# Gramophone Smartphone Amps Megatone Speakers Provide Old-School Amplification with Fresh Design By Amelia Roblin | Published 2014-03-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/megatone-speakers References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2014/03/21/passive-iphone-amplifiers/) & [ecotono.it](http://www.ecotono.it/en/products/eco-amply-passive-en/) The magnificent appearance of these Megatone Speakers may lead you to expect that fancy specs are associated with these devices; however, the dynamic Ecotono products function as [passive sound systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leapsonic-speaker). Developed to accommodate [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/d32) gadgets like [iPhones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thinn) and iPods, each one has a slot-style stand for the insertion of your handset. The Biotono Granphono and the Biotono Aulos Magnum are featured here with their big bell designs that are reminiscent of brass instruments. With your smartphone inserted in the base of one of them, the tiny audio output emits within the pipe, amplifying your music to about five times the volume without any need for electronic parts. The Megatone Speakers are made from ceramic with its acoustic properties, left white on the outsides and painted bright colors on the insides. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Passive Sound Systems:** The use of passive sound systems, like the Megatone Speakers, presents an opportunity for businesses to create innovative audio solutions without the need for electronic parts. - **Smartphone Amplification:** The integration of smartphones with amplification devices, such as the Gramophone Smartphone Amps, opens up opportunities for businesses to provide retro-style audio experiences. - **Ceramic Acoustic Properties:** Exploring the acoustic properties of ceramics, as seen in the Megatone Speakers, offers businesses the chance to create unique and visually appealing audio products. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Consumer Electronics:** In the consumer electronics industry, there is an opportunity to develop innovative passive sound systems like the Megatone Speakers that enhance the audio experience. - **Mobile Technology:** The mobile technology industry can tap into the demand for smartphone amplification solutions, providing users with retro-style audio amplification options. - **Home Decor:** The use of ceramics with acoustic properties, as demonstrated by the Megatone Speakers, can inspire businesses in the home decor industry to create visually appealing and functional audio products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Transparent Gramophone-Like Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-speaker-concept.md) - [Modernized Retro Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-memory.md) - [Nostalgic Streaming Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tivoli-songbook.md) - [Whimsically Designed Speaker Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-for-ara-fs1-and-fs2.md) - [Portable Sonic-Optimized Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/newordinary-songbook-max-speaker.md) - [Exposed Component Audio Amplifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ampieq-sound-amplifier.md) - [Speaker-Centric Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/music-phone.md) - [Retro-Style Portable Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/victrola-music-edition.md) - [Portable Phone-Attached Mini Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magboom-mini.md)