Monocle: Your 3-in-1 Mobile and Music Buddy
When in Manila, Native Union gives a new definition to the word monocle. A short unboxing ceremony is all that we needed to clearly see that the new Monocle is a quirky gadget that works as a speaker phone, a head phone and a speaker.
When I received the Monocle in the mail, excitement and confusion stirred in my brain. I was a bit baffled at how I would use it; more so at how I would categorize it. The package was marked with the text – ” more than a speaker, more than a handset, more than a speakerphone”.
At first glance, the Monocle looks like a broken piece of a head phone with only one ear pad attached to a string, but it is this very design that makes it a beautiful piece overall, combining the superpowers of 3 different gadgets.
Monocle as a Head Phone
You might find it a bit weird to use a monocle to listen to music since it only has one ear pad – unless you are a DJ who prefers to hold one head phone piece while doing a groovy spin, that is. (If that’s your thing, read our article on DJ classes here.) The Monocle is more than a head phone for music; it is also a quirky alternative to traditional phone hand sets.
Hold it like a normal hand phone and talk through the built-in mic that holds the voice loud and clear. I was able to test drive the Monocle and took a call from US. The connection quality is precise and clear, successfully bridging the difference in location and timezone with ease. Since the ear pad is cushioned with a soft material, long calls won’t be torturous at all. A push on the button located at the side ends the call, allowing the users to enjoy hands-free conversations.
Monocle as a Speaker Phone
With a quick turn of the dial, the head phone can be used as a speaker phone. You will hear a click sound and the LED light will turn on. I love how the traditional knob design of old machines is applied in this modern gadget. The rubberised dial gives a good grip for controlling volume, while the mic sharply captures the voice, and the speaker produces a good sound quality. Aside from mobile phones, the Monocle is also compatible with VOIP applications. This plug and play device doesn’t need installation, either.
Monocle as a Speaker
You can forget about bulky and heavy speakers after you meet the Monocle. Aside from being a good buddy for taking calls, the Monocle also echoes and plays music from any music device. The Monocle can transform a tranquil little hub into a bombastic party place by simply turning the dial to turn on the speaker. It gives a good 4 to 5 hours of crisp sound once fully charged. The 40mm driver and metal speaker grill ensure optimal sound quality, too.
Playing a Maroon 5 song via YouTube
Rocking the room with music from the New Kube mp3
Monocle Features and Design
For a device that serves 3 purposes, it makes sense for it to be made out of durable material. The nylon cable saves the Monocle from tangles and tear and is long enough to turn it into a stylish sling around the neck. The ear pad itself is made out of thick plastic material with a rubber dial for an easier grip. The other side is made out of soft cushioned leather.
The 3.5mm jack makes it compatible with all devices.
If you think that Monocle is a lonely one-piece ear gear, you were wrong. You can ask your friends to get their own monocle as you can daisy-chain up to 10 Monocles for a great sound party showdown, or use each one as a head phone and start a conference call.
The Monocle is indeed a stylish statement. The box even comes with a loop that you can use to attach the Monocle to your bag – a great way to ensure you are not forgetting this little buddy when traveling.
The Monocle works as a good accessory for your #OOTD.
It makes for a good bag charm, too!
The Verdict
We love the Monocle! It is quirky and odd, which makes it extra special among other speaker phones (and hand phones and speakers) in the market!. The Monocle design might be its biggest weakness as it throws a challenge on how to listen to music; but its this same design that will push one to be creative on using and wearing it. It is also portable, light and compatible with different devices, making it a bargain for its price of Php 2,250!
When in Manila, Native Union”s Monocle will give you new flexibility and style in terms of speakers and hand phones.
Monocle is available in yummy colors of Coral Red, Marine Blue, Mint and Slate.
Available at Digital Walker and Beyond the Box for Php 2,250
Monocle: Your 3-in-1 Mobile and Music Buddy
