The Monocle is the latest from accessory maker Native Union. The company’s made its business catering to the hipster crowd with its line of pseudo vintage peripherals, most famously the “Pop Phone” old timey telephone handset.
But the Monocle serves more than just a kitschy purpose, it’s actually kind of neat. Up to 10 Monocles can be daisy chained together to create an instant sound system or to conference call (for those times when one pack of hipsters in the park needs to talk to another at the other end of the park).
It looks like the Monocle will retail for £40 (roughly $62). It’s been announced for this month but an official date hasn’t been released. Native Union’s press release follows below.
MONOCLE – ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY
Native Union proudly introduces a revolutionary new speaker + handset + speakerphone
HONG KONG AUGUST 2013
NATIVE UNION is known for the simple concept of bringing people together by unconventional means. The Native Union Design Lab has developed MONOCLE – a revolutionary new speaker, handset and speakerphone that allows us to enjoy music and calls in a fresh new way- however and wherever you are. The innovative MONOCLE can be used with a smartphone, laptop or tablet. Transcending boundaries, the MONOCLE is much more than just a handset. It’s anything but ordinary.
More than a speaker
High-powered miniature speaker ensuring optimal sound, the MONOCLE is a speaker to listen to music on the go. Hold it up to your ear like a headphone, or play it out loud like a compact boom box. For a bigger sound, the MONOCLE can daisy-chain together with up to 10 other MONOCLES.
More than a handset
Wear it your way – attach MONOCLE to your bag with the loop allowing you to take calls and listen to your music more freely. Constructed with an ultra resistant nylon reinforced cable and a full duplex enabled microphone, the MONOCLE provides clarity of voice, allowing you to take calls and check your phone screen at the same time. Additionally, branch up to 2 devices to share calls and music discretely. This feature is perfect for anyone on the go.
More than a speakerphone
Conference calls can be made with multiple MONOCLE users allowing for more than one person to listen in privately, or a bigger sound for each member to hear the call more clearly.
Launching exclusively at Colette, Paris on September 2nd and available at nativeunion.com from early September. Get yours in six statement colours: Coral Red, Mint Green, Marine Blue, Slate Grey, Black Copper or Black Metal. Go ahead – WEAR IT YOUR WAY.
[Via: Native Union]