Open-Source Bluetooth Audio Device Launched by Teufel
In the realm of Bluetooth speakers, Teufel Audio's MYND speaker stands out for its commitment to user-friendly repair and sustainability. Led by Jonathan and Erik, who were part of the team behind the original MYND speaker, the development of this innovative device has been guided by a vision to empower users and promote longevity.
The MYND speaker's hardware design files and firmware are publicly available on GitHub under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license. This open-source approach allows users and the community to access, modify, and maintain the speaker themselves, fostering a sense of user empowerment and extending the device's lifespan.
Key aspects of the MYND's design that support repairability and sustainability include a modular design, an easy-to-open case, the use of readily available commercial parts, sustainable materials, and a long battery life.
The modular design means that every major component—including the battery—can be easily replaced or upgraded by users, even those without specialist knowledge. This significantly extends the product’s lifespan compared to typical disposable Bluetooth speakers. The enclosure is designed to be opened with minimal use of adhesives, enabling straightforward access to internal components for repair or replacement.
The internal electronics are composed of common, easily sourced components, ensuring users can find replacements without difficulty. The housing is made from 50% recycled plastic while maintaining IP67 dust and water resistance, demonstrating that eco-friendly materials and durability can coexist. The long battery life of up to 40 hours helps reduce frequent charging and wear.
These features reflect Teufel’s commitment to reducing electronic waste by designing a high-quality Bluetooth speaker that users can keep operational for many years via repair and upgrade rather than replacement.
In 2021, Jenny List, a hacker, proclaimed, "You own it, you should be able to fix it!" This sentiment remains relevant in the context of the MYND speaker, as users have the option to repair their speakers or replicate them from scratch using the available design files. Erik, a member of the Teufel team, emphasized the importance of easy repairability for the MYND speaker, stating that even users without specialist knowledge can replace the battery.
The strategy of making the MYND speaker easy to repair is not expected to be emulated by many other manufacturers. However, the MYND speaker, along with its design and development process, is seen as a device that encourages repairability rather than frustration. The speaker from Teufel Audio aims to allow end-user maintenance, breaking the cycle of disposable Bluetooth speakers.
- The open-source approach of Teufel Audio's MYND speaker allows users to access, modify, and maintain the speaker themselves, fostering a sense of user empowerment and extending the device's lifespan.
- With a modular design, an easy-to-open case, the use of readily available commercial parts, and a long battery life, the MYND speaker's hardware is designed to be easily repaired, promoting repairability and sustainability.
- TheMYND speaker's internal electronics are composed of common, easily sourced components, and the housing is made from 50% recycled plastic, demonstrating a commitment to reducing electronic waste by designing a high-quality Bluetooth speaker that can be repaired and used for many years.
