From the first electromagnet-based bulky loudspeakers to the now computer-aided sleek designs, audio speakers have seen a lot of changes across generations since 1861. The only continuity has been the improvements manifested in the use of permanent magnet material, better cone materials, high-temperature adhesives and finite element analysis. Yet another improvement is now on the cards with the introduction of the concept of transparent speakers by a Swedish firm People People. It has been designed for use in homes and promises to enhance the appeal of interior decorations instead of compromising on the aesthetics.
What is it?
People People’s transparent speaker is a see-through audio-device concept which will be expectedly available for sale shortly. You can see the voice-generating components of this device contained in a large glass box. The transparency allows it to blend with different settings of a living room. The company has developed it with a view to provide hassles and cable-free music experience to the users.
Key features
The transparent speakers feature a mid-range speaker and a woofer. It will come with a small, rechargeable, and a wireless WiFi antenna. This will allow you to plug it into any computer, music players or smartphones. Also, this will reduce the need of extra wires for plugging. The speakers will work for old stereos systems or vinyl equipments as well. Entire system will be contained in a locally-sourced glass box.
Whatâs innovative?
The concept of a see-through large speaker is highly innovative. It goes well with a contemporary trend of developing see-through gadgets like cell phones and batteries. Second innovation is in the use of wireless transmitter that can be plugged into any source of music. As, traditional speakers require a lot of wires which congest the living room or make it appear ugly.
The third innovation is in the mode of shipping planned by the developers for this speaker. It will be shipped in a small packet containing the disassembled parts and without the glass box. The users will have to purchase customized glass box for containing the visible equipments from local glass repair shops. And, they will have to assemble it at home in IKEA style. People People says this will reduce the shipping costs by 90 percent and support the local handicrafts industry.
Price and availability
It is still under development and no information about the price has been provided by the manufacturers yet.
The up side
The IKEA style assembling process would allow you to get broken components like rubber rings and the speaker cone replaced instead of throwing them away in the landfill. It will provide good sound quality in the living room.
The down side
The name transparent speakers, however, seems misleading for this product. As, many components are still visible. Also, it may be too much optimism for the company to claim that the see-through speakers can blend with all types of living rooms. People still like their devices concealed in a beautiful covering. It may just appear like a scrap box to many.
However, it will certainly catch the attention of all who have an eye for an abstract piece of art, in this case the transparent speakers. Technically, the transparent speakers will still need a plug-in wire for electricity. Another downside for now is the unavailability of much details. The product is still a concept and one cannot be sure about the time by which it will become real.
Our experience
The prospect of having transparent speakers in the home is exciting. However, we can say more about the product only after it is available. As, the many technical specifications can be tested only in real-home conditions. Better stay tuned for the sales to start.
The bottom-line
There is no denying the fact that future belongs to see-trough gadgets. Many designers have shown the concept of transparent devices like cell phones, batteries, cars and solar panels recently. Not only this, people are using more glasses in new houses for better visibility of the outside scenery, lighting and insulation. Seen in the context of this trend, the People People’s transparent battery is a timely introduction of a new concept for a much sought after device. Whether it will be like by people or not will, however, depend on many factors like its fitting into a household’s existing interior design scheme, price and durability. But it will certainly attract a lot of buyers as long as it continue to play good music.
