Radio is changing, of that there is no doubt, but it hasn't gone fully obsolete just yet. With the advent of televisions, the Internet, smartphones, social media, portable audio players and digital music, the radio has declined in prominence but there's something romantic about the radio which makes many people want to hold onto it.
Over the years and decades, the humble radio has had to evolve to stay relevant and in order to maintain its appeal, if only with certain segments of the population.
Back in the day, the radio was a necessity because it was people's only live connection to the outside world in the pre-television days. However, this is no longer the case, and as a result radio is changing to appeal to demographics interested in retro products or simply looking for ways to be different.
These days it's hugely common for radios to be incorporated into other forms of technology ranging from smartphones to clocks. Few people if any are willing to invest in a self-contained solid radio that only does radio. Manufacturers recognize this, and have begun creating radios that double as pieces of art or clocks that include a radio function.
The only self-contained radios that have any kind of appeal nowadays are those that have an extremely eye-catching design, making them valuable to the hipster, the scene kid and anyone looking to stand out and be different.
32 Ways Radio is Changing
32
Outer Space Radios
George Abdoulas Designs the Desktop Radio for Alien Lovers
31
Smartphone Digital Radio Services
Apple is Rolling Out a Digital Radio Service
30
Vehicular Audio Gadgets
The Alpine iLX-007 Uses Apple CarPlay Technology
29
Designer Retro Radios
The Orla Kiely 'Evoke Mio' is a Stylish Modernized Sound System
28
Internet-Streaming Sound Systems
The Grace Encore WiFi Music Player Plays Continuous Music
27
Revived Retro Transistors
This Classic Radio Combines Vintage Design with a Contemporary Twist
26
Change-Maker Radio Shows
Giving Warriors Focuses on Social Enterprise and Non-Profit Leaders
25
Winsome Wicker Transistors
The Hybrid Radio Combines Old Design Styles with Contemporary Flair
24
Retro Stereo Tablet Apps
The Stereolizer App Turns Your iPad into an Old-Fashioned Radio
23
Smartphone Dash Displays
The KW-V50BT Display Receiver Integrates Your Smartphone With Your Car
22
Multi-Tasking Music Centres
The Sonneteer Morpheus Server Does Basically Everything
21
Picnic-Ready Radios
The Media Bucket Makes Music Amplification Portable
20
Sociable Bluetooth Headphones
These Music-Sharing Headphones Make Listening a Social Experience
19
Retro Eco-Friendly Stereos
Live a Greener Lifestyle by Using the Card Radio
18
Multiplying MP3 Platforms
Microsoft Expands ZuneHD Entertainment Services to XBox Live
17
Modernized Retro Stereos
The Slice Dab Radio Has a Traditional Touch With Modern Tech
16
Auto Mobile App Stores
General Motors is Getting in on the Mobile Market with its Own App Shop
15
Revamped '90s Amplifiers
The JVC Kaboom Boombox Makes a Comeback with a Vengeance
14
Analog Radio-Inspired Clocks
The Time Tuner is Complicated, But Cool
13
Ultra-Minimalist Radios
The Naked Radio Plays Music Using the Bare Minimum
12
Identical Twin Radio Shows
Winklevoss Radio Features the Winklevoss Twins and Famous Guests
11
Plant-Powered Radios
‘Moss FM’—The First Naturally Plant-Powered Radio
10
Musical Alarm Tools
The Jeremie Engel Engel allRadio Application Wakes Users with Stations
9
Curated Streaming Services
Beats Music Provides Listeners with a Revolutionized Interface
8
Retro Radio Phone Docks
The iPhone Radio Dock Transforms Your Phone into an Analog Tuner
7
Wall Art Radios
Radio Active by Erez Bar-Am Changes Stations by Moving the Rocks & Cords
6
Personalized Retro Radio Players
Pure Evoke Mio Radio Offers a Nostalgic Experience
5
International Streaming Tools
The TuneIn Radio Applications Gives Users Access to Global Channels
4
Faux Clock Radios
'I'm Not a Clock' from Antrepo Designs is a True Clock Radio
3
Covert Wilderness Radio Shows
'The Dark Outside FM' Show Plays One-Use Music in the Wild
2
Mixed Musicals Signals
Addis Tunes is a Platform for Discovering African Music
1
Mod Tilted Transmitters
This Portable Radio Embodies Quirky Features That Make Old Tech Talk
Related Ideas
Premium Retro Mobile Phones
Nokia Presents the Nokia 150 and Nokia 130 as 'Dumb Phones'
Vintage-Style Audio Systems
The Edifier D32 Tabletop Wireless Speaker Offers Hi-Res Audio Support
Retro-Futuristic DJ Consoles
The Conceptual teenage engineering OP-J DJ Console is Advanced
Smart TV Radio Services
LG Radio+ Will Offer Access to a Wide Range of Content
Nostalgic Gaming Timepieces
The Retro Gaming Watch Brings Gameplay to the Wrist
Vintage-Inspired Digital Audio Players
The Conceptual 'Pony Project' Hi-Res Player is Retro
Metallic Architectural Record Players
The Conceptual 'RYTM' Record Player is Harmonious
Mood-Powered Smartphone Speakers
The Conceptual 'MIX:X' Speaker by Junyoung Lee is Intelligent
Miniature Retro Audio Devices
The KA15 USB DAC by FiiO Resembles a Vintage Cassette
Modular Physical Media Players
This Winamp Media Player Device by Eslam Mod is Digitally-Inspired
Social App-Connected Smartglasses
The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Can Now Post onto Instagram
Contemporary Portable CD Players
The FiiO DM13 is a Portable Music Player Joining the CP13
Industrial Cellphone Concepts
The Nokia N90 x Nothing Concept by Viet Doan Duc is Retro and Modern
Posh Pill-Shaped Smartphones
The Nokia Infinity Pro Concept Has an Elegant Form and Function
Modernized Cassette Tape Players
The Fiio CP13 Offers Up to 15-Hours of Playback Per Charge
Fan-Made Digital Audio Players
The Nothing Npod (1) Draws Inspiration from the iPod Shuffle
Rotating Button Panel Smartphones
The Conceptual 'PHONE ONE' by Wayne Lu Adapts to Usage Needs
Subtle Smartphone-Friendly Printers
The Conceptual Samsung Image Box Instantly Offers Keepsakes
Over-the-Air TV DVR Systems
The Fourth-Generation Tablo Offers Ups to 8TB of Storage Space
Beautiful Automotive Design Books
Auto Photo Manual drives the car design coffee table book trend
Digital Analog Wireless Speakers
mark&draw Design Creates the Dynamic MARK HI-FI Speaker
Retro Car-Inspired Audio Devices
The EVO 150 DeLorean Edition is Designed by Cambridge Audio
Millennium-Inspired Cellphones
These New Nokia Phones are Nostalgic with Modern Features
Branded Technology Alarm Clocks
The Apple Snooze Alarm Clock Concept by Antoine Brieux is Cubic
Flatpack Virtual Fireplaces
The Graphene Radiator Has Heats Up and Displays Holographic Flames
Portable Voice-Enabled Smart Speakers
The Roam Speaker by Sonos Comes in Five Unique Colors
Watch-Like Smart Phones
Fire-Boltt's WristPhone Offers Crystal-clear Calls and So Much More
Nostalgic Cellphone Digital Devices
Aalto University Launched the Nokia Design Archives
TV Screen T-Shirts
The T-Shirt TV Has an Integrated 10-Inch HD Screen
Fashion-Forward Gadgets
This Open-Ear Earbud Concept Serves as a Functional Accessory
Minimalist Wireless Speaker Concepts
Jacek Janiczak Unveils the PLAYPLAIN Wireless Speaker
AI-Fueled Smartwatch Concepts
Rabbit Joins Teenage Engineering on the R1 Smartwatch Design
Beer-Branded Music Sharing Devices
The Conceptual 'Hei-Five' Connects Strangers Over Music
Tech-Infused Analog Radios
Mark Choi Blends Retro Aesthetics and Modern Technology with i Ready O
Social-Centric Wireless Earbud Concepts
Kusi Boateng-Arthur Introduces the Social Earbud Concept
Pocketable Handheld Devices
'Cake' is a Case That Transforms Apple Watches into Pocketable Devices
Telescoping Component Kitchen Appliances
The Hybrid Kitchen Aid by Rishikesh Sonawane is Intuitive
Connected Toy-Like Alarm Clocks
The Conceptual CUBB Alarm Clock Has an Eye-Catching Form
Nostalgic Flip Phone Concepts
The Nokia N90 by Viet Doan Duc Reimagines a Vintage Design
Nostalgic Retro Music Capsules
KICKBACK Blends Retro Design with the DIY Mixtape Kit
Orb-Shaped Speaker Headphones
The 'Satellite' Headphones by Changhwi Kim are Shapeshifting
Multifunctional Traveler Speakers
The Harman Kardon 'Traveler' Speaker Has an Elegant Form
Pocket Computer Smartphone Concepts
This iPhone 16S Concept Reimagines the Aesthetic of the Device
Star-Studded Tech Campaigns
Jewellery Pros and Music Talent Promote the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Sleek Minimal Clear Turntables
The New Transparent Turntable Has a Nearly Invisible Design
Next-Gen Pocket Watches
The Arsham Droplet Reimagines the Classic Pocket Watch
Reduced Connectivity Mobile Devices
The Minimal Phone Combats Against Too Much Scrolling
Wireless Retro CD Players
FiiO is Reviving the CD Player with a Battery-Operated Wireless Model
Modular AI-Enabled Record Players
The Conceptual Nostalgic AI Record Player is Two-in-One
Nostalgic Nixie Tube Timepieces
The NEONWORKS BTF Nixie Watch Has a Retro-Modern Design
Three-Dimensional Mixed-Reality Displays
Looking Glass Unveils the New 3D Glass Displays
Modernized Classic Timepieces
The Radio Anatom Automatic Watch is Back for its 40th Anniversary
Simplistic Distraction-Free Phones
The LoFone Has an E Ink Kaleido 3 Color Display
Retro-Futuristic Cellphone Designs
The Conceptual Noka 7610 5G by AndroidLeo Merges Aesthetics
Midcentury Modern Streaming Speakers
He Cambridge Audio Evo One Delivers 360-Degrees of Sound
Fully Functional Statement Pieces
Chanel Repurposes its Premiere Watch into Premiere Sound
Nostalgic Television Channels
PBS Retro is a Vintage Television Channel Remembering the Past
Digitally Enabled CD Players
This Portable CD Player Can Also Handle Digital File Formats
Retro-Inspired Music Systems
The Victrola Century 6-in-1 Record Player Works with Most Sources
Sleek Modern Timepiece Homage
Casio Releases the Limited-Edition TRN-50 Timepiece
90s-Inspired Music Players
Bang & Olufsen Release the Vintage Beosound 9000 CD Player
Smart Sound System Solutions
The Bang & Olufsen Beoconnect Core Upgrades Existing Systems
AI Radio Hosts
OFF Radio Krakow Reaches Younger Listeners with Virtual Personas
Movable Room Divider TVs
The Conceptual 'Trolley' TV Divides the Room When Not in Use
Memory-Making Retro Camera Concepts
The Polaroid Duo Modular Instant Camera is a Sleek Concept
Minimalist Wireless Cassette Players
The We Are Rewind Cassette Player Has an Aluminum Body
Wireless Timeless Retro Speakers
The Authentics Series by JBL Features an Impressive 270W
Premium Concept CD Players
Anthony Chupp Imagines a Quality CD Player in a Modern Look
80s-Inspired 16-Bit Display Devices
Ahmed Esmael Designs a New Range of Retro Device Concepts
Smartwatch-Turned Nostalgic Handheld
tinyPod Transforms the Apple Watch Into an iPod Replica
Contemporary Vertical Turntables
ToVerse Unveils a New Dynamic Streaming Turntable Design
Innovative Size-Changing Phones
Motorola's 'Rizr' Dynamically Expands via a Rollable Screen
Elevated Modern Sleek Turntables
U-Turn Audio Updates its Orbit Turntable Collection
Foldable Gaming Consoles
This Game Boy Flip Concept Pushes the Boundaries of Handheld Gadgets
MP3 Player Smartphone Wallpapers
These iPod Wallpapers Transform the iPhone into a Retro Device
Modernized Vintage Wristwatches
Elif Bulut Designs the Vintage Alarm Clock & Wristwatch
Retrofuturistic Tube Amplifier Jukeboxes
LG Introduces the DukeBox with a Clear OLED Display
Speaker-Centric Smartphones
The Music Phone by Nubia has Two Headphone Jacks and a Large Speaker
Five-Disc CD Changers
Yamaha's 'CD-C603' Lets You Change Out CDs During Music Playback
Linear Retro Six-CD Players
Bang & Olufsen's Beosystem 9000c is Premium and Nostalgic
Transparent TV-Speaker Hybrids
The LG DukeBox is Coming to CES 2024
Retro 3D-Printed Bags
Coperni's CD-PLAYER Swipe Bag Resembles a Portable Music Player
Retro Comprehensive Versatile Speaker
Samsung Presents a Look at the Multifunctional Music Frame
Mindful Meditative Soundscape Systems
The 'Sonic Heirloom' Offers Digital and Analog Benefits
Classic Wood Veneer Speakers
Tivoli Presents the New Audio Model Two Digital Speaker
Color-Changing Eccentric Turntables
Brian Eno Designs the Turntable II with Unpredictable Patterns
Immersive Virtual Television Experiences
Television for Apple Vision Shapes the Future of TV
Vintage-Inspired Technology
Tech Brand 'KICKBACK's DISCMAN' is Nostalgic
IoT-Connected Traffic Beacons
This Traffic Beacon Concept Changes According to Needs
Self-Updating E-Ink Newspapers
Project E Ink Presents Fresh Headlines Daily
Architecture-Inspired Turntables
Jorge Paez Designs the Reinterpreted RYTM Turntable
Retro Colorful Turntable Devices
Gadhouse Introduces the Brad Retro MKII Turntable
Minimizing Phone Usage Initiatives
Heineken's Latest Campaign Addresses Phone Use at Music Events
Artistic Affordable Turntable Models
These U-Turn Orbit Turntables Come in Three Models
Bespoke Brass Vintage Clocks
Sergey's Nixei Tube Vintage Clock is Inspired by the 19th Century
Retro-Style Karaoke Sets
The A30M Blends Modern Features with an 80s-Inspired Design
Nostalgic Watch-Fitting Cases
The tinypod Transforms the Apple Watch Into a Shuffle-Style Device
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
Miniature Music Player Features
Spotify Rolls Out the Miniplayer for Desktop Platforms
Sleek Streaming Wireless Speakers
Cambridge Audio Unveils the Evo One Speaker
Offline Newspaper Publications
County Highway Revives Print Culture
Donut-Shaped Wireless Speakers
The Orbit Speaker Concept has a Playful Structure and 360 Sound
Gen Alpha-Focused Podcast Apps
Storybutton Launches as a Generation Alpha-Targeted Radio Channel
Singing Competition Audio Electronics
The Voice Electronics Take After the Hit ITV Studios Show
Compact Podcast Mixers
The Rodecaster Duo Device is Smaller and More Affordable than Predecessors
Music-Playing Photo Frames
Samsung's Music Frame Blends Seamlessly into the Home
Contemporary Television Artwork
Samsung and Marimekko Unveil a Project for The Frame
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Music-Based Fitness Apps
Feed.fm Highlights the Significant Role Music Plays for Fitness Apps
Modern WiFi-Equipped Toasters
Revolution Cooking Previews its Advanced Revolution Toaster
Retro Social App Devices
Edwar Banquet Designs the Retro Instagram Gadget with a Console Shape
Multipurpose Compact Televisions
The SOUROUND by SHS Shih is Made for Compact Residences
Live Radio Apps
Amp by Amazon is a Live Audio-Streaming Platform
Camera-Less Refreshed Digital Assistants
Amazon's New Echo Spot Returns with a New Design
Classic Modernized Sleek Automobiles
Renault and Ora ïto Create the R17 Restomod Automobile
Nostalgic Radio Concepts
The Calming Noise Radio by Gisung Han has a Minimal Design
Retro Phone-Inspired Label Makers
102 Design Lab Presents the Vintage Phone Labeling Machine
Mint-Tonal Retro Radios
Lego Launches a New Nostalgic Radio Design with Vintage Detailing
Distraction-Free Flip Phones
Consumer Cellular Unveils its 'Shot on Flip Phone' Campaign
Nostalgic Cellular Power Banks
The Trozk RetroTalk Has a 72Wh Capacity and Three Charging Ports
Retrofuturistic Streaming Audio Devices
Nik Reitmann Designs a DIY Streaming Audio Player
Retro-Futurism Video Cameras
This Super 8 Camera Concept by Juliana Iacono is Nostalgic
Slim Portable Audio Turntables
Benjamin Großjohann Designs the Sleek New Coturn CT-01
Wireless Clock Charger Concepts
Nihoy Lahiri Designs the Multifunctional Zenith Clock Concept
Pioneering Podcast Creator Networks
Rich Roll is Launching a Network Called Voicing Change Media
Digital Music Hubs
Noise Stores an Artist's Important Links in One Space
Lightweight Portable Jukeboxes
AMI Entertainment Launches the New Portable Jukebox
Streaming-Enabled Record Players
Victrola Stream Sapphire Record Player Blends Nostalgia with Tech
AI-Powered Radio Stations
AITok Radio Provides a Personalized and Diverse Listening Experience
Adaptable Wireless TVs
Displace is Bringing Two TV Innovations to CES 2024
Colorful Streamlined Wireless Speakers
The Sonos Roam 2 Streamlines the Setup Component
Retro Digital Flip Clocks
The Flip Clock Turns Any Device into a Nostalgic Time Piece
Nostalgic Web Browser Apps
iPod Social Turns Your Browser Into The Beloved Music Player
Connected Retro Design Speakers
The Ruark R140 Sound System Has an Old-Fashioned Form with WiFi
Digital Audio Speaker Displays
found/Founded Introduces the Vibrary Digital LP Player
Distraction-Free Alarm Clock Concepts
Ahmed Rashad Designs the Sleek Wireless Clock Chargers
Weekly Personalized Music Curation
NewMusic Delivers New Tracks to Your Inbox Every Week
TV-Specific Pop Informants
COVER Emerges as the Essential App for TV Show Aficionados
Juxtaposing Modern Streaming Speakers
Tivoli Audio Brings Life Back to the Songbook with Remakes
Curated Music Discovery Playlists
Apple Music is Rolling Out the 'Discovery Station' Feature