Top 100 Multimedia Trends of 2012

From Real-Life Photoshop Edits to Hologram-Hiding Furnishings

— January 18, 2013 — Tech
In the past, the worlds of audio and visual entertainment were subject to your standard home theater, which was considered complete as long as it had a stereo, a TV and a DVD player -- in light of 2012's multimedia trends, it's safe to say that's no longer the case. This past year was a year of expansion, especially within the world of media entertainment. Such classic pieces as a projector or video camera were still relevant in 2012, but remixed to suit the information age.

Examples of this include the Chobi Cam Pro 2, which is the world's smallest HD camera and the L8 Smartlight speaker which plays music while serving as home decor. Some of 2012's hottest multimedia microtrends even gave a nod to the analog ages, such as the minimalist gramophone made to look like paper, but armed with a killer sound system.

Checking out these multimedia microtrends will definitely spark inspiration, but if you're looking to dive deeper into our consumer insights, check out our Multimedia Trend Report.
6.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
100
DJ BMX Bikes
DJ BMX Bikes
The ‘Turntable Rider' Puts Regular MCs to Shame
<
99
Virtual Display Headsets
Virtual Display Headsets
The 'Golden-i Headset' is Unveiled at CES 2012
<
98
Intuitive LED Light Boxes
Intuitive LED Light Boxes
The L8 Smartlight Informs You of What’s Happening in Your Surround
<
97
Led Tech Centers
Led Tech Centers
The Google Data Center Images Go Behind the Scenes
<
96
Electricity-Producing Headphones
Electricity-Producing Headphones
The Green Noise Bluetooth Headset Harnesses the Energy of Noise
<
95
Classy Convertible Laptops
Classy Convertible Laptops
Lenovo's 'IdeaPad Yoga' Tablet is Unveiled at CES 2012
<
94
Compact Mobile Computers
Compact Mobile Computers
The TPM VIPNI Smartphone Offers PC Capabilities in the Palm of Your Hand
<
93
E-Book Speaker Docks
E-Book Speaker Docks
The Readerdock Firestation Plays Blasts Content from the Kindle Fire
<
92
Specialized Social Handsets
Specialized Social Handsets
The MYbox Pocket Netbook Keeps You in the Conversation On the Go
<
91
Crystalized Video Sculptures
Crystalized Video Sculptures
Prismatica by Kit Webster is Whimsical and Fascinating
<
90
Luxuriously Large LED Televisions
Luxuriously Large LED Televisions
The Sharp AQUOS LC-90LE745U is 90" and Costs a Fortune
<
89
Retro Gaming Sound Systems
Retro Gaming Sound Systems
The Atari 2600 Speaker Lets You Pump Music and Play Pong
<
88
Real Time Scrawled Styluses
Real Time Scrawled Styluses
The Handwriting Chat Pen Enables Digital Dialog by Traditional Means
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87
Upcycled Telephone Speakers
Upcycled Telephone Speakers
'Dreyfuss Special' by Uncle Oswald Is Our Hero Makes Use of Waste
<
86
Irreverent iPad Illustrations
Irreverent iPad Illustrations
Sarah Sitkin Gets Creative with the Draw Something App
<
85
Minimalist Tablet Sound Accessories
Minimalist Tablet Sound Accessories
The SOOT Acoustic Kickstand Ups the Sound of the Kindle Fire
<
84
Ultimate Videography Kits
Ultimate Videography Kits
Grant Parrinello Creates an All-In-One Tool for DSLRS
<
83
Anticipated Phone Graphics
Anticipated Phone Graphics
The 'New iPhone 5 Final Rumours Roundup' Infographic is Discerning
<
82
Personalized QR Code Stickers
Personalized QR Code Stickers
The Heineken 'U-Code' Sends Customized Messages
<
81
Opulent Ebony Ear Pieces
Opulent Ebony Ear Pieces
The Meze Classics Wood Audiophile Headphones Improve Sound Quality
<
80
Reworked Movie Posters
Reworked Movie Posters
These David Amblard Motion Picture Makeovers are Incredible Adaptations
<
79
Screaming Sound Systems
Screaming Sound Systems
The Soundmasters Speakers is Full of Raw Emotion
<
78
Television Timelines
Television Timelines
The 'How is the TV Landscape Changing' Infographic Tracks the Progress of TV
<
77
Glass Block Speakers
Glass Block Speakers
Tuned by Kenwood Looks Like a Clean Chunk of Ice
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76
Music-Switching Posters
Music-Switching Posters
'Change the Tune' Adjusts Tracks with Each Blow
<
75
Vintage Metal Processed Polaroids
Vintage Metal Processed Polaroids
The Tintype Portraits by Michael Shingler Use a Unique Process
<
74
Pocket Sized Portable Speakers
Pocket Sized Portable Speakers
The Matrix Audio iPro Speaker Provides Big Sound in a Small Package
<
73
Old-Fashioned Photography Apps
Old-Fashioned Photography Apps
The 'Strut Type' App for iPhone is Reminiscent of a Simpler Time
<
72
Inky Music Icon Ads
Inky Music Icon Ads
The DCS Audiophile Equipment Campaign Urges People to 'Save the Music'
<
71
Extravagent Soccer Club Getaways
Extravagent Soccer Club Getaways
Real Madrid Resort Island Kicks Up the United Arab Emirates
<
70
Mind-Made Furnishings
Mind-Made Furnishings
Varier Brain-Designed Furniture Heads to the Future of Design
<
69
Mobile Music Players
Mobile Music Players
The Car Audio Deck Makes Listening to Tunes While Driving More Convenient
<
68
Kaleidoscopic Origami Portraits
Kaleidoscopic Origami Portraits
Jesse Yules Creates a Stunning Folded Painting Music Video
<
67
Canada's Largest Mobile Development Conference (SPONSORED)
Canada's Largest Mobile Development Conference (SPONSORED)
AndroidTO 2012 Will Showcase Top Talent
<
66
Sound System Chandeliers
Sound System Chandeliers
The Sonos Soundalier is a Custom Audio Set for the NYC Week
<
65
Unconventional Horn Sound Systems
Unconventional Horn Sound Systems
Ring Audio MH Speakers are a Sound Addition to Any Living Room
<
64
Personified Digital Art
Personified Digital Art
The 'Energy Beings' Series by Kochi Humanizes Electronic Art
<
63
Electrifying Nature Photography
Electrifying Nature Photography
The Light Trail Photographs by Joel James Devlin Use Long Exposure
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62
Touch-Less Sound Systems
Touch-Less Sound Systems
Emanuele Cecini's Manta Dock Features a Touchscreen Control
<
61
Paper Record Players
Paper Record Players
This Minimalist Gramophone is Crafted from Three Basic Materials
<
60
Innovative Music Devices
Innovative Music Devices
These Gadgets Make Pumping Tunes Sweet and Stress-Free
<
59
Winged Smartphone Sound Systems
Winged Smartphone Sound Systems
The Glide iPod Docking Station Lets Your Music Take Flight
<
58
Generational Difference Charts
Generational Difference Charts
The 'Culture of the Class of 2016' Infographic Shows Changes
<
57
Video Business Cards
Video Business Cards
The EyeJot vCard Lets You Distribute Your Details in VCF Form
<
56
iPhone-Inspired Android Apps
iPhone-Inspired Android Apps
Google Play Releases the Instagram Application for Non-Apple Devices
<
55
Practically Professional Cameras
Practically Professional Cameras
The New Canon Powershot G1 X Has Arrived at CES 2012
<
54
Ghostly Monochrome Captures
Ghostly Monochrome Captures
Multiple Exposure Photography by Christoffer Relander is Beautiful
<
53
Rotating Photo Art Portraits
Rotating Photo Art Portraits
The Moving Pictures by Michael Jantzen are Constantly Revolving
<
52
Mood-Improving Headsets
Mood-Improving Headsets
The DayBrake Monitors Your Bodily Response and Endeavors to Relax You
<
51
Slithering Sound Systems
Slithering Sound Systems
The Snakes Portable Speakers by Junonna Trotsiuk are Modular
<
50
Snapping Camera Stands
Snapping Camera Stands
Modahaus Steady Stand Makes Overhead Pictures a Snap
<
49
Time-Lapse Space Photographs
Time-Lapse Space Photographs
The ‘Star Trail’ Captures by Astronaut Don Pettit
<
48
Green Desktop Speakers
Green Desktop Speakers
The 'Jack Terrier 2' Blasts Music from Recycled Material
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47
Intelligent Input Speakers
Intelligent Input Speakers
The MK 01 Transmits Wirelessly from Phones, Players and Instruments
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46
Pressure-Sensitive Tablet Pens
Pressure-Sensitive Tablet Pens
Jaja is an Entire Electronic Pencil Case in One Cord-Free Implement
<
45
Real Life Photoshop Edits
Real Life Photoshop Edits
Flora Borsi Depicts What Nonfictional Polishing Looks Like
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44
Polygonal Pop-Culture Icons
Polygonal Pop-Culture Icons
The ‘Poly' iPad App Renders Images with Angles
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43
Hypnotic Florescent Art
Hypnotic Florescent Art
The '64 CCFL' Installation by Nils Völker Shines with Mesmerizing Lig
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42
Polychromatic Exploding Firework Captures
Polychromatic Exploding Firework Captures
The Long Exposures by Davey J Photography are Beautiful
<
41
Tubular Tablet Audio
Tubular Tablet Audio
The Zooka Wireless Speaker Bar Also Provides a Durable Grip
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40
Crystalizing Interactive Art
Crystalizing Interactive Art
The 'Osmosis' Installation by Arik Levy Explores the Beauty of Chaos
<
39
Vintage Portable Music Players
Vintage Portable Music Players
The Crosley Collegiate Turntable Can Convert Vinyls to MP3s
<
38
Sci-Fi Vehicle Stickers
Sci-Fi Vehicle Stickers
The Star Wars Family Car Decals are the Perfect Gift for Nerds
<
37
Multimedia Benefits Infographics
Multimedia Benefits Infographics
The 'M Booth' Storytelling Chart Explains the Impact of Videos
<
36
Layered Image Photography
Layered Image Photography
'We Are Nature' by Christoffer Relander is Stunning
<
35
Hidden Speaker Systems
Hidden Speaker Systems
The JMC Soundboard Blends into Any Environment and Provides Awesome Sound
<
34
Projector-Equipped Smartphones
Projector-Equipped Smartphones
The Samsung Galaxy Beam is a Step Ahead with Hologram Capabilities
<
33
Transparent Time Keepers
Transparent Time Keepers
The 'Chameleon Clock' for iPhone or iPad Blends In
<
32
Slick Convertible Computers
Slick Convertible Computers
The Fujitsu Lifebook txiii Flips and Folds for Diverse Functions
<
31
Pinned Tapestry Sculptures
Pinned Tapestry Sculptures
These Murals by Ran Hwang use Thousands of Beads and Pins
<
30
High-Tech Hands-Free Harnesses
High-Tech Hands-Free Harnesses
The Sonic Walk Igniter is a Water-Resistant Music Player
<
29
Turntable Stovetops
Turntable Stovetops
The DJ Cooker Busts Beats as You Saute Your Eats
<
28
LED Light-up Apparel
LED Light-up Apparel
Glowing Gowns, Florescent Runways & Sarah Nazim
<
27
Divine Baroque-Influenced
Divine Baroque-Influenced
The Mixed Media Sculptures by Kri Kuksi Merges New and Old
<
26
Illuminated Painting Recreations
Illuminated Painting Recreations
The Gjon Mili Picasso Light Drawings Emulate Famous Works
<
25
Comparative Media Graphics
Comparative Media Graphics
The Social Media vs. Traditional Media Infographic is Future Focused
<
24
Mind-Blowing Moving Maps
Mind-Blowing Moving Maps
Time-lapse Map of Europe Shows Region's Growth from 1000 A.D. to 2003
<
23
Miniature Night Vision Cameras
Miniature Night Vision Cameras
The Chobi Cam Pro 2 is the World's Smallest HD Video Camera
<
22
Gamer Weapon Replicas
Gamer Weapon Replicas
The Fallout 3 Terrible Shotgun has Become a Reality
<
21
Cardboard Smartphone Speakers
Cardboard Smartphone Speakers
The Eco Amp Amplifies Sound in a Natural and Eco-Friendly Manner
<
20
Interactive Light Installations
Interactive Light Installations
'Light Form' Interactive Landscape by Mathieu Rivier is Riveting
<
19
Suspended Rainbow Thread Installations (UPDATE)
Suspended Rainbow Thread Installations (UPDATE)
The Plexus Series by Gabriel Dawe is Chromatic
<
18
Sparkling Gilded Headgear
Sparkling Gilded Headgear
Beats by Dre Swarovski Glamour Series Headphones is Not for the Subtle
<
17
Long-Distance Relationship Apps
Long-Distance Relationship Apps
The Avocado App Keeps Long-Distance Relationships Blooming
<
16
Hi-Tech Projecting Eyewear
Hi-Tech Projecting Eyewear
Lumus Glasses Lets You View Video, TV and Internet Content
<
15
Musical Meal Warmers
Musical Meal Warmers
The C-Orby Composer Cooker Stimulates Another Human Sense at Supper
<
14
Contemporary Tech-Driven Structures
Contemporary Tech-Driven Structures
The i-City Pavilion Uses QR Codes as its Interior Facade
<
13
Hilarious Instagram Parodies
Hilarious Instagram Parodies
These Facebook x Instagram Filters Will Enhance Your Social Profile
<
12
Smartphone Car Stereos
Smartphone Car Stereos
The Devium Dash Integrates iPhone Music Right into Automobiles
<
11
Retro Digital Workstations
Retro Digital Workstations
Old Time Computer Releases Vintage-Themed Apple Product Attachments
<
10
Sports Extremist Action Shots
Sports Extremist Action Shots
The Go Pro Hd Hero 3 Captures the Impossible Photos and Videos
<
9
Phone-Mimicking MP3 Players
Phone-Mimicking MP3 Players
The iPod Nano 7 is Nearly the Size of a Credit Card
<
8
Infinite LED Waves
Infinite LED Waves
La Lampe Installation by Muti Randolph Appears Endlessly Undulating
<
7
QR Coded Pavilions
QR Coded Pavilions
The Russian Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale Exhibits Technology
<
6
Portable Diagnostic Imaging
Portable Diagnostic Imaging
The Radio Fast Radiology System Would Reduce Waiting Times in the ER
<
5
Beat-Pumping Wristwatches
Beat-Pumping Wristwatches
The Music Watch with USB Plays Tunes and Tells Time
<
4
Hologram-Hiding Furnishings
Hologram-Hiding Furnishings
The Studio Swine Prism Cabinet Contains an Art Installation
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3
Backwards Movie Ads
Backwards Movie Ads
The LG Home Theater 3D Sound Campaign Shows Every Side of Sound
<
2
Responsive Light Installations
Responsive Light Installations
The Cinimod Studio Tunnel Boasts Interactive Illumination
<
1
Compact Computing Timepieces
Compact Computing Timepieces
NEXD Android Watches are Multifunctional and Sleek
<