The Naked Radio is the creation of Simon Hasan and it’s a sort of radio/art piece that he put together. It’s made from unusual materials such as porcelain, walnut, stainless steel, brass, and yes, that’s a speaker grill made from lace. You control the volume by turning the speaker. The frequency is selected by rotating the antenna. It’s too bad that Hasan has only made one of these, because I’m sure that they’d sell to those with an eye for unusual design. Ultimately though, I have to say that I don’t ever listen to the radio anymore. How about you? Do you listen to the radio? On your computer, or via an AM/FM radio, or satellite?

[via NotCot]

Called simply “THE AUDIO,” this newfangled contraption houses all of its audio circuitry inside the central tower, and then includes a pair for super-slim satellite speakers to flank the main unit. What’s really unusual about the design of this uber-modern stereo is the control bars that stick out of the sides of the main tower.

Depending on mode, each of the metal rods controls a different feature. For instance, in radio mode, the bars control the band, station and volume. But in MP3 playback mode, the top bar controls the track, the middle bar controls the playback mode, and the bottom remains as volume. Controls are boldly displayed on a bright dot-matrix display embedded into the control tower.

THE AUDIO system has built in AM, FM and DMB/DAB tuners, as well as a 3.5mm stereo jack for connecting your media player to the back. You’ll also notice a strategically placed SD card slot at the front bottom of the control bar, so you can play back all of your digital tunes without additional hardware.

At this point, it looks like THE AUDIO is still in the prototype stage, and it’s doubtful we’ll ever see it outside of Korea. Perhaps the EarlyAdopter folks will realize they have a following around the globe and will indulge us with these in other countries. For now, you’ll just have to look and drool from afar.

Measuring in at just 1.45″ (w) x 1″(h) x 0.75 (d), the Motz wooden FM radio is the perfect radio for dollhouses, and people with really small hands.

In addition to working as a radio, the miniature gadget also works as a speaker for your iPod thanks to a built-in 3.5mm jack. Of course, I wouldn’t expect room-shaking sound from something this small – I think the laws of physics would prevent that. Each one has a built-in rechargeable battery which you can juice up via the included USB cable. And with the proper stereo-to-mono splitter cable, you can set up a tiny 2.0 stereo system.

Here’s a video showing off the Motz FM radio in action – it’s being streamed from Korea, so you need to be patient to wait for it to load:

For the time being, you’ll have to head over to Korea’s EarlyShop if you want one of these, but GeekStuff4U has been known to import other Motz items in the past, so maybe we can convince ‘em to order some of these for the rest of the world to enjoy.

The 2-inch Mint Cube features a striking cubic design that’s punctuated by large analog meters on three sides of the cube. One gauge is a traditional VU meter, another tells you how much battery life remains, and the last one tells you what station the built-in FM tuner is dialed to. The gauges each have a bright backlight, which makes them easy to read in the dark.

On the top of the player are ten deep-set analog buttons, like the ones you might find on an old Sony Walkman. Press in the MP3 button and it stays in place until you press FM button, which pops the MP3 button back out. Very retro indeed!

Now mintpass says they designed the Mint Cube with men in mind, but I don’t see any reason why they can’t be for cool girls too. Geeks don’t discriminate! If only these things actually existed, then guys and girls could both buy them. For now, enjoy the virtual gadgetry.

[via Unplggd]

The Arch Audio T2 radio combines the warm analog sounds of a tube-based amplifier with the modern digital sounds of MP3 and WMA files. The radio features a beautiful retro-inspired case, but is timeless enough to blend into any 21st century decor.

Just plug your SD/MMC or USB flash drive into the front of the T2 radio and you’ll be listening to your latest digital tracks. If you’re feeling more analog, of course, there’s built-in AM and FM tuners, controlled by a nifty orange backlit manual dial to remind you of the olden days of radio. While the T2 has a beefy (for its size) 15-watt output and a ported MDF-construction speaker enclosure for some extra low-end, the downside is that it’s only got a single (two-way) speaker – so no stereo for you!

Arch Audio also includes a wireless remote that lets you adjust volume, bass and treble, change tracks and flip between inputs (and yes, there’s an AUX input too). This definitely isn’t your grandpa’s old Zenith.

While this unusual radio is made in China, and I discovered it over on a Korean website, the good news is that I managed to find a handful for sale over on eBay. At $339 (USD) they’re not cheap (especially since they sell for about $125 in Korea), but at least the guys selling them are including free shipping to the U.S. for that price. You’ll also need to keep in mind that the T2 runs on 220-volt power, so you’ll need ask the seller for a step-down adapter if you want to use one on 110-volts.

[via Early Adopter]

BrionVega’s RR227 is a modern-day update of Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper’s classic RR127 radio, which they created over 44 years ago. The updated model comes with AM and FM radio tuners, and the ability to play MP3 or WMA digital audio files. Just drop an SD card into the slot and connect your computer via USB to load it up with your tunes. There’s also an AUX jack for connecting your iPod or other media player too.

The RR227 features a unique design that lets you place it either horizontally or vertically and still make sense out of the tuning dial. The radio comes in white, black or red ABS plastic, making it both lightweight and sturdy. Sound is provided by a 3-watt amp, and there’s a headphone jack for listening to the radio in seclusion. While the radio comes with an AC power pack that probably won’t work in the U.S. without an adapter, you’ll be happy to know it runs on batteries too.

While I first found the RR227 over at French retailer Singulier for €199 (appx. $262 USD), you can also find them over on eBay Italy for around €150 (appx. $196 USD) with a little digging.

Aside from an AM & FM internal antenna, the 2B Radio also has an aux input and a recording output, so you can pair it with modern audio devices.

Nice. Wish I could say the same for the price: $350 US. Still cheaper than a PS3 though. You can check out more details about the 2B Radio here (pdf), and the Areaware store’s here.

[via Retro Thing]

The wood and tweed-vinyl construction Crosley Nomad Portable Radio may look like an old radio from the 1930s, but under the hood, it’s all new. For starters, the portable sound system lets you connect your iPod or other MP3 player through a built-in AUX jack, so you won’t be stuck listening to over-the-air broadcasts.

And unlike its 75+ year old brethren, the Nomad tunes FM radio in addition to AM stations (how very . Sound from the Nomad’s full range speaker gets an added boost using SRS resonance enhancement. And you won’t have to plug this radio into the wall – it runs on 4 AA batteries so you can take it anywhere.

Just load your iPod up with old episodes of Little Orphan Annie, Amos ‘n Andy and the original broadcast of War of the Worlds, and you’ll be all set.

The Crosley Nomad is available exclusively from Urban Outfitters for $72 (USD).

The top-of-the-line Elements Stardust clock radio is adorned with nearly 4,000 hand-placed Swarovski crystals, making the case sparkle and shine like diamonds. The Elements features a digital AM/FM tuner, alarm clock with a dimmable vacuum fluorescent display. And the backlit control dial is reminiscent of an aluminum version of the iPod’s scroll wheel.

If Saks Fifth Avenue’s price of $2500 (USD) is a bit too rich for your humble paycheck to afford, you can grab the still good looking, still good sounding, non-bejeweled piano black version over on Amazon for $250 bucks.

[via Chip Chick]

The CVT i3101 media center alarm clock is slim enough to hang next to your bed, and is especially nice if you have a narrow room without space for a table. The clock offers a bright 3.5″ blue LED display and sleek touch controls for changing channels and controlling your media player. And when your significant other walks off with your media player, you can always listen to the built-in FM radio or any tunes you’ve got saved on an SD memory card.

And if you do happen to have some table or counter space to spare, a kickstand lets you use it without wall-mounting. It looks like the clock’s Hong Kong manufacturer, CVT is also working on another version with an LCD video screen, but I haven’t found anyone retailing these yet. For now, you’ll have to settle for the version shown above, which is available from 100milligrams for $99.95 USD.

This brilliant, but simple hack by electronics tinkerer Kipkay takes the guts out of an old Mr. Mic, improves the audio quality, and turns it into an easily concealed wireless spy microphone.

With just a few minutes of simple soldering, a couple of bucks worth of parts, and an Airwick Stick-Up air freshener, you’ll have a mini spy gadget that’ll let you listen in on unsuspecting victims from afar.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

While Kipkay’s video does a good job walking you through the basics, head on over to Instructables for the full walkthrough.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Now you didn’t think I’d let you leave without featuring the classic Ronco commercial, did you?

Featuring a striking black and white case with a futuristic, bright orange-on-black display, there’s no way you’ll miss one of these clocks when you roll over in the middle of the night to check the time. And even if you did, just look straight up from your pillow, since these clocks can also project the current time directly on your ceiling. Both models also include dual alarms in case you and your significant other need to wake up at different times.

The $39.99 RRA320P is the basic AM/FM alarm clock radio model, while the $59.99 RRM320PA adds an atomic-synchronized movement, temperature display and a wireless thermometer that lets you check the outdoor temperature from up to 300 feet away.

In addition to telling time, day and date, the Jet wall clock also features a temperature display and an alarm. If you really dig his style, Williams has also designed a Jet clock radio and a smaller travel alarm clock too. All three models will come in either brushed anodized aluminum or shiny gold finishes.

The first model to be released — the Jet wall clock — is available now from French design boutique Singulier for €45 (appx. $69 USD). Pricing and a release date haven’t been announced for the travel clock and clock radio yet.

PEGA’s oddly-named “Vibrating Bag” adds rumble capability to your stock PS3 controller. Now they don’t specify if the vibration actually works when the game generates its feedback signal, or if the thing just continuously rumbles. But couldn’t your tired hands use a relaxing massage anyway?

In addition to adding some unwelcome bulk to the controller, the remote receiver that plugs into the console has a huge antenna sticking out of it, messing with your PS3′s sleek good looks.

If the contraption wasn’t off-kilter enough, it also has a built-in FM radio – ’cause there’s not thing I like to do more while playing a round of Uncharted than cranking up the Boomer and the Nudge morning show.

So if you really, really can’t bear to spend the bucks on a proper PS3 DualShock Controller, head on over to DealExtreme and take your chances.

The NX-PN7 is capable not only of docking and charging two iPods simultaneously, but you can decide which one you want to play your tunes from. In addition to the two iPod sound sources, the dock offers an AM/FM tuner and an AUX input. There’s also as clock and timer functionality, which makes it perfect on the kitchen counter. The dock also includes a wireless remote, with full control over playback.

Even though the dock holds two iPods, JVC managed to pack the whole thing into a box that’s just 13-inches wide. The clean black and silver case design also features a cool little flourish that lets you change the colors of illumination below each player to one of nine different hues.

Expect the NX-PN7 to hit stores this April, with an MSRP of $149.99.

[Press Release]

The Cue Radio will offer a digital AM/FM tuner with RDS track and station display, dual alarms, and a built-in iPod dock on top. While it looks like the radio will only offer a single speaker, Cue is aiming to make “best table radio in its class”, according to the guys over at Switched.

The clean, elegant design looks like it’ll be perfect for use in a kitchen, office or even better yet, on a bedside table. I certainly wouldn’t kick it out of the bedroom if one magically appeared to replace my current alarm clock.

Expect more details to surface during this week’s CES show.

The Cathay PK-24 desktop stereo looks like a miniature grand piano, but when you pop its lid, there’s a CD player hiding in there. Playback controls have been cleverly disguised as piano keys, and the speakers are hidden in the sides of the piano case. It’s also got an FM radio built in for those days when you’re tired of your Beethoven and Bach and want to listen to some commercials instead.

And if the basic black baby grand doesn’t excite you, it’s also available in white and hot pink versions. The piano CD player is currently only available in Asia, where it costs a whopping ¥19,000 (about $173 USD, yeesh).

In addition to its digital alarm clock, The Wake Up offers an FM radio and an iPod dock. A substantial 20-watt amp powers the stereo system. The modern design features a removable wireless remote which can be stowed in the same place as your iPod when it’s not docked. In addition to track and volume control, the remote lets you snooze the alarm too.

The full-featured iPod dock can charge your media player while connected, and also offers a video out so you can play back your movies and shows on a nearby television.

The WakeUp comes in both black and white versions, and should hit stores before the holidays. While the North American price hasn’t been announced, it’s already selling for €130 (appx. $185) in Europe.

[via The Red Ferret Journal]

The diagram I was able to dig up shows the label placement on both 4GB and 8GB flash-based player models aimed squarely at the iPod Nano. This drawing all but confirms the leaked photo that Engadget managed to get their hands on yesterday.

For those of you who care, there’s also a drawing of a matching Zune FM transmitter module/dock for use in your car.

Pricing and a release date aren’t confirmed yet, but many rumors are pointing to today or tomorrow. Keep your eye out on the Zune website for an announcement any day now.

Lanhui’s LH-555 media players come in several bright colors, and have a retro sort of feel to them. On the front of each player is a rather substantial speaker for blasting out your tunes without your headphones on. Playback details are displayed on a bright OLED screen, with an especially chunky looking typeface for the track info. The players can handle MP3, WMA, ASF and WAV audio file formats and have 1GB of memory on board. There’s also a TF memory slot for additional storage. They didn’t leave out today’s requisite FM radio and voice recorder either.

Chinagrabber has these for sale (under the DigitalRise brand name) for just over $30 each. However, you’ll have to buy at least ten of them, since that’s based on a quantity purchase. Maybe you can buy some for your friends if they’re not already listening to yours?