# Gramophone-Inspired Acoustic Amplifiers BigRep's 1887-esque Phone Amplifier is 3D Printed By Alyson Wyers | Published 2015-04-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phone-amplifier References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2015/03/iphone-speaker-3d-printed-iphone-amplifier-bigrep.html) & [bigrep](http://bigrep.com/project/acoustic-iphone-amplifier/) From 3D printing solutions firm [BigRep](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipso-integration), this acoustic phone amplifier takes inspiration from 1887 and the gramophone. Based on 140 year old technology, the printable device uses natural acoustics to amplify sound. To use, place the narrow end of the phone amplifier near your [iPhone's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hires-headphone-amplifier) speaker. Since it relies on the science of sound waves, there is no need for batteries, cords, Bluetooth or even to connect it to your smartphone. This is a huge departure (or throw back) from jukebox speaker technology that acts as the base of most music players in production today. The amplifier has not yet been released for public consumption. The stunning [shell-like design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shell-intelligent) will be a welcome addition to your home decor when that day comes. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 10% | 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) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Acoustic Amplifiers:** The trend of creating acoustic phone amplifiers based on age-old technology presents an opportunity to offer eco-friendly and organic alternatives to amplifying sound. - **3D Printing:** The growing trend of 3D printing can offer innovative possibilities to create vintage-inspired and visually appealing phone accessories while reducing production costs. - **Natural Acoustics:** The trend of utilizing natural acoustics to amplify sound presents an opportunity for the development of new audio technologies that are non-dependent on electricity or battery power. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Consumer Electronics:** There is a potential for the consumer electronics industry to tap into the demand for eco-friendly phone accessories that offer genuine and authentic sounds using age-old technology. - **Home Decor:** The trend of creating visually appealing acoustic phone amplifiers offers an opportunity for home decor companies to incorporate vintage-inspired technology into modern spaces. - **Manufacturing:** The growing trend of 3D printing presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the manufacturing industry to produce unique phone accessories based on niche markets and age-old technology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Transparent Gramophone-Like Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-speaker-concept.md) - [Exposed Component Audio Amplifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ampieq-sound-amplifier.md) - [Nautilus Shell Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steampunk-nautilus.md) - [Phone Charger-Infused Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phone-chargerinfused-speaker.md) - [Magnetic Smartphone Audio Amplifiers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hires-headphone-amplifier.md) - [Speaker-Centric Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/music-phone.md) - [Wine Bottle-Resembling Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dream-echo.md) - [Vintage Puzzle Gramophones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-gramophone.md) - [Stylish Low-Tech Sound Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frame-sound.md)