Dezeen Magazine

Ceramic speakers replace buttons with orientation-sensitive controls

These white hexagonal ceramic speakers by Finnish company Unmonday can connect to each other wirelessly by being rolled onto different sides.

The minimal casing of the Unmonday Model 4.3 is made from vitro ceramic and features a single power button, handmade grille and a charge point at the back.

Wireless hexagonal ceramic speaker connects to others by rolling over

By rotating the device, the user can toggle between different modes. When the power button is facing up, Mono mode is activated and the speaker plays normally.

If there is more than one speaker present, rotating the device will synchronise the set to play the same song. Up to five units can be combined to become an impromptu surround sound system when connected to a TV or computer.

Wireless hexagonal ceramic speaker connects to others by rolling over

To mute the speaker, simply tip it on its head and the sound will cut out.

"We wanted to create something truly wireless and flexible, but also something that did not compromise on sound quality or on good design sensibility," said Jukka Nieminen from Unmonday.

Wireless hexagonal ceramic speaker connects to others by rolling over

"We also wanted to remove all the usual hassles associated with wireless speakers, from the set up process, to running wires, to pairing wireless equipment."

The speaker can stream music from an iPhone, iPad or Mac computer using AirPlay, Apple's native streaming technology. Alternatively, there is a 3.5-millimetre jack in the rear to allow connection with non-compatible devices.

Wireless hexagonal ceramic speaker connects to others by rolling over

Inside the casing is a single 10.3-inch driver capable of generating 20 watts of power along with a router, amplifier and a series of motion sensors that can detect the orientation of the speaker.

The battery can provide up to eight hours worth of wireless music or it can be connected to the mains.

The Model 4.3's front grille is interchangeable and comes in a range of colours. There is also a bespoke leather carry case that the 4.3 snugly fits inside for transportation.

The project began as a Kickstarter campaign in 2012, and was launched in December 2013. The Model 4.3 is available to buy in Apple stores in Europe and Asia.