Potent Portables: 8 Crazy-Looking Speakers You Can Tote Around

Kate Puhala
Jan 25, 2014

Just like any other mobile-minded millennial, we like to take our music on the go. And even though there are plenty of cool and colorful headphones around, we almost always prefer listening to our music unplugged. Remember, we grew up when MTV actually played music on TV, so we’re most comfortable with it blaring all around us instead of being funneled into our ears. For that reason, we turn to portable speakers. While some of them are totally wireless, and others amplify your tunes straight outta your smartphone, these eight all look insanely unique, making it almost impossible for us to ever want to put them down.

1. Music Balloon Speaker ($45): This bulbous, palm-sized speaker is made from a soft, Nerf-like material that amplifies the tunes on your iPod or any other device that has a 35mm jack. We can’t stop giggling over its balloon-inspired shape.

2. Native Union Monocle Portable Speaker ($50): This hand-held portable speaker is a more compact alternative to lifting a bulky boom box on your shoulder to rock out… if anyone ever pulls that move anymore. When you’re not holding it up to your dome, it sits gently on its back or side as it pumps out the jams from your device.

3. Rock-It 3.0 ($22): Meet Rock-It, a magical capsule that turns anything—literally anything—into a speaker. Seriously, grab whatever you have handy—a cardboard box, even your office desk, stick a Rock-It on it, and it is now a speaker! Crazy! The sound quality isn’t superb, but we think this one is a bit more about the spectacle.

4. CERA 3.0 Bluetooth Speaker ($70): CERA 3.0 lets you stream music from up to 33 feet away from its touchscreen-controlled pod, which may look small, but boasts big sound. Looking to bring the noise to even more epic levels? This Bluetooth speaker comes with a daisy chain cable that lets you string multiple speakers together for simultaneous play.

5. Diamond Ring MP3 Speaker ($20): A ring-shaped MP3 player? We’ll say I do to that! Though you actually can’t wear it around your finger Ring Pop style, it does bling out your smartphone—just plug it into the earphone jack.

6. Rocki Play ($49): Rocki is one of the latest successfully funded Kickstarter projects that we’re swooning over. Just plug this pretty, soap-sized geo device into your existing sound system and just like that, Rocki turns your equipment into smart speakers that let you stream music over a wifi connection from any smartphone. So yes, it’s a portable wifi receiver, not a speaker, but since you can control what you hear from your iPhone, we’re calling it close enough.

7. Splash-Proof Speaker by Muji ($75): If you ever splish splash a little too much in the bath right next to where your iPhone is turing tub time into an underwater rave, then you need to check out this phone case-speaker hybrid. Not only does it amplify your tunes while protecting your smartphone from rogue waves, the panel recognizes wet hands, so you can control your tunes without a towel nearby. Besides, in our design-loving eyes, Muji can do no wrong.

8. Pump Soundchuck Portable Speaker ($129): You guys, these speaker shapes just keep getting better, ‘cause check out this pair: they look like nunchucks. Made of durable silicone, these weather-resistant Bluetooth speakers are compact and lightweight, making them your go to for on the go dance parties or warding off evil villains.

Do you tote around a portable speaker? What are the must-have brands? Know of any crazy shaped ones we missed? Tell us in the comments below.

Um, Zendaya Just Threw A Drink At Someone's Car

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson are currently filming the upcomingA24 film, The Drama, and it's a pair I didn't know I needed! I'm so pumped to see the two of them front and center in the new movie, and not just because the Massachusetts location is giving MAJOR New England autumn vibes. The actors have been spotted walking around the city, hanging out outside an art museum, and even getting into a road rage altercation? Yeah, that definitely sounds like drama to me.

Keep reading for every little detail you need to know about Robert Pattinson and Zendaya's new A24 movie The Drama.

What movie is Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in together?

Brendon Thorne / Getty Images

The Drama Plot

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's The Drama comes from the mind of Kristoffer Borgli, who most recently directed Dream Scenario starring Nicholas Cage. Borgli is slated to work alongside Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen’s production company Square Peg for the film, so I'm sure it'll be just as thought-provoking and thrilling as some of the other projects they’ve produced (Midsommar, Beau is Afraid, Death of a Unicorn).

Jeff Spicer / Getty Images for Warner Bros.

Given Zendaya and Pattinson’s respective star power, I know this upcoming A24 project is going to be absolutely stunning. Even though we don't have any specific plot details yet, Deadline reported that The Drama tells the story of a couple whose romance takes a (you guessed it) dramatic turn right before their “big day.” Tell me more!!

One thing we do know is that a scene will apparently feature Zendaya's character getting into an altercation with a car while on a walk. The actress went viral for throwing a drink at a passing car, and she's so convincing, one TikTok user said "help i thought this was real for a second i was like omg what is going on."

Who else is in The Drama movie cast?

Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images

The Drama Cast

In addition to Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, we'll see Mamoudou Athie and Alana Haim. Stay tuned for more cast updates.

What else has Zendaya been up to?

Clive Brunskill / Getty Images

Zendaya currently boasts two Emmys from her work in HBO’sEuphoria and has only continued to exhibit her talents in recent feature titles like Dune: Part Two and Challengers. Plus she's finally reuniting with BF Tom Holland in Spider-Man 4and Christopher Nolan's brand new film. Busy gal!

What about Rob?

Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images for CinemaCon

Of course, we all know and love Pattinson for his role as Edward in the Twilight movies, but he’s positioned himself as a truly versatile actor with roles in 2022’s The Batman and Bong Joon Ho’s upcoming sci-fi film, Mickey 17.

Mike Coppola / Getty Images, Francois Durand / Getty Images

The two stars are still in early talks about starring in the film, but Deadline has confirmed that The Drama is a “top priority” at A24 given the success with 2023’s Dream Scenario. And, like, DUH!

Loving this news on Zendaya's The Drama? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news in movies, TV, and pop culture!

This post has been updated.

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Here's Your First Look At Nicola Coughlan In Family Adventure 'The Magic Faraway Tree'

If you grew up on fantasy books, you’ve probably dreamed of taking classes at Hogwarts and escaping to Narnia more times than you can count. But for the niche group of The Magic Faraway Tree readers who wish they could visit the Land of Birthdays in real life, living out your fantasies isn’t such a faraway concept anymore — Enid Blyton’s classic British children’s series is officially being adapted for the big screen!

The Magic Faraway Tree is an upcoming family adventure film about three children who climb a magical tree, meet the wonderful creatures who live inside, and travel to fantastical lands. It’s the kind of movie that will give you alllll the nostalgic feels even if you didn’t grow up on the books (though its absolutely stacked cast probably did!). The film is currently in production, with principal photography having started in June.

Here’s everything we know so far about The Magic Faraway Tree movie.

Your First Look At Nicola Coughlan In 'The Magic Faraway Tree'

Parisa Taghizadeh/Courtesy of Neal Street Productions and Elysian Film Group

Nicola Coughlan is in her fairy era, and this first look at Nicola as Silky in The Magic Faraway Tree is just as, well, magical as I hoped. Just a glimpse of her long blonde hair and those stunning eyes pique my curiosity. And TBH, where Nicola leads, I follow.

What is the main plot of The Magic Faraway Tree?

Amazon

The Magic Faraway Tree Plot

When the Thompson family moves to the English countryside, the three children — Joe, Beth, and Frannie — “discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents, including treasured characters Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot, and Saucepan Man," according to Variety. When they reach the top of the tree, the children "are transported to spectacular and fantastical lands and, through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.”

When is the Magic Faraway Tree coming out?

Obregonia D. Toretto/Pexels

The Magic Faraway Tree Release Date

The Magic Faraway Tree is currently filming, which means we could see it in the fall or winter of 2025. This would be the perfect movie for the holiday season!

​Who is starring in the movie?

Joe Maher/Amy Sussman/Robert Okine/Getty Images

The Magic Faraway Tree Cast

Joe, Beth, and Frannie’s actors have yet to be announced, but the adult cast is chock-full of familiar names. Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy are set to play the children’s parents, Tim and Polly. (The film’s screenwriter cheekily said, “I mean, even Enid Blyton might be impressed we got Spider-Man and the Queen.”) Nicola Coughlan will be playing a woodland fairy named Silky, and Rebecca Ferguson will be playing one of the film’s villains, Dame Snap.

Nonso Anozie, Jessica Gunning, Jennifer Saunders, and Dustin Demri-Burns are also in the cast.

Who is writing and directing the movie?

Joe Maher/Getty Images

Fans of the Faraway Tree series can breathe a sigh of relief — the film is in great hands. The Magic Faraway Tree’s screenwriter, Simon Fanaby, is no stranger to adapting beloved British children’s classics from page to screen. He’s one of the pens behind Wonka and Paddington 2, which is a great sign that The Magic Faraway Tree is sure to be as whimsical and fun as the books it’s adapting.

A less familiar name (unless you’re a fan of BBC’s Black Ops) is Ben Gregor, who has been tapped to direct the film. According to his talent agency, Gregor specializes in making comedies with visual flair. This writer/director combo is magical.

​Will The Magic Faraway Tree be a franchise?

Amazon

The Magic Faraway Tree seems to be a standalone film at the moment. The book series it’s based on is made up of four books total: The Enchanted Wood, The Magic Faraway Tree, The Folk of the Faraway Tree, and Up the Faraway Tree. Although the movie gets its name from the second book, its plot seems more similar to that of the first book. It’s very possible that the movie will incorporate all four books in one since plans for a franchise have yet to be announced.

I may be in my twenties, but I’ll happily be joining elementary schoolers at AMC on opening night when The Magic Faraway Tree hits theaters! Can't get enough of all things fantasy? Check out the latest Wicked movie news.

This post has been updated.

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45 Things You Need In Your Home For Better Modern Living

Home is a haven. We all spend so much time in our home every day, whether we work from home or just start and end our days there. Because we spend so much time in our homes, they should be as comfortable as possible and as smart. We've rounded handpicked incredible products, each designed to make your home look and feel as comfortable as possible or to add ease to every room with smart gadgets. Make your home the haven you deserve with these curated products.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Keep the Bathroom Cozy With This Towel Warmer

Amazon

Unlike the towel warmers you've seen before, these towel warming bars are useful whether they're heating or not. Even if you have the warming feature turned on, these bars work as a handy storage rack.

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Add the Viral Samsung Frame to Your Home

Amazon

The internet has long loved the Samsung Frame and we don't blame them. The TV doesn't just give you incredible 4K QLED views, but it also looks like elegant, museum-style art when you're not using it.

See it on Amazon

This Folding Sofa Bed Is Great for Smaller Spaces

Amazon

Whether you add this to a kid's playroom or you use it in your studio apartment, this stylish folding sofa bed won't take up too much space but adds tons of style and a bit of color to the room.

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This Device Keeps Your Fridge Fresher Longer

Amazon

Believe it or not, this brilliant smart device can help keep the food in your fridge fresher for longer. The device removes bacteria load, reduces odors, and even works with Alexa or Google Home to keep up with your fridge.

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This Smart Faucet Is Touch-Free

Amazon

The busier the kitchen is, the better this smart faucet is. The extendable, commercial-style faucet allows you to wave a hand and instantly turn the water on or off, which is great for multitasking.

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These Outdoor Wall Sconces Add Elegance

Amazon

These lanterns are a waterproof dream, designed to elevate your outdoor space with minimal work. The lights offer a bit of a modern touch to your front or back porch when you install them.

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This Bathroom Organizing Shelf Keeps You Organized

Amazon

This shelving unit is modern and sleek and looks fantastic above your toilet. The shelf is easy to install and offers shelves, hooks, and a large drawer to tidily fit all your bathroom essentials.

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This Electric Salt and Pepper Set Is a One-Handed Wonder

Amazon

You only need one hand to operate these handy, modern electric grinders. These allow you to easily and quickly season your recipes or the plate of food on your table. They're battery-operated and easy to adjust.

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These Smart Lights Work Under Your Cabinets

Amazon

These puck lights adhere to the underside of your cabinets, shedding light right where you need it. Control the color, warmth, and brightness with the handy app to customize your lighting.

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This Smart Oven From Breville Is Bite-Sized

Amazon

The best thing about this smart oven is that it's compact to help you preserve your precious counter space. The versatile oven offers you eight different cooking functions for quick and easy meals.

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This Ergonomic Desk Chair Is Modern and Sleek

Amazon

The tufted pleather of this desk chair makes it look timeless, but the shape and the ergonomic technology give it the most comfortable touch of modernity. It's great for work-from-homers.

See it on Amazon

Keep Up With Everything With the Echo Hub

Amazon

Extend the Alexa ecosystem in your home or welcome it into your house for the first time with the Hub. The tool allows you to keep track of everyone's schedules, your grocery lists, and even lets you stream music and shows.

See it on Amazon

This Smart Kettle Makes Tea Time the Best Time

Amazon

Whether you're a tea drinker or a coffee fanatic, this Govee smart kettle makes your life easier. Control the kettle with the app and keep it at the perfect temperature, start it up while you're still in bed, or turn it off when you forget.

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This Smart Bidet Does It All

Amazon

Bring the modern into your bathroom with this smart bidet toilet. This addition to your home keeps you clean, warms you up, deodorizes, and even cleans itself to make your life as easy as possible.

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These Dining Chairs Are Modern and Fun

Amazon

These gorgeous chairs are a nod to mid-century modern styles, but the material makes them read as truly modern. The slightly transparent look is so different and exciting and adds some fun to your dining room.

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This Adorable Alarm Adds Modern Charm

Amazon

Add something a little different to your home with this home-shaped alarm. The beautiful gadget uses bright LED lights to display the time clearly across the side of the sweet house.

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This Blink Camera Works Inside or Out

Amazon

The Blink security camera is a compact, powerful device that helps you keep track of everything happening inside or outside your house. The two-year battery life means you don't have to worry about recharges.

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Create a Beautiful Nightscape With This Govee Light

Amazon

This beautiful Govee smart light allows you to create a gorgeous setting for the party or your bedtime routine. Easily control it using the same app that all your other favorite Govee lights run on.

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This Mid-Century Modern Chair Is So Comfy

Amazon

Not all beautiful furniture is comfortable, but this MCM armchair manages to be both. The chair has supportive, thick cushions and a sturdy wood base designed for all the lounging your heart desires.

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Keep Your Home Cozy With This Dehumidifier

Amazon

Control the temperature and humidity of your home with this smart dehumidifier. The app means you can control the climate of your home even when you're gone, which is great for plant parents!

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Shed Some Light With These Rechargeable Lamps

Amazon

These dimming lamps are elegant, simple, and really useful. Because these don't need to be plugged in, you can't put them anywhere in the house, casting light right where you need it.

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This Coffee Table Is Beautiful and Simplistic

Amazon

Add some storage to your living room with this gorgeous coffee table. The table itself is simple, but the white washed oak and iron bands give it just a bit of a modern twist.

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Make Delicious Pizzas With This Oven

Amazon

This gas and propane pizza oven allows you to create delicious, handcrafted pizza pies in your own backyard. The oven is easy to set up and even easier to use, making it a great option for parties and holidays.

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Upgrade Your Home With the Echo Show 8

Amazon

This newest model of Amazon's famous Echo Show is a brilliant way to make your life simpler. Keep up with everyone's schedules, get help with dinner recipes, and even make a video call with this gadget.

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Elevate Your Home Office With This Desk

Amazon

The lines of this desk are bold and solid, and the hairpin legs bring a little dimension to your office. This sturdy, wooden desk is bare bones, but something about that adds to the elegance.

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This Wireless Meat Thermometer Saves Your Cooks

Amazon

Don't worry about over or under-cooking your meats with this wireless thermometer. This awesome gadget lets you remotely keep an eye on whatever you have baking, grilling, or roasting.

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This Gold Shelf Is Timeless

Amazon

Sure, this golden shelf is a timeless color and shape, but the strangely stacked shelves add a bit of modern to the storage unit. Display your favorite knick-knacks or store your beloved books on this shelf.

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This Sleeper Sofa Is a Modern Dream

Amazon

This beautiful sofa is hiding a secret; it's a sleeper sofa. You can pull the sofa out and lie it flat, giving your guests a comfortable and beautiful place to sleep when you host parties or family gatherings.

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Turn Anything Smart With These Plugs

Amazon

These Kasa smart plugs allow you to turn practically anything into a smart device. You can control lights, electronics, and more with the Kasa app or your favorite voice-activated assistant.

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These Side Tables Add Some Fun Industrial Style

Amazon

A really modern take on decor is combining multiple styles. This side table is a little industrial and would look amazing paired with some mid-century style or a style that's totally sleek and modern.

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Minimize Your Food Waste With This Composter

Amazon

This brilliant countertop composter helps you to turn that food waste into delicious, nutritious food for your plants. The gadget is easy to use and walks you through every step of the process.

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This Console Table Offers Elegant Storage

Amazon

Add storage to your living room with this beautiful console table. The table fits perfectly behind your sofa, looking beautiful and elegant while offering you a place to add decoration or storage.

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Organize Your Pantry With These Containers

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These no-mess, clear containers help you get everything organized and tidy in your pantry with their sturdy bodies and universal lids. With just a peek, you can see what you're running out of before you head to the store.

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Elevate Your Entryway With This Side Table

Amazon

This half-moon table brings a little warmth and some helpful storage to your entryway. The modern design is elegant and timeless, working beautifully with all your existing decor pieces.

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Customize Your Lighting With These Govee Lights

Amazon

These Hexa light panels from Govee are a really great way to modernize your gaming room, a bedroom, or even the living room. Each panel can be completely customized to create beautiful, bold lighting for any occasion.

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Take Cleaner Breaths With This Purifier

Amazon

This smart air purifier removes dust, pollen, and smoke from the air you breathe. It works in a room up to 1076 square feet, making it a great buy for cleansing even the largest of houses.

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This Beautiful TV Stand Looks Elegant In Your Living Room

Amazon

Turn your TV display into an attention-grabbing centerpiece with this beautiful mid-century modern console. The furniture has plenty of storage space and adds elegance to your living room.

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You're Going to Love Lounging on This Sectional

Amazon

This brilliant sectional comes in at an affordable price, allowing you to enjoy the comfort and support of a sectional without sacrificing on the modern style that you love and are aiming for.

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Make Streaming an Experience With This Govee Light

Amazon

This small Govee light allows you to create an entire viewing experience every time you stream. The interactive light uses a camera to customize itself to every new scene on the screen.

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This Ceiling Fan Works With Any Decor

Amazon

Whether you're styling modern or famous or something else entirely, this smart light fixture works with your decor. Use the app to adjust the brightness of the light of the speed of the fan.

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This Rechargeable Soap Dispenser Can Be Refilled

Amazon

Refill this foaming soap dispenser with your favorite soaps and let it dispense the perfect amount with every use. No more wasting soap and no more kiddos making a mess with the pump.

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With This Coffee Table, Your Office Can Be Anywhere

Amazon

The best thing about this coffee table is that you can bring the top up to you, creating a clear desktop. Whether you live in a small space or just want to be able to change up your office space, this coffee table is a must-have.

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Lift Any Blinds With the Touch of a Button

Amazon

The SwitchBot is a brilliant smart device that allows you to shed a little light in any room with the touch of a button. The setup is simple and quick, and the results are incredible and super modern.

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This Sideboard Is a Timeless Piece

Amazon

The texture, shape, and material of this sideboard make it a modern piece, but a sideboard itself is so timeless. This is the perfect blend of old and new for your home for decades to come.

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This Is More Than Just a Planter

Amazon

Sure, planters are awesome, but what's even better is a planter that's actually an air purifier. This beautiful gadget is smart without letting any of your guests know just how smart it really is.

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