# Acoustic Smartphone Controllers These 'Acoustruments' Can Make Smartphone Use More Tangible By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-04-22 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acoustruments References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/acoustruments-physical-smartphone-controls/37103/) & [cs.cmu.edu](https://www.cs.cmu.edu/news/beyond-touchscreen-carnegie-mellon-disney-researchers-develop-acoustically-driven-controls-handheld-devices) Researchers at [Carnegie Mellon University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flat-panel-haptics) and [Disney University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bluetooth-trackers-1) have created an array of accessories dubbed Acoustruments that are designed to make interaction with smartphones more physical -- all this without Bluetooth technology or additional wired connections. The accessory takes the form of a flexible plastic tubing and connects smartphone speakers to a microphone. Any action that alters the acoustic frequency detected by the mic can be used to make something happen on the phone's software. The absence of electrical circuitry in the acoustruments makes them inexpensive to manufacture, and they could be crafted using 3D printing or even made by hand. While touchscreens have proven to be a pretty revolutionary and useful invention, there are certain situations for which they are not ideal, which is where the [tangible physical control](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/communicator) of acoustruments could come in handy. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.4/10 - Popularity: 2% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Acoustruments:** Creating physical control of smartphones through altering acoustic frequency detected by a microphone. - **Inexpensive Manufacturing:** Utilizing 3D printing or handmade production to create affordable acoustruments. - **Alternative to Touchscreens:** Providing tangible physical control for situations where touchscreens are not ideal. ### Where This Applies - **Mobile Technology:** Opportunity for designing and manufacturing acoustruments as accessories for smartphones. - **3D Printing:** Utilizing 3D printing technology to manufacture acoustruments more efficiently. - **Educational Tools:** Developing acoustruments as tangible educational tools for learning through smartphone interaction. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Smartphone-Based Musical Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artinoise-zefiro.md) - [Tactical Smartphone Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pui-series.md) - [Gesture-Control Earpiece Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samsung-galaxy-air-concept.md) - [Aftermarket Smartphone Audio Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buddy-audio-device.md) - [Tactile Interactive Music Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yamaha.md) - [Effect-Emitting Guitar Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guitar-gadgets.md) - [Sound-Localizing Smartphone Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soundcam-go.md) - [Posh Power-Free Smartphone Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amplifying-speaker.md) - [Inclusive Smartphone Control Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assistive-key-device.md)