sitting or standing.

The designer, Yejun Jo, has put special emphasis on the visual aspect of sound. The speaker’s sculptural beauty is intended to visualize the beauty of sound, offering not only high quality audio but also a rich visual experience. The smooth lines and organic form look almost like a piece of modern art, blurring the lines between functional technology and decorative sculpture.

While the ORRIS speaker remains a concept design, it highlights the potential for future products to merge design and technology in new ways. Many music lovers and design enthusiasts are drawn to products that enhance their living spaces, and the ORRIS concept is a perfect example of this trend. Its unique approach could inspire future speakers that prioritize both form and function, delivering audio experiences that are as beautiful to see as they are to hear.

The ORRIS bud-inspired speaker concept by Yejun Jo is a celebration of nature, sound, and art. With its 360 degree audio, striking design, and focus on user experience, it offers a glimpse into a future where technology and nature-inspired beauty coexist seamlessly. Although it is not yet available for purchase, this concept has already captured the imagination of design lovers around the world and could influence the next generation of home audio devices.

The post Nature meets sound in 360 degree experience with bud-inspired speaker concept first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ricoh is known for its office hardware solutions and the intricate timepieces it made for three decades. They crafted their own movements, including the R31 automatic, and there was a time they were considered right among the top watchmakers from Japan. The likes of Seiko, Citizen, and Orient, to be precise. Even though they have gone out of production, dupe models and old Ricoh watches, like quartz models, can be seen online.

Although we might not see any new Ricoh watches on the official production lines, venturing into a new product line is always an option. The consumer technology market is all buzzing with audio accessories, primarily headphones and earbuds. So, how about owning a pair of Ricoh headphones?

Designer: Aleksandr Shepelev

Sony, Sennheiser, Bose, Beyerdynamic, Apple, and Bower & Wilkins have been the market leaders in the audio market when it comes to headphones that combine design, immersive sound, and value-added features like ANC or AI-assisted functionality. For Ricoh to enter this highly competitive market, design is going to be the key factor. This headphone concept by Aleksandr reimagines Space Age Headphones inspired by the 1970s retro themes. Contrary to the current design language of headphones, which sticks to the contemporary look, the Ricoh headphones go for a bolder design and look.

The designer has created three variants of these on-ear headphones: one having a muted-down look, another with a vintage feel, and the third with a more peppy look. We are going to focus more on the rustic one that has a dirt texture on the headband and cushions. This one is inspired by the original Ricoh Space Age Headphones, having a pretty similar look and feel. Although no specifications have been mentioned by the designer, we presume them to have the latest codecs and respectable drivers to deliver good audio quality. ANC should also be there since on-ear headphones lack a bit in passive sound isolation compared to over-the-ear cans.

The ergonomic shape and the weight distribution of these headphones should make them ideal for long sessions. The other two options come with stainless steel accents and textile ear cushions, respectively. We would love to see such headphones on the market, given their refreshing yet vintage design.

The post Ricoh Space Age Headphones impress with a vintage rustic design first appeared on Yanko Design.

NODE Audio, based in Cambridge, UK, has introduced a striking new range that challenges the conventional idea of what a loudspeaker can be. The NODE ATOM series is not just about delivering exceptional sound; it’s about bringing sculptural beauty into the heart of the living space. Designed in collaboration with Studio17 Design, these loudspeakers are carefully crafted as objects of desire and performance.

The ATOM range debuts with two models: the ATOM 525 standmount, which comes with its own custom stand, and the larger ATOM 650 floorstander. Both models are built upon NODE’s patented Helical Transmission Line (HTL) technology. HTL is a unique internal architecture that directs the woofer’s energy through a central chamber and a precisely shaped helical path. This innovation enables these relatively compact speakers to deliver rich, extended bass that feels full and controlled, defying expectations set by their size.

Designer Name: Node Audio Research, Studio17 Design

What makes the ATOM series stand out is the introduction of MonoCell damping. This new lattice structure is created using advanced additive manufacturing, replacing traditional fibrous damping materials. MonoCell isn’t just for sound; it also serves as structural bracing, forming a monocoque shell of impressive strength. With this approach, the cabinet itself becomes almost resonance-free, allowing the music to emerge with remarkable clarity and purity.

The tactile experience is enhanced by the custom textile wrap that covers each loudspeaker. This is no ordinary fabric. Instead, it’s a multi-layered composition of felt, foam, and woven material that not only feels unique to the touch but also serves to control vibrations. The result is a speaker that looks and feels as refined as the sound it produces.

NODE ATOM speakers are visually distinctive. Their flowing, sculpted forms are free from sharp corners or flat surfaces, making them feel as much a piece of contemporary art as a piece of audio equipment. Each cabinet features structural elements machined from solid billet aluminum, then hand-polished to a flawless finish. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the shimmering surfaces to the seamless curves.

NODE Audio’s vision for the ATOM series is clear: to create a loudspeaker that is as emotionally compelling as it is technically advanced. Designed and made in the UK, the ATOM range will be available in January 2026, offered in a curated selection of finishes to complement any modern interior. Unveiled at the UK HiFi Show Live at Ascot, the ATOM series received strong praise from both the public and industry experts, signaling a new era where loudspeakers can be both functional and beautiful.

The post NODE ATOM loudspeakers blend art and audio for the modern home first appeared on Yanko Design.

I’ve seen plenty of DIY electronics projects that make you go “wtf, why” (this Bluetooth speaker in a walnut comes to mind) but this battery-to-Bluetooth-speaker conversion sits in a completely different category. Someone actually spent two weeks gutting a battery casing, drilling 60 precision sound holes, and cramming a full Bluetooth speaker setup inside what used to house alkaline cells. The kicker? It actually sounds good. Like, surprisingly good for something that began life as a Duracell knockoff with a pink bunny on the wrapper.

Before we get into the technical gymnastics here, let’s appreciate the sheer absurdity of the starting point. This maker didn’t just crack open the battery and start drilling. They built a makeshift fan out of a toy car motor, some blue electrical tape, and a propeller to safely drain the thing over three days. Three full days of waiting for a janky desk fan to suck the last electrons out of a battery so they could avoid turning their workspace into a lithium fire hazard. That’s either extreme patience or mild insanity, and honestly, I respect both.

Designer: Slivki Show

The disassembly process alone is wild. They started with thin drill bits, worked up to thicker ones, then had to break out a rotary tool with high carbon steel bits because apparently battery casings are tougher than anyone expects. There’s this moment where they wrap the whole thing in tape to catch metal fragments, put on a rubber glove like they’re defusing a bomb, and start yanking out the battery core with pliers. Then they’re scraping out the guts with a popsicle stick. A popsicle stick! The juxtaposition of power tools and wooden sticks is somehow perfect. After excavating all the alkaline nastiness inside, they cleaned everything with alcohol like they were prepping for surgery.

Here’s where it gets legitimately impressive though. The sound holes could’ve been a disaster. Their first attempt with a ruler looked terrible, so instead of accepting wonky holes, they 3D printed a custom drilling template with 60 perfectly aligned holes and reinforced guiding channels to lock the drill bit in place. One millimeter of drift would mean starting over, so they zip-tied and hot-glued this template down like their life depended on it. When it came off, those holes were lined up in perfect rows. That’s the kind of problem-solving that separates people who tinker from people who actually engineer solutions. You physically cannot achieve that precision by hand.

The electronics work is where most hobbyist projects die, but this one survived. Six dollar Bluetooth circuit board, tiny speaker, mini battery, push button, LEDs for power and charging indicators. Sounds simple until you’re trying to desolder 1mm LEDs with a soldering iron tip so massive you can barely see what you’re doing. They literally describe it as “nearly impossible to make out what was happening” with their naked eyes. Yet somehow those microscopic components got wired up without burning anything out. The layout planning involved printing a Photoshop design onto masking tape to create a sticky template for drilling button and port holes. That’s the kind of creative workflow hack you develop after years of building stuff and learning what actually works.

Final assembly required UV-curing glue (the dental filling type), a 3D-printed speaker sleeve, and strategic decisions about not permanently bonding everything so future repairs stay possible. The bottom cover snaps on like the original battery cap. Two weeks of work produced a Bluetooth speaker that fits in your palm and actually sounds good. The metal casing could’ve made it sound terrible, but the acoustics somehow worked out. Would I do this myself? Probably not. Do I respect the hell out of someone who spent 72 hours draining a battery with a homemade fan just to start this journey? Absolutely.

The post Someone Hollowed Out a Duracell Battery and Fit a Surprisingly Good Bluetooth Speaker Inside first appeared on Yanko Design.

The audio landscape continues to evolve in remarkable ways this October, with designers pushing creative boundaries between form and function everywhere. From transparent housings that celebrate internal engineering to modular systems addressing real-world safety concerns, these ten standout designs represent the most compelling audio products we’ve encountered this entire year. Each piece clearly demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform everyday listening experiences into something genuinely special and truly memorable today.

These selections showcase audio design’s expanding scope, which extends beyond traditional sound reproduction, incorporating health monitoring, accessibility features, and emergency preparedness into elegant solutions. The transparency trend reflects growing consumer desire to understand their technology rather than accepting mysterious black boxes. Whether through nostalgic analog rituals, cutting-edge AI integration, or inclusive accessibility features, each design addresses specific human needs while maintaining the aesthetic excellence that makes great products emotionally resonant and culturally significant.

1. Google Pixel Headphones Concept

Sidhant’s Pixel headphones concept masterfully translates the beloved Pixel Buds Pro aesthetic into over-ear territory. The signature pebble-shaped cans maintain Google’s design DNA while introducing sophisticated metal accents that elevate the overall composition. The Google monogram sits perfectly centered, creating instant brand recognition without overwhelming the minimalist approach that makes this concept so appealing.

The metal connecting elements between earpieces and headband strike an elegant balance, avoiding the polarizing territory that often plagues bold headphone designs. This concept demonstrates how familiar design languages can successfully scale across different product categories. The integration of Gemini AI promises intelligent audio processing that adapts to listening environments, making these headphones as smart as they are beautiful.

What we like

• Seamlessly translates Pixel design language to over-ear format.
• Sophisticated metal and plastic material combination.

What we dislike

• Concept status means no actual testing of comfort or sound quality.
• AI integration may raise privacy concerns for some users.

2. Nothing-Inspired Concept Earbuds

Jinkyo Han’s transparent earbud concept captures the essence of Nothing’s design philosophy while carving out its own distinct identity. The semi-transparent housing reveals internal components as intentional design elements rather than hidden engineering. This mechanical honesty creates visual depth that rewards closer inspection, transforming typically concealed circuitry into part of the aesthetic narrative.

The flowing contours and softly rounded edges avoid aggressive angles that might alienate potential users. This restrained approach to transparency feels more sophisticated than purely attention-grabbing designs. The concept succeeds because it doesn’t demand notice but gracefully accepts it when given, embodying the kind of confident minimalism that defines exceptional product design.

What we like

• Transparent housing creates a unique visual appeal.
• Refined geometry balances minimalism with functionality.

What we dislike

• Exposed components might be vulnerable to damage.
• Transparent materials can show dirt and wear more easily.

3. ClearFrame CD Player

The ClearFrame CD Player transforms forgotten music collections into contemporary art installations. Its crystal-clear polycarbonate construction frames album artwork while exposing the internal circuitry as part of the visual experience. The square silhouette creates perfect proportions that work equally well on shelves, desks, or wall mounts, adapting to diverse living spaces with remarkable flexibility.

Beyond mere nostalgia, this player addresses the growing desire for intentional music consumption. The ritual of selecting, inserting, and displaying a CD creates a more mindful listening experience than streaming’s infinite scroll. Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity and seven-hour battery life ensure modern convenience without sacrificing the tactile satisfaction that makes physical media special again.

Click Here to Buy Now: $199.00

What we like

• Frames the album artwork as part of the listening experience.
• Modern features like Bluetooth maintain contemporary relevance.

What we dislike

• Limited to CD format in an increasingly digital world.
• Transparent housing may show dust and fingerprints easily.

4. Battery-Free Amplifying iSpeakers

These ingenious metal smartphone speakers eliminate power requirements while delivering genuine amplification through pure acoustic engineering. Crafted from aircraft-grade Duralumin, they represent the golden ratio translated into functional audio design. The material choice ensures vibration resistance while the geometric proportions optimize sound dispersion throughout any room without electricity or charging concerns.

The portable design philosophy embraces simplicity without sacrificing performance. Compatible with optional directional mods, these speakers can be customized for specific acoustic environments. This approach appeals to users seeking reliable audio enhancement that works regardless of power availability, making them ideal for outdoor activities, travel, or emergencies where traditional speakers fail.

Click Here to Buy Now: $179.00

What we like

• No battery or power requirements provide ultimate portability.
• Aircraft-grade Duralumin construction ensures durability.

What we dislike

• Limited volume output compared to powered speakers.
• Sound quality depends entirely on the smartphone’s audio capabilities.

5. Vivia CD Turntable

Vivia brilliantly combines analog turntable aesthetics with CD functionality, creating something entirely new in the process. The motorized tone arm travels from disc edge to center during playback, mimicking vinyl’s visual rhythm while maintaining CD’s audio clarity. This theatrical element transforms passive listening into an engaging visual experience that makes each album feel more substantial and intentional.

The tactile volume knob and track selector controls reinforce the analog illusion while providing practical functionality. Users can manually position the tone arm to jump between tracks, recreating the DJ experience that made turntables culturally significant. This concept succeeds because it addresses the emotional disconnect many feel with digital music formats without sacrificing audio quality.

What we like

• Creates an engaging visual experience during music playback.
• Combines analog aesthetics with CD audio quality.

What we dislike

• Mechanical complexity could lead to reliability issues.
• Larger footprint than standard CD players.

6. AirPods Pro 3

Apple’s third-generation AirPods Pro represent a quantum leap in personal audio technology integration. These earbuds pack FDA-cleared hearing aid functionality, real-time translation across multiple languages, and heart rate monitoring into a familiar form factor. The acoustic performance rivals audiophile headphones costing thousands more, making professional-grade sound accessible to mainstream consumers for the first time.

The convergence of advanced technologies into a single device demonstrates Apple’s system-level thinking at its finest. Rather than incremental improvements, these earbuds redefine what personal audio devices can accomplish. The seamless integration of health monitoring, communication assistance, and audiophile-quality sound creates a product that transcends traditional category boundaries while maintaining the simplicity users expect from Apple.

What we like

• Audiophile-quality sound at mainstream pricing.
• Multiple advanced features are integrated seamlessly.

What we dislike

• A complex feature set may overwhelm casual users.
• Heavy reliance on the Apple ecosystem for full functionality.

7. Vervain Modular Speaker System

Melis Planalı’s Vervain concept addresses earthquake safety through modular audio design, creating something genuinely innovative in the speaker category. The tall tower configuration with detachable orange and white disk modules serves dual purposes as an entertainment system and an emergency device. Each disk functions independently, allowing family members to distribute speakers throughout their home while maintaining earthquake preparedness protocols.

The modular approach adapts to changing living situations without requiring complete system replacement. When seismic activity threatens, the speakers transform into emergency communication devices that could save lives. This concept succeeds because it acknowledges real-world challenges while delivering the audio quality people demand from their entertainment systems, proving that good design can address serious problems elegantly.

What we like

• Modular design adapts to different room configurations.
• Dual functionality as an entertainment and safety device.

What we dislike

• Complex emergency features may increase manufacturing costs.
• Multiple modules could be easier to misplace.

8. Wesley

These retro headphones champion wired audio’s superior quality while embracing classic over-ear aesthetics. The minimalist design philosophy keeps visual elements to essential components, creating a timeless appeal that transcends fashion trends. Multiple adapter options, including USB-C, 3.5mm, and 6.3mm, ensure compatibility across devices while enabling 48kHz lossless audio that wireless alternatives cannot match.

The timing of this release challenges wireless audio’s dominance by highlighting wired connections’ environmental and acoustic advantages. Longer lifespan and superior sound quality at equivalent price points make these headphones compelling for conscious consumers. The straightforward design approach proves that sometimes the best innovation involves perfecting established technologies rather than pursuing novelty for its own sake.

What we like

• Superior audio quality compared to wireless alternatives at similar prices.
• Multiple adapter options ensure broad device compatibility.

What we dislike

• Wired connection limits mobility compared to wireless options.
• Retro styling may not appeal to users preferring modern aesthetics.

9. Fender x Teufel ROCKSTER AIR 2

This collaboration merges Fender’s iconic visual language with Teufel’s German audio engineering expertise. The ROCKSTER AIR 2 ambitiously serves multiple roles as portable Bluetooth speaker, public address system, and musician’s practice amplifier. This versatility addresses real needs for DJs, performers, and casual users who want professional capabilities without purchasing separate devices for different applications.

Fender’s unmistakable aesthetic authenticity, combined with Teufel’s technical specifications, creates something unique in the crowded speaker market. The challenge lies in balancing these diverse requirements without compromising any single function. Success here would establish a new category of multi-purpose audio devices that acknowledge how people actually use their equipment across different contexts and environments.

What we like

• Versatile functionality serves multiple audio applications.
• Combines iconic design heritage with advanced engineering.

What we dislike

• The multi-purpose approach may compromise specialized performance.
• Likely higher cost than single-purpose alternatives.

10. Spectrum Headphones

Monica Bhyrappa’s Spectrum headphones address autism spectrum disorder through thoughtful audio design, creating technology that serves underrepresented users. The transparent aesthetic takes inspiration from Nothing’s design language while serving a specific functional purpose. These specially-tuned noise-canceling headphones help wearers manage sensory overload by filtering distracting sounds while preserving important audio information.

The accessible design approach represents technology’s potential to serve diverse human needs rather than assuming universal preferences. The transparent housing creates visual appeal while the internal tuning addresses real challenges faced by autistic individuals. This concept demonstrates how inclusive design can create products that work better for everyone, not just their intended target audience.

What we like

• Addresses the real needs of the underserved autism community.
• Transparent design creates a unique visual appeal.

What we dislike

• Specialized tuning may not suit neurotypical users.
• Limited market appeal could affect commercial viability.

The Future of Audio Design

October 2025 showcases audio design’s expanding boundaries beyond traditional sound reproduction into health monitoring, emergency preparedness, and accessibility features. These ten products demonstrate how contemporary designers integrate multiple technologies while maintaining aesthetic excellence that makes products emotionally resonant. The transparency trend reflects growing consumer interest in understanding rather than simply accepting their technology as mysterious black boxes.

The convergence of advanced technologies into single devices creates opportunities for more meaningful relationships between users and audio equipment. Whether through physical media rituals, emergency preparedness features, or inclusive accessibility considerations, these designs prove that exceptional audio products enhance lives beyond sound reproduction. The future belongs to designs recognizing audio equipment as intimate personal technology deserving thoughtful, human-centered development that addresses real-world challenges with elegant solutions.

The post 10 Best Audio Designs Redefining Sound In October 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

It’s one of those questions that seems obvious only in hindsight, like wondering why nobody put wheels on luggage until the 70s. For years, the tech world has been obsessed with cramming cameras and computers into eyeglasses, a form factor that is aesthetically sleek but functionally limited. The entire industry got so hung up on looking like Tony Stark that it overlooked a glaring reality: a massive chunk of the population doesn’t need, or want, to wear glasses. Smart glasses are a solution for a problem most people don’t have, built on a platform a third of adults don’t even use. They are a design choice driven by a sci-fi vision, not practical human behavior.

Headphones, however, are the complete opposite. They are clunky, utilitarian things that offer plenty of forgiving real estate to hide away batteries, sensors, and processors. More importantly, people actually wear them. Everywhere. On the train, at the gym, walking the dog, editing video at a coffee shop. Headphones are a far more ubiquitous wearable than glasses, especially during activities people might actually want to record, like exercise. For the 36% of adults who don’t wear glasses, smart glasses are a non-starter. But nearly everyone listens to something. So why did we spend a decade chasing the smart glasses dream before someone finally thought to slap a camera on a headset? That’s the question the MusicCam wants to answer.

Designer: VibeLens

Click Here to Buy Now: $199 $399 (50% off) Hurry! Only 16 days left.

The MusicCam looks exactly like what you’d expect: regular wireless earbuds with a little camera pod sticking out. It’s not trying to be sleek or invisible. It just is what it is. But here’s where it gets interesting. These aren’t just any headphones, they’re bone conduction ones, which means they don’t actually go in your ears. Sound travels through your cheekbones instead, leaving your ear canals completely open. So you can hear traffic, other people, whatever’s happening around you while still listening to music or taking calls.

The camera part is what makes this thing either brilliant or batshit insane, depending on how you look at it. It’s a 6-axis HD camera that can record 2K video with 180-degree wide-angle coverage. The lens adjusts plus or minus 30 degrees, so you can actually frame your shots without doing weird neck gymnastics. And get this: it’s waterproof down to 20 meters. Not “splash resistant” or “can handle some rain” waterproof. We’re talking legitimate diving depth here.

Battery life isn’t industry-leading, but it’s good enough for a day’s worth of content capturing. You get 2.6 hours of continuous video recording or 15 hours just listening to music. The whole thing weighs 50 grams, which is heavier than AirPods but way lighter than any action camera setup you’d normally strap to your head or chest.

Controls are dead simple. Slide to power on, tap to record, swipe to switch modes. No fumbling with tiny buttons while you’re trying not to crash your bike or fall off a cliff. The 6-axis stabilization handles all the shaky camera work, so your footage actually looks watchable instead of like you filmed it during an earthquake.

But here’s what’s really smart about this whole concept. People already wear headphones everywhere. On trains, at the gym, walking around the city, riding bikes. It’s completely normal, socially acceptable behavior. Nobody gives you weird looks for wearing headphones in public the way they might for smart glasses. And when you’re doing the kinds of activities where you’d actually want to record something, cycling, running, hiking, swimming, you’re way more likely to have headphones on than glasses anyway.

The audio side is bone conduction, which means you’re not getting the same punchy, immersive sound you’d expect from something like AirPods Pro or Sony’s noise-canceling cans. Bone conduction is a different beast entirely. Sound travels through your cheekbones to your inner ear instead of blasting directly into your ear canal, and while that’s fantastic for staying aware of your surroundings (cars, people yelling at you, bears, whatever), it also means you’re sacrificing some bass response and overall richness.

These are built for situations where hearing the world around you matters more than perfect audio fidelity. For phone calls, the dual ENC (environmental noise cancellation) mics do the heavy lifting, filtering out wind and background noise so you don’t sound like you’re calling from inside a tornado. If you’re expecting audiophile-grade performance, you’re looking at the wrong product. But if you want decent sound while biking through traffic or running trails without getting flattened by a car you didn’t hear coming, bone conduction makes a lot of sense here.

The more I think about it, the more this makes sense. Headphones have room for batteries and processors and cameras in a way that glasses don’t. They’re already designed to stay put during movement. They don’t have to look fashionable or match your prescription. They can be bigger, chunkier, more utilitarian, and nobody cares because that’s what headphones are supposed to be.

There’s also something to be said for transparency here. When someone’s wearing obvious camera headphones, you know they might be recording. It’s not hidden or sneaky like a camera built into glasses frames. That could actually solve some of the social acceptance issues that killed Google Glass.

The weird factor is real, though. This thing looks strange. But so did AirPods when they first came out, and now they’re everywhere. Sometimes the weirdest ideas end up becoming completely normal once enough people start using them.

MusicCam is running a Kickstarter campaign right now, with early bird pricing at $199 (down from a planned $399 retail price). They’re promising December 2025 delivery and worldwide shipping. There are even bundle deals if you want to convince a friend to look weird with you.

Look, I’m not saying this is going to replace your iPhone or revolutionize how we think about wearable tech. But it’s definitely one of those “why didn’t anyone think of this before?” moments. The tech industry spent a decade trying to make smart glasses happen before someone finally said “screw it, let’s just put a camera on headphones.” Sometimes the most obvious solution is the one nobody sees coming.

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The post These ‘Camera Headphones’ Are So Weird, They Might Actually Be Genius first appeared on Yanko Design.

I don’t exercise regularly (at least not yet) but the few times that I do some kind of workout, I always have my handy earbuds to keep me company, whether I’m playing the latest Kpop beats or listening to a funny or inspiring podcast. However, I’m always conscious that one or both of the earbuds will fall out, especially during times when I’m most active.

If you’re looking for wireless earbuds that can keep up with your workout and daily routine, the Powerbeats Fit by Beats deserves your attention. These earbuds stand out for their sleek design, comfortable fit, and impressive sound quality, making them a great choice for fitness enthusiasts and anyone on the go. Whether you’re hitting the gym, running in the park, or simply commuting to work, the Powerbeats Fit offers a blend of performance and style that meets the demands of modern life.

Designer Name: Beats

The Powerbeats Fit combines the renowned sound engineering of Beats with a design focused on stability and comfort. The flexible ear hooks are a defining feature, ensuring that the earbuds stay securely in place no matter how intense your activity gets. Unlike some other wireless earbuds that may slip or require constant adjustment, these are built to move with you. The lightweight construction means you can wear them for extended periods without any discomfort, which is a huge plus for long workouts or busy days.

Sound quality is a major selling point for the Powerbeats Fit. Beats has a reputation for delivering powerful bass and crisp audio, and these earbuds are no exception. Whether you’re listening to your favorite playlist, a podcast, or taking calls, the sound is clear and immersive. The noise isolation is also effective, helping you stay focused on your music or conversation even in noisy environments. For those who like to fine-tune their listening experience, the Powerbeats Fit pairs seamlessly with the Beats app, allowing you to adjust settings and monitor battery life with ease.

Battery life is always a concern with wireless earbuds, and the Powerbeats Fit rises to the challenge. You get up to six hours of playback on a single charge, and the included charging case provides additional charges for a total of up to 24 hours of listening time. Fast Fuel charging is another handy feature, giving you an hour of playback from just a five-minute charge. This means you’ll rarely be caught without your music, even if you forget to charge your earbuds overnight.

The Powerbeats Fit is also designed to handle sweat and water, making it an ideal companion for workouts and outdoor activities. With an IPX4 rating, these earbuds can withstand splashes and sweat, so you don’t have to worry about damage during intense sessions or unexpected weather. Pairing the Powerbeats Fit with your devices is effortless, thanks to Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with both iOS and Android. The on-ear controls let you manage music and calls without reaching for your phone, adding an extra layer of convenience to your experience.

The post Powerbeats Fit will not fall off even when you’re working out first appeared on Yanko Design.