This transparent CD player is more than just retromania

Since the rise of streaming services, audio CD players have started disappearing from cars, homes, and computers. But here’s the good news: CDs are old enough tech to spark a revival among Gen Zers and late millennials alike. That’s probably the kind of market that NINM Labs is going for to sell its portable “Long Time No See Bluetooth 5.0 CD Player”. The device started as a wishful Kickstarter project and is now a full-fledged product capable of standing on its own nostalgic legs. 

The “Long Time No See Bluetooth 5.0 CD Player” has it all, starting from a name that’s already nostalgic in its verbosity. The device comes with a headphone jack for corded listening pleasure, but (as you might have guessed by now) it also sports a Bluetooth 5.0 connection. That’s quite useful if you still want to degrade your CD audio quality by beaming it to a cordless speaker or a pair of Bluetooth earphones.

The design of NINM Labs’ CD Player plays a big part in the overall nostalgia operation. The boxy shape reminds of CD jewel cases, and the use of transparent plastic is also a clear nod to the gadgets of the late nineties. It also fits a tech design trend that’s been rising for quite a while, thanks to brands like Carl Pei’s Nothing. “Long Time No See portable CD player’s outer design is inspired by the typical square CD case and designed in the simplest square and circular shapes,” say the designers. “The translucent plastic shell commonly seen in the ‘90s allows users to vaguely see the internal structure of the device”.  The device also comes with a magnetic back that lets you attach it easily to a fridge or any other metal surface in your home. There’s also a speaker, but according to online reviews, you might not want to deteriorate your listening experience thatmuch. NINM Labs’ “Long Time No See Bluetooth 5.0 CD Player” costs slightly more than 100€ and is available in gray or blue. It’s powered by two AA batteries, a detail that certainly won’t make audio purists happy, but it lets users recharge NiCM rechargeable batteries through the micro USB port.