While it’s really more convenient now to listen to music on our smartphones, I sometimes miss the days when we had stylish, cute, and great-sounding audio devices. I was already around in the days of Walkmans and CD players, but what I really enjoyed was the era of the iPod, Zune, and other would-be music players. Now we’ve gotten so used to having the apps on our phones that a portable audio device may not seem necessary.
Meet TL-1, a conceptual device that reimagines what a pocket audio companion can be. Drawing inspiration from Teenage Engineering’s bold and playful design language, TL-1 is designed for anyone who loves music and values mindfulness in a world full of screens. With its compact form, tactile controls, and offline functionality, TL-1 is all about making music listening and voice recording intuitive and joyful.
Designer: Hunny Modi
The design renders for this audio player feature crisp lines, minimalist buttons, and signature orange accents that pay homage to Teenage Engineering’s distinctive aesthetic. The device is made to be comfortable in the hand, with a satisfying weight and a knurled rotary dial that invites you to interact in a more analog, screen-free way. Whether you choose the sleek silver or bold black version, it feels like a modern classic (even though it’s still a concept for now).
You might think it has complicated features, but its simplicity stands out. Instead of overwhelming users with endless menus and functions, it focuses on what matters most: listening and creating. TL-1 stores your favorite playlists offline so you can enjoy music anywhere, anytime, without worrying about connectivity or distractions. The tactile buttons and rotary wheel make it easy to browse tracks or adjust settings even without looking at the screen, perfect for those who want to stay present in the moment.
But TL-1 isn’t just a music player. It’s also a reliable voice memo recorder, with a dedicated record button on the side for capturing thoughts, ideas, or moments of mindfulness. The built-in microphone, protected by a stylish metal grille, ensures your recordings are crisp and clear. Whether you’re journaling, brainstorming, or just pausing to reflect, TL-1 is always ready to capture your voice. The playful spirit of Teenage Engineering shines through in every detail. There’s a delight in the way the rotary dial clicks as you scroll, and the satisfying press of the buttons. The interface is minimal, designed to keep you focused on the audio experience rather than notifications or apps. Even the logo on the display adds a touch of whimsy that makes using the device feel fun and approachable.
TL-1 is imagined as a bridge between high-end audio tools and everyday life. It’s for casual listeners who want a dedicated music device without the complexity of pro gear, and for anyone looking to unplug from screens and reconnect with sound. The offline storage and physical controls make it an ideal companion for walks, journaling sessions, or quiet moments at home. By combining music playback and voice recording in a playful, tactile form, TL-1 invites us to listen, create, and be present, one click at a time.
The post Handheld device concept wants to bring back portable music players and audio recorders first appeared on Yanko Design.