CMF Launches Affordable, 3D-Printable Bluetooth Speakers Designed to Resemble Milk Cartons

3 min read
Source: The Verge
CMF Launches Affordable, 3D-Printable Bluetooth Speakers Designed to Resemble Milk Cartons
Photo: The Verge
TL;DR

CMF, the budget-focused subsidiary of Nothing, has launched its first portable Bluetooth speakers, the Speaker S and Speaker M. Priced at $59 and $109 respectively, the devices feature a distinctive milk carton aesthetic, swappable front panels, and customizable knobs that can be 3D printed by users. Both models offer up to 18 hours of battery life, IP68 water and dust resistance, and Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity, with the larger M model featuring dual drivers for improved bass and instrument separation.

Key points

  • The CMF Speaker S costs $59 and features a 45mm full-range driver with two passive radiators, while the $109 Speaker M includes a 10W tweeter and 25W woofer for better audio separation.
  • Both speakers are available in white, dark gray, orange, and turquoise, and feature swappable front panels and knobs that users can replace with custom 3D-printed designs.
  • The devices offer up to 18 hours of battery life, IP68 water and dust resistance, and support for Bluetooth 6.0, NFC fast pairing, and Auracast party mode for multi-speaker synchronization.
  • CMF is in the process of spinning off from Nothing to become a standalone India-based subsidiary, continuing its focus on affordable, design-forward consumer electronics.
  • The speakers can be customized via the Nothing X app, which allows users to adjust sound profiles and utilize an 'Ultra Bass' mode for enhanced low-end frequencies.

Background

CMF is a budget-focused brand created by Nothing, which is currently in the process of spinning it off into an India-based standalone subsidiary. The brand previously launched the Headphone Pro a year ago, which offered affordability alongside unique designs and bright color options. This launch marks CMF's first entry into the portable audio market, following its previous focus on smartphones, watches, and headphones.

How outlets are covering it

The Verge and Gizmodo both emphasize the playful, milk carton-inspired design and the customization options, including swappable panels and 3D-printable knobs. Wallpaper* highlights the brand's minimalist approach and the appeal of the bright color options for younger consumers. Droid Life initially reported on FCC filings that revealed the devices before the official announcement, noting the model numbers E494 and E495. All sources agree on the pricing, battery life, and IP68 rating, but differ in their emphasis on the design versus the technical specifications. The Verge and Gizmodo focus more on the aesthetic and customization, while Wallpaper* and Droid Life provide more technical details and background on the brand's structure.

Why it matters

The launch of the CMF Speaker S and Speaker M marks the first entry of the budget-focused CMF brand into the portable audio market. The speakers' unique design, affordability, and customization options position them as a competitive alternative in the crowded Bluetooth speaker market, appealing to consumers who value both style and functionality. The ability to 3D print custom panels and knobs also highlights a growing trend in consumer electronics towards personalization and user-driven design.

What to watch

CMF plans to release the official design files for the speakers' panels and knobs, allowing modders to 3D print their own customizations. The company may also expand its product line to include larger speaker models, as suggested by the naming convention of the current S and M models. Additionally, CMF's transition to a standalone India-based subsidiary may lead to further product launches and market expansions in the near future.

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