This fancy speaker features a hidden tech drawer and Qi charging

If you like your speakers to look tailored and just slightly pretentious, the new PR / 01 speaker from Native Union and La Boite Concept can tickle your imagination. While the wooden frame, aluminum controls and speaker's textile grille go back to the golden age of high fidelity, it has modern features that include wireless Bluetooth Apt-X connectivity to play music and hidden USB and audio ports inside a hidden drawer where there is room for an optional Qi charger. The company claims that the PR / 01 can produce high fidelity sound that is "similar to a real orchestra" using the patented "Active Pression Reflex" technology that is defined by words intended to impress humans without having almost any meaning understandable. . 19659002] Slide to open the hidden speaker drawer to reveal a range of audio inputs and USB ports (2 USB-A and 1 USB-C). Native Union also sells a separate Drop Wireless Charger for $ 59.99 that can be placed inside the drawer in a dedicated recess. The Drop Charger is compatible with any mobile device compatible with Qi and the company says it can close the drawer and place its phone on top of the speaker to charge it easily. While it seems useful, it might be difficult to determine where to place the phone to obtain an optimal charge, and would have to fight against the problem of weakening the power or drop it dramatically with distance and (in this case, wood) obstructions.

PR / 01 costs $ 799 (or € 799 / £ 699) and is available online at the MoMA Design Store for US customers. UU And at The Conran Shop, which offers services around the world.

Photo: Native Union / La Boite Concept