Xiaomi has a speaker that clips onto a phone and turns it into a stand

Magnets on the back of phones are gradually becoming standard, and accessories that utilize them are increasing. Xiaomi has now launched a magnetic Bluetooth speaker on its Youpin crowdfunding portal – a compact piece that clips onto the back of a phone and simultaneously props it up as a stand. The project has already exceeded its funding goal.

Clip it on and play

The cleverest part of the whole idea is hidden inside. The speaker contains a Hall sensor that detects when it’s attached to a phone and turns itself on – eliminating the need to search for a button between taking it out of your pocket and starting music. The magnetic base works with any phone supporting wireless charging, including iPhones. The weight of less than 95 grams is set so that the phone doesn’t become a brick after attachment.

Three watts don’t work miracles

Let’s be realistic about the sound. Inside sits a single 1.5-inch full-range driver with 3 W of power, which is sufficient for watching videos or background music at a desk, but it won’t replace desktop speakers. If you want more, two units can be paired for stereo sound, and Xiaomi claims that up to ten speakers can be connected at once. Connection is handled by Bluetooth 6.0, the battery has a capacity of 650 mAh, and the body is IP67 rated, so it will survive splashes or brief immersion.

Two things you won’t find in the box

Zaujme kulatý tvar potažený jemnou tkaninou s kovovým prstencem, k mání je v černé a světle hnědé variantě, obě se svítícím kroužkem u základny, který mění barvy podle přehrávané hudby. Šetření je ovšem znát na dvou místech: v balení chybí nabíjecí kabel i adaptér a model nepodporuje hlasového asistenta, kterého jiné reproduktory Xiaomi mají. Cena 199 jüanů odpovídá zhruba 630 korunám, první podporovatelé zaplatí 132 jüanů, tedy asi 420 korun. Jde ovšem o čínský crowdfunding a o uvedení mimo Čínu zatím není řeč.

Does a magnetic speaker on the back of your phone make sense to you, or is it superfluous?

Source: Notebookcheck, Xiaomi Youpin