Radio is changing, of that there is no doubt, but it hasn't gone fully obsolete just yet. With the advent of televisions, the Internet, smartphones, social media, portable audio players and digital music, the radio has declined in prominence but there's something romantic about the radio which makes many people want to hold onto it.
Over the years and decades, the humble radio has had to evolve to stay relevant and in order to maintain its appeal, if only with certain segments of the population.
Back in the day, the radio was a necessity because it was people's only live connection to the outside world in the pre-television days. However, this is no longer the case, and as a result radio is changing to appeal to demographics interested in retro products or simply looking for ways to be different.
These days it's hugely common for radios to be incorporated into other forms of technology ranging from smartphones to clocks. Few people if any are willing to invest in a self-contained solid radio that only does radio. Manufacturers recognize this, and have begun creating radios that double as pieces of art or clocks that include a radio function.
The only self-contained radios that have any kind of appeal nowadays are those that have an extremely eye-catching design, making them valuable to the hipster, the scene kid and anyone looking to stand out and be different.
32 Ways Radio is Changing
32
Outer Space Radios
George Abdoulas Designs the Desktop Radio for Alien Lovers
31
Smartphone Digital Radio Services
Apple is Rolling Out a Digital Radio Service
30
Vehicular Audio Gadgets
The Alpine iLX-007 Uses Apple CarPlay Technology
29
Designer Retro Radios
The Orla Kiely 'Evoke Mio' is a Stylish Modernized Sound System
28
Internet-Streaming Sound Systems
The Grace Encore WiFi Music Player Plays Continuous Music
27
Revived Retro Transistors
This Classic Radio Combines Vintage Design with a Contemporary Twist
26
Change-Maker Radio Shows
Giving Warriors Focuses on Social Enterprise and Non-Profit Leaders
25
Winsome Wicker Transistors
The Hybrid Radio Combines Old Design Styles with Contemporary Flair
24
Retro Stereo Tablet Apps
The Stereolizer App Turns Your iPad into an Old-Fashioned Radio
23
Smartphone Dash Displays
The KW-V50BT Display Receiver Integrates Your Smartphone With Your Car
22
Multi-Tasking Music Centres
The Sonneteer Morpheus Server Does Basically Everything
21
Picnic-Ready Radios
The Media Bucket Makes Music Amplification Portable
20
Sociable Bluetooth Headphones
These Music-Sharing Headphones Make Listening a Social Experience
19
Retro Eco-Friendly Stereos
Live a Greener Lifestyle by Using the Card Radio
18
Multiplying MP3 Platforms
Microsoft Expands ZuneHD Entertainment Services to XBox Live
17
Modernized Retro Stereos
The Slice Dab Radio Has a Traditional Touch With Modern Tech
16
Auto Mobile App Stores
General Motors is Getting in on the Mobile Market with its Own App Shop
15
Revamped '90s Amplifiers
The JVC Kaboom Boombox Makes a Comeback with a Vengeance
14
Analog Radio-Inspired Clocks
The Time Tuner is Complicated, But Cool
13
Ultra-Minimalist Radios
The Naked Radio Plays Music Using the Bare Minimum
12
Identical Twin Radio Shows
Winklevoss Radio Features the Winklevoss Twins and Famous Guests
11
Plant-Powered Radios
‘Moss FM’—The First Naturally Plant-Powered Radio
10
Musical Alarm Tools
The Jeremie Engel Engel allRadio Application Wakes Users with Stations
9
Curated Streaming Services
Beats Music Provides Listeners with a Revolutionized Interface
8
Retro Radio Phone Docks
The iPhone Radio Dock Transforms Your Phone into an Analog Tuner
7
Wall Art Radios
Radio Active by Erez Bar-Am Changes Stations by Moving the Rocks & Cords
6
Personalized Retro Radio Players
Pure Evoke Mio Radio Offers a Nostalgic Experience
5
International Streaming Tools
The TuneIn Radio Applications Gives Users Access to Global Channels
4
Faux Clock Radios
'I'm Not a Clock' from Antrepo Designs is a True Clock Radio
3
Covert Wilderness Radio Shows
'The Dark Outside FM' Show Plays One-Use Music in the Wild
2
Mixed Musicals Signals
Addis Tunes is a Platform for Discovering African Music
1
Mod Tilted Transmitters
This Portable Radio Embodies Quirky Features That Make Old Tech Talk
Related Ideas
Premium Retro Mobile Phones
Nokia Presents the Nokia 150 and Nokia 130 as 'Dumb Phones'
Intuitive Touchscreen Remote Controls
The Conceptual TouchSense Remote by Alan Cabanelas is Modern
Industrial Cellphone Concepts
The Nokia N90 x Nothing Concept by Viet Doan Duc is Retro and Modern
Modernized Cassette Player Concepts
The 'ERA' Portable Cassette Tape Player Has Bluetooth and WiFi
Nostalgic Gaming Timepieces
The Retro Gaming Watch Brings Gameplay to the Wrist
Metallic Architectural Record Players
The Conceptual 'RYTM' Record Player is Harmonious
Industrial Design Smart Speakers
The Conceptual HomePod Nano by Justin Latham is Braun-Like
Previous Generation Smartphone Concepts
This iPhone 4 Concept by Nathan Basset Looks to the Past
Modernized Cassette Tape Players
The Fiio CP13 Offers Up to 15-Hours of Playback Per Charge
Mood-Powered Smartphone Speakers
The Conceptual 'MIX:X' Speaker by Junyoung Lee is Intelligent
Modular Physical Media Players
This Winamp Media Player Device by Eslam Mod is Digitally-Inspired
Fan-Made Digital Audio Players
The Nothing Npod (1) Draws Inspiration from the iPod Shuffle
Audio-Enhancing Music Players
The Sony Walkman NW-A306 Offers 36-Hours of Use Per Charge
Minimalist Industrial Cameras
This Braun Instant Camera Concept by Arihant R Israni is Sleek
Rotating Button Panel Smartphones
The Conceptual 'PHONE ONE' by Wayne Lu Adapts to Usage Needs
Over-the-Air TV DVR Systems
The Fourth-Generation Tablo Offers Ups to 8TB of Storage Space
Subtle Smartphone-Friendly Printers
The Conceptual Samsung Image Box Instantly Offers Keepsakes
Smartwatch-Attached Smartphone Concepts
The Conceptual Sony Smart Switch Ecosystem is All-in-One
Nostalgic Flip Phone Concepts
The Nokia N90 by Viet Doan Duc Reimagines a Vintage Design
Smartphone Standby Display Features
iPhone StandBy Mode Makes Use of the Device When Charging
Futuristic Five-in-One Speakers
Sound Stack is the Epitome of a Multi-Functional Bluetooth Speaker
Digital Detox Phone Concepts
Andrea Mangone Boasts a Minimalist Foldable Phone
Digital Nomad Concept Cars
This Multipurpose Car Was Envisioned By Students From Skoda
Digital Analog Wireless Speakers
mark&draw Design Creates the Dynamic MARK HI-FI Speaker
Retro Car-Inspired Audio Devices
The EVO 150 DeLorean Edition is Designed by Cambridge Audio
Millennium-Inspired Cellphones
These New Nokia Phones are Nostalgic with Modern Features
Sleek Minimal Clear Turntables
The New Transparent Turntable Has a Nearly Invisible Design
Aesthetically Pleasing CD Players
This Incredibly Modern CD Player Redefines How We Listen to CDs
Branded Technology Alarm Clocks
The Apple Snooze Alarm Clock Concept by Antoine Brieux is Cubic
Flatpack Virtual Fireplaces
The Graphene Radiator Has Heats Up and Displays Holographic Flames
Portable Voice-Enabled Smart Speakers
The Roam Speaker by Sonos Comes in Five Unique Colors
Watch-Like Smart Phones
Fire-Boltt's WristPhone Offers Crystal-clear Calls and So Much More
TV Screen T-Shirts
The T-Shirt TV Has an Integrated 10-Inch HD Screen
Minimalist Wireless Speaker Concepts
Jacek Janiczak Unveils the PLAYPLAIN Wireless Speaker
Connected Touchscreen TV Tables
The TCL Telly Table Has a Shifting 43-Inch Display
AI-Fueled Smartwatch Concepts
Rabbit Joins Teenage Engineering on the R1 Smartwatch Design
Compact Portable Power Stations
Volcan Creative's Futuristic Power Station is Trustworthy
Retro Smartphone Music Systems
The Conceptual 'RE:PLAY' Smartphone Music Player is Nostalgic
Multifunctional Foldable Mobile Devices
The Conceptual 'Move' Mobile Device Replaces Five Devices
Retro Camera-Like Speaker Concepts
The Kodak C400R Bluetooth Speaker by Hyunjun Yu is Minimalist
Social-Centric Wireless Earbud Concepts
Kusi Boateng-Arthur Introduces the Social Earbud Concept
Telescoping Component Kitchen Appliances
The Hybrid Kitchen Aid by Rishikesh Sonawane is Intuitive
Retro Transparent Cassette Players
NINM Lab Unveils the Nostalgic It's Real Cassette Player
Swappable Module Walkie-Talkies
This Modular Walkie-Talkie Concept Supports Different Scenarios
Connected Toy-Like Alarm Clocks
The Conceptual CUBB Alarm Clock Has an Eye-Catching Form
Multifunctional Traveler Speakers
The Harman Kardon 'Traveler' Speaker Has an Elegant Form
Tubular Note-Shaped Speakers
The Conceptual 'Mark' Premium Audio Device is Simple and Intuitive
Chic Circadian Rhythm Clocks
The Hatch Restore 2 Uses Auditory and Visual Cues for Relaxation
Portable Media Players
The LG StanbyME Go is Multi-Functional and Perfect for Traveling
Reduced Connectivity Mobile Devices
The Minimal Phone Combats Against Too Much Scrolling
90s-Inspired Music Players
Bang & Olufsen Release the Vintage Beosound 9000 CD Player
Nostalgic Nixie Tube Timepieces
The NEONWORKS BTF Nixie Watch Has a Retro-Modern Design
Anti-Distraction Communication Devices
The 'Beepberry' Only Works with the Beeper App
Modernized Classic Timepieces
The Radio Anatom Automatic Watch is Back for its 40th Anniversary
Nostalgic Mobile Gamer Devices
The Retroid Pocket Flip Has a Throwback, Clamshell Design
Shifting Orientation Smartphone Docks
The 'Rotator' Smartphone Stand Charger Changes for Needs
60s-Inspired Headphone Models
Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless Applied Art Forms Headphones are Chic
Tactile Smart Home Devices
The 'from()' Design Concept Prioritizes Intuitive Controls
Minimalist Wireless Cassette Players
The We Are Rewind Cassette Player Has an Aluminum Body
Digitally Enabled CD Players
This Portable CD Player Can Also Handle Digital File Formats
Ultra-Modern Record Players
This Modern Record Player by +AUDIO is High-Performance and Chic
Sneaker Culture Radio Stations
Nike Created ON AIR.MAX for Nike Air Max Day
Sleek Modern Timepiece Homage
Casio Releases the Limited-Edition TRN-50 Timepiece
Smart Sound System Solutions
The Bang & Olufsen Beoconnect Core Upgrades Existing Systems
Movable Room Divider TVs
The Conceptual 'Trolley' TV Divides the Room When Not in Use
Adhesive-Sticking Wireless TVs
Displace Develops the New Active Loop Vacuum Technology
Memory-Making Retro Camera Concepts
The Polaroid Duo Modular Instant Camera is a Sleek Concept
Wireless Timeless Retro Speakers
The Authentics Series by JBL Features an Impressive 270W
Premium Concept CD Players
Anthony Chupp Imagines a Quality CD Player in a Modern Look
Contemporary Vertical Turntables
ToVerse Unveils a New Dynamic Streaming Turntable Design
Elevated Modern Sleek Turntables
U-Turn Audio Updates its Orbit Turntable Collection
Innovative Size-Changing Phones
Motorola's 'Rizr' Dynamically Expands via a Rollable Screen
Nostalgic Television Channels
PBS Retro is a Vintage Television Channel Remembering the Past
Photography Brand Speaker Ranges
The Polaroid Bluetooth Speakers are Powerful and Stylish
Adaptable Smart Speaker Solutions
The 'Divid' Smart Speaker Concept Works in Multiple Ways
MP3 Player Smartphone Wallpapers
These iPod Wallpapers Transform the iPhone into a Retro Device
Malleable Furniture-Like TVs
This TCL Flexible OLED Display Offers a Smooth Visual Experience
Darkly Demure Turntable Systems
The Victrola Stream Onyx is Polished to Perfection
Retrofuturistic Tube Amplifier Jukeboxes
LG Introduces the DukeBox with a Clear OLED Display
Five-Disc CD Changers
Yamaha's 'CD-C603' Lets You Change Out CDs During Music Playback
Speaker-Centric Smartphones
The Music Phone by Nubia has Two Headphone Jacks and a Large Speaker
Wireless Contemporary Turntables
Victrola Designs the Stream Carbon Turntable with an Easy Setup
Transparent TV-Speaker Hybrids
The LG DukeBox is Coming to CES 2024
Retro 3D-Printed Bags
Coperni's CD-PLAYER Swipe Bag Resembles a Portable Music Player
Retro Comprehensive Versatile Speaker
Samsung Presents a Look at the Multifunctional Music Frame
Style-Conscious Record Players
The VS-01 Upright Vinyl Record Player Puts Media on Display
Cordless Battery-Powered TVs
The DisplaceTV Wireless Television Has a Lightweight Design
Classic Wood Veneer Speakers
Tivoli Presents the New Audio Model Two Digital Speaker
Color-Changing Eccentric Turntables
Brian Eno Designs the Turntable II with Unpredictable Patterns
Immersive Virtual Television Experiences
Television for Apple Vision Shapes the Future of TV
Music-Inspired Avatar Campaigns
Bang & Olufsen Launches the See Yourself in Sound Ad
Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids
Sennheisesr Launches its New Modern Wireless Hearing Aids
Modernized 40s-Era Timepieces
These Panerai Radiomir Watches Pay Attention to the Past and Future
IoT-Connected Traffic Beacons
This Traffic Beacon Concept Changes According to Needs
Self-Updating E-Ink Newspapers
Project E Ink Presents Fresh Headlines Daily
Architecture-Inspired Turntables
Jorge Paez Designs the Reinterpreted RYTM Turntable
Artistic Affordable Turntable Models
These U-Turn Orbit Turntables Come in Three Models
Bespoke Brass Vintage Clocks
Sergey's Nixei Tube Vintage Clock is Inspired by the 19th Century
Retro-Style Karaoke Sets
The A30M Blends Modern Features with an 80s-Inspired Design
Miniature Music Player Features
Spotify Rolls Out the Miniplayer for Desktop Platforms
Offline Newspaper Publications
County Highway Revives Print Culture
Gen Alpha-Focused Podcast Apps
Storybutton Launches as a Generation Alpha-Targeted Radio Channel
Singing Competition Audio Electronics
The Voice Electronics Take After the Hit ITV Studios Show
Folding Movable Smart TVs
The 'FloatTV' Encourages Movement Around a Living Space
Compact Podcast Mixers
The Rodecaster Duo Device is Smaller and More Affordable than Predecessors
Music-Playing Photo Frames
Samsung's Music Frame Blends Seamlessly into the Home
Contemporary Television Artwork
Samsung and Marimekko Unveil a Project for The Frame
Reusable Disposable Cameras
Flashback is Reviving Disposable Cameras with a Sustainable Twist
Modern WiFi-Equipped Toasters
Revolution Cooking Previews its Advanced Revolution Toaster
Dual-Screen Smart TVs
The Telly TV is a Free Piece of Hardware Supported by Advertisements
Retro Social App Devices
Edwar Banquet Designs the Retro Instagram Gadget with a Console Shape
Connective Digital Audio Players
This Device Offers Premium Audio Quality & Broad Compatibility
Sculptural Smartphone Wireless Chargers
The OVAL Charging Station is Shaped like a UFO
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Attention-Grabbing Hearing Aids
The Overtone Hearing Aid Fashionably Reimagines the Device
Wireless High-Definition TVs
LG Signature Showcased a 97-inch Wireless OLED TV Titled the 'OLED M'
Versatile Modular Couches
The Transformer Couch 2.0 Adds Flexible Style to the Living Room
Multipurpose Compact Televisions
The SOUROUND by SHS Shih is Made for Compact Residences
Gen Z Advertising Tools
YouTube Launches a New Music Tool to Connect Advertisers with Gen Z
Live Radio Apps
Amp by Amazon is a Live Audio-Streaming Platform
Nostalgic Music Discovery Apps
The 'Rewind' App Helps Gen Z Delve Into the Music Of Past Decades
Retro Phone-Inspired Label Makers
102 Design Lab Presents the Vintage Phone Labeling Machine
Distraction-Free Flip Phones
Consumer Cellular Unveils its 'Shot on Flip Phone' Campaign
Retrofuturistic Streaming Audio Devices
Nik Reitmann Designs a DIY Streaming Audio Player
Slim Portable Audio Turntables
Benjamin Großjohann Designs the Sleek New Coturn CT-01
Wireless Clock Charger Concepts
Nihoy Lahiri Designs the Multifunctional Zenith Clock Concept
Lightweight Portable Jukeboxes
AMI Entertainment Launches the New Portable Jukebox
Streaming-Enabled Record Players
Victrola Stream Sapphire Record Player Blends Nostalgia with Tech
Digital Music Hubs
Noise Stores an Artist's Important Links in One Space
Adaptable Wireless TVs
Displace is Bringing Two TV Innovations to CES 2024
Revamped Modern Phone Booths
100architects Brings Digital Touches to the Classic Phone Booth
Retro Digital Flip Clocks
The Flip Clock Turns Any Device into a Nostalgic Time Piece
Connected Retro Design Speakers
The Ruark R140 Sound System Has an Old-Fashioned Form with WiFi
Streamed Custom Radio Stations
YouTube Music Presents its new Create a Radio Interface
Branded Streaming TVs
Roku Announces New Smart HDTVs Made Using its Streaming Technology
Offline Streaming Music Playlists
Spotify Rolls Out its Offline Mix Feature as a Trial
Content-Focused Map Features
TuneIn Launches an Immersive Map Feature for Global Content Searches
Weekly Personalized Music Curation
NewMusic Delivers New Tracks to Your Inbox Every Week
Juxtaposing Modern Streaming Speakers
Tivoli Audio Brings Life Back to the Songbook with Remakes
Curated Music Discovery Playlists
Apple Music is Rolling Out the 'Discovery Station' Feature