Regular readers of our news bulletins will know that we rarely cover music players or, heaven forfend, budget headphones. But we couldn’t ignore this new player from MIXXTAPE, funded by Kickstarter, and which resembles a cassette – a product that even got recognition at CES earlier this year in the Last Gadget Standing competition.
The manufacturer says this player is a blend of “nostalgia and modern technology” and does much more than its retro looks might suggest. It will play MP3s, FLAC, iTunes, plus other audio formats, while also sporting an 8GB onboard memory with memory card compatibility up to 256GB (equivalent of 60k songs). Additionally, there is an OLED display, Bluetooth connectivity, a rechargeable battery, headphone jack and it will play in a tape deck too.
“It was imperative that MIXXTAPE not just be a digital music player that looked like a cassette. It had to actually play as a cassette,” says inventor Paul Burns. “MIXXTAPE is all about the experience. In many ways, streaming can do the job more efficiently, but people recognize and relate to the feeling a cassette creates. It’s more meaningful, it’s more personal, it’s the full experience that often gets missed with streaming.”
Paul is overwhelmed about the popular response, saying, “I think people just love the nostalgic feeling MIXXTAPE gives them. And by combining digital and analog elements, it gives people an opportunity to be creative and express themselves in fun and unique ways.”
The player is available only from the company’s website here for $100 and includes free shipping worldwide.
Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.
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