# Cube-Shaped MP3 Players Invention Uses 3-Axis Accelerometer to Control Playback By Nicole Chia | Published 2009-01-29 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cube-mp3-control-playback-by-rolling References: [i.gizmodo](http://i.gizmodo.com/5141586/cube) & [hackedgadgets](http://hackedgadgets.com/2009/01/28/motion-controlled-mp3-player/) The concept of a small cube MP3 player has been circulating for a while; however, this little one is unique in that it’s controlled by motion. To skip songs or power it off, just turn the cube onto its side or tap its corner. The innovative MP3 player was built from scratch from a Japanese designer called ChaN and uses a three-axis accelerometer that allows it to sense when you tilt it or tap it. It has no buttons but does have a small SD card slot and is equipped with a [small speaker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foldable-speaker-concept). It also has the option to attach a second speaker via an audio jack for louder playback. The idea takes simplicity to the next level and I can easily see [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipod-nano-2021-concept) or [Sony](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-audio-player) snapping up a design like ChaN’s. The only problem I see is teaching it to differentiate between play-based taps and bumps at the bottom of a purse. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 75% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## 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 - **Motion-controlled Technology:** The use of motion sensors to control devices, like MP3 players, opens up opportunities for more intuitive and interactive user experiences. - **Simplified Design:** The trend towards minimalistic designs, like cube-shaped MP3 players, offers an opportunity to create sleek, user-friendly products that prioritize simplicity. - **Enhanced Audio Experience:** The incorporation of multiple speakers and audio jacks in MP3 players provides an opportunity to improve sound quality and offer customizable listening experiences. ### Where This Applies - **Consumer Electronics:** Companies in the consumer electronics industry can explore motion-controlled technology to create innovative MP3 players and other devices. - **Audio Technology:** The audio technology industry can leverage simplified designs to develop compact and user-friendly MP3 players and other audio devices. - **Fashion and Accessories:** The fashion and accessories industry can collaborate with technology companies to design stylish and functional accessories for motion-controlled MP3 players and other wearable devices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Multifunctional Compact Music Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playdisc.md) - [Cube Toy-Inspired Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playcube.md) - [Modular Physical Media Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/winamp-media-player-device.md) - [Premium Concept CD Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anthony-chupp.md) - [Transparent Cyberpunk MP3 Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-device.md) - [Cassette-Inspired Music Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-audio-player.md) - [Modernized Portable Music Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tl1-music-player.md) - [Dice-Inspired Speaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dominote-speaker.md) - [Fan-Made Digital Audio Players](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nothing-npod.md)