Open-Source Bluetooth Audio System Launched by Teufel
Teufel Audio's MYND Bluetooth speaker is making waves in the tech world with its innovative open-source design. The speaker, which emphasizes ease of repair and user-friendliness, is a testament to Teufel's commitment to sustainability and breaking the cycle of disposable Bluetooth speakers [1][2][3][4].
At the heart of the MYND speaker's design is a philosophy that empowers users. As Jenny List, a team member at Teufel, proclaimed in 2021, "You own it, you should be able to fix it!" [5]. This sentiment is reflected in the speaker's design, which encourages end-user maintenance and repairability.
The MYND speaker's design files, including schematics, PCB layouts, firmware, and 3D-printable housing files, are available on GitHub under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license [1][2][3][4]. This move allows users to reproduce components, modify firmware for custom sound profiles, and 3D print parts such as the grille or housing [2][4].
One of the standout features of the MYND speaker's design is its modularity. The Bluetooth module, for instance, is on a separate card, making future upgrades a breeze without replacing the entire speaker [2]. The enclosure is designed to be easy to open with minimal adhesives, promoting repair and battery replacement by users without specialist knowledge [3].
The MYND speaker's design also encourages sustainability by extending the product lifecycle against typical planned obsolescence [1][3][4]. When a battery in the MYND speaker dies, the speaker can continue to function, unlike regular speakers where the entire device is discarded due to a dead battery [6]. The electronic components used in the MYND speaker are all readily available commercial parts [7].
Performance-wise, the MYND speaker offers impressive features. It boasts Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, Class-D amplifiers, and Smart DSP for powerful sound with up to 40 hours or more battery life [1][4]. The speaker's 2.1 speaker configuration, featuring dual tweeters, a subwoofer, and passive radiators, is praised for its wide soundstage [2]. The MYND speaker also boasts an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, and a robust modular design with a replaceable 5,200 mAh battery [2][4].
In summary, the Teufel MYND is an innovative, repairable, and customizable open-source Bluetooth speaker. Its comprehensive hardware and firmware files, available to the community, support sustainable and user-driven development [1][2][3][4]. The MYND speaker's design encourages the use of readily available commercial parts for repair or replacement, making it a commercial product with a difference. Its design philosophy, coupled with its open-source nature, sets it apart in the market, offering a unique blend of performance, sustainability, and user-friendliness.
- The open-source design of Teufel Audio's MYND Bluetooth speaker allows users to reproduce components, modify firmware for custom sound profiles, and 3D print parts like the grille or housing, as shown by the availability of the design files on GitHub.
- Smart-home-devices like the MYND speaker can be easily repaired by users due to its modular design, as the Bluetooth module is on a separate card and the enclosure is designed to be easily opened with minimal adhesives.
- Gadget enthusiasts will appreciate the MYND speaker's commercial parts, which can be easily replaced when needed, setting it apart as a unique product that balances performance, sustainability, and user-friendliness in the technology world.
