TDM Neo Headphones Twist Into A Portable Speaker
TDM’s Neo has reached retail after being shown at CES earlier in the year. It combines wireless headphones and a portable Bluetooth speaker: twist the headphones into their compact shape and the sound can switch from your ears to the room.
The launch price is £249 / $249. It is an unusual option for someone who wants private listening and a way to share music without carrying a separate speaker.
Quick Reference
- What: Wireless headphones that transform into a speaker.
- Launch Price: £249 / $249.
- Drivers: Four 40mm drivers, with separate pairs for headphones and speakers.
- Connections: Bluetooth 6 with multipoint, plus a 3.5mm input.
- Battery Claims: More than 200 hours as headphones; more than 16 hours as a speaker.
- Availability: Retail sales have begun; TDM’s direct store currently marks both colour variants unavailable.
A Twist Changes How You Listen
The Neo uses two drivers facing your ears and two facing outwards. That gives each listening mode its own pair rather than asking the same drivers to do both jobs.
The TDM app lets you choose what the twisting action does. It can switch listening modes, pause playback or power the device down. There are also separate EQ profiles for headphone and speaker use.
A phone, tablet or another compatible source supplies the music. The built-in amplifiers mean you do not need an external headphone amplifier or speaker amplifier.
Battery Life And Everyday Features
TDM’s battery figures are manufacturer claims and will depend on volume and use. USB-C fast charging is quoted as providing up to eight hours of headphone listening from five minutes of charging.
The battery module is replaceable, and the memory-foam ear cushions can also be removed. Neo weighs around 340g, and it has built-in microphones for calls and an app feature that can help locate it nearby.
A carrying case, USB-C cable and 3.5mm audio cable are included. Black and white versions are listed. Although retail availability has been announced, stock should be checked with the seller before ordering.
What The Terms Mean
Driver: The part of a headphone or speaker that moves to create sound.
Multipoint: A Bluetooth feature that lets a device stay connected to more than one source.
EQ: Sound adjustment that changes the balance of different frequencies.
AUX Input: An analogue audio connection, here using a standard 3.5mm cable.
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