SoundBug

Soundbug is a small device that can turn nearly any flat surface into a soundboard, which allows you to listen to media devices without traditional speakers. Devices such as mp3 players, cd players, and computers can be used, by plugging the Sound Bug into any headphone jack. The Sound Bug can be attached to any smooth surface, by means of a specially designed suction cup. This smooth surface then effectively becomes the speaker. Each surface gives the music a different tone. Finished wood gives nice mellow tones, while glass is clear and metal a bit tinny. Fiberglass and smooth walls also work; basically anything you can get the suction cup to stick to will work, some surfaces sound better than others. The Soundbug was developed from Olympia in partnership with Newlands Scientific, a commercial research company that was spun off from Hull University.

The Soundbug transmits the sound to the flat surface by way of a small piece of Terfenol-D, which is a mixture of rare earth metals and iron. This substance is placed within an aluminum case, around which is wrapped a coil. Passing electricity through the coil causes the piece of Terfonal to slightly expand, resulting in a force of 400 pounds, explained Newlands Scientific managing director Brian Smith.

Once attached to a flat surface, Soundbug will transmit electronic signals into mechanical energy, causing the flat surface to vibrate and broadcast the sound.