Engadget
In recent years, the tech landscape has seen a rise in "dumb devices" that aim for minimalism and offline capability. From flip phones that reject social media to aesthetic-focused music players, simplified tech is making a comeback. This trend can be seen in the popularity of the AP30 Music Boy's Kickstarter campaign, an audio player that draws heavy inspiration from the aesthetics of the Game Boy, but with hi-res specs.
Slated to start shipping this October, the device is the latest project from HIDIZS, a brand that's before launched several other successful campaigns for various audio players and equipment. The Kickstarter campaign began with the modest goal of HK$40,000100. At time of writing, the Kickstarter sits at HK$3,954,885, about $504,311 — over 98 times the original goal.
The Kickstarter has now concluded, but late backers can still get in on the campaign.
For such a small device, it boasts some specs that audiophiles will appreciate:.
Battery: 1200mAh, a lifespan of eight to 10 hours wired and six to eight hours wireless.
Playback support: MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC, ALAC, OGG, WMA, DSF and DFF formats, PCM playback up to 192kHz/24-bit and native DSD256.
Aside from audio playback, the Music Boy can function as an e-book reader.
For anyone looking to unplug from a constant stream of notifications and messages while still enjoying their tunes, devices like the Music Boy are an ideal solution.