# Headphone-Replacing Directional Speakers The 'SRAY' Directional Speaker Has a Fine-Tuned Design By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2019-10-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sray-directional-speaker References: [yankodesign](https://www.yankodesign.com/2019/10/17/these-directional-speakers-throw-sound-in-focused-beams-like-a-spotlight/) & [indiegogo](https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sray-world-s-smallest-directional-speaker#/) The 'SRAY' directional speaker is a compact audio solution that seeks to replace [traditional headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neo-hybrid) in favor of a more ear-friendly device. Positioned as the [smallest speaker of its kind](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-speakers), the unit works to create an "audio spotlight," which will focus the sounds being played in one direction instead of across an entire area. This will provide users with a [private listening experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hearvana-ai) that won't disturb those around them to make it ideal for use in almost any space desired. The 'SRAY' directional speaker is the design work of Tae-Young Kim of CatchFlow and could help users to stave off the long-term effects of constant headphone use. This will come as welcome news to those who listen to music for extended periods and who are looking for a more hearing health-conscious alternative. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Directional Audio Speakers:** The directional audio speakers trend represents a disruptive innovation opportunity for audio device makers who want to provide users with private listening experiences without the discomfort and potential long-term effects of headphone use. - **Audio Spotlights:** The audio spotlight trend represents a disruptive innovation opportunity for audio device makers who want to provide users with personalized audio experiences in public spaces and events. - **Hearing Health Tech:** The hearing health tech trend represents a disruptive innovation opportunity for tech companies who want to provide users with audio devices that prioritize hearing health and safety. ### Who This Affects Most - **Consumer Electronics:** The directional audio speakers trend presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for consumer electronics companies to create private listening devices that promote hearing health. - **Event Management:** The audio spotlight trend presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for event management companies who want to enhance audio experiences for attendees without noise pollution. - **Sustainable Health:** The hearing health tech trend presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for sustainable health startups who want to prioritize hearing health as part of their product or service offerings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Targeted Audio Wave Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zipp-speaker-concept.md) - [Anti-Distraction Speaker Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cravt-speaker.md) - [Clear-Frame Directional Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/focusound.md) - [User-Following Speaker Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solros-speaker.md) - [Ultra-Thin Chromatic Speaker Units](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diyr-speaker.md) - [Smart Beaming Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noveto-n1.md) - [Hybrid Wearable Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neckphone-tri.md) - [Orb-Shaped Speaker Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/satellite-headphones.md) - [Headphone-Holding Speaker Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cornucopia-speaker.md)