Hands-on Review: The Collapsible SSSSSpeaker by aiia

Published by Sierra Monica P. on April 6, 2014 under Reviews

Created from soft silicone and measuring less than 100 mm, the new SSSSSpeaker seems to be perfect for those who want to listen to share music with others, wherever they are, or limit the experience to their ears only. The audio gadget is lightweight, small and easy to use, but it’s main feature is the collapsible shape. Folding and unfolding it reminds me of the collapsible cups I was playing with when I was little, only this time I can’t use it to drink water. It’s the design that got it nominated for a Red Dot Design Award.

The SSSSSpeaker was developed in Ukraine by the company called aiia, as a portable audio device that brings music to a new level and the specifications are the following:

Frequency response: 150Hz-18KHz
S/N ratio: ≥85dB
Built-in high-capacity rechargeable lithium battery: 3.7V/240mA
Input voltage: 5.0V
Connection: USB cable to microUSB + 3.5 mm audio jack connector
Size (folded/unfolded) and weight: 78x92x42mm/78x92x82 mm at 62 g
Material: ABS plastic + Silicon

The Review

I enjoyed using the speaker and, although I never felt the need for an external speaker for my smartphone, I’ve found some cool uses for it. Its main feature is enabled by the collapsible design that provides three types of sound – diffused sound when folded, standard sound when in use and subdued when turned facedown.

The collapsible speaker comes in a small box with a velvety travel pouch and the 3.5mm-to-miniUSB cable which also has an USB end for recharging to provide up to 8 hours of playback. You can recharge the speaker from the laptop, via USB, even while listening to the music. On the plastic part on top you can find the small On/Off button and the miniUSB port for connecting it to the phone, tablet, laptop, or other sound sources. While On, you can see the blue LED backlight inside the speaker. There’s also the adhesive part inside the funnel that can be printed with logos and used for branding.

When open at its full size, the SSSSSpeaker not only amplifies sound but directs it through the silicone opening to where it points at. In other words, when you point the opening to your face, you can hear the sound clearer and louder than when it points to other direction. Another thing you can do with it is listen to your favorite music or watch videos in public places, such as in cafes, by keeping the speaker over your ear. This way only you can hear the audio. When you want to search something else to play on your device, you can simply place the speaker facedown on the table and the others around won’t be bothered because they won’t hear the sound.

The possibility to listen to anything playing on your device while in public places, as well as its light weight, the collapsible shape, and the included travel pouch, made the SSSSSpeaker one of my favorite travel gadgets. I’m keeping it in my shoulder bag along with the power bank and the Bluetooth keyboard.

My review sample is blue, but the SSSSSpeaker is also available in other modern colors like green, dark grey, purple, and orange. The wholesale price of the speaker is of around $7.

Tags: speaker