Halfway between picnicware and a dog toy you'll find something sonically surprising. Ssssspeaker is brought to us by the creative minds of Kiev-based Aiia—not to be confused with Danish headphone company AIAIAI or Icelandic band Amiina—whose adorable website gives me an interactive headache. (They helpfully point out that listening to music can reduce headaches by 20%. Coincidence? You decide.) The Ssssspeaker harnesses the power of the ol' iPhone-in-a-cup trick and ramps it up with a backlit 3W speaker and malleable silicone horn. It's even got a tab to help open and close that doubles as an anti-roll kickstand.

This cute little speaker is Red Dot-nominated and looks fairly practical. Given that silicone and amplification aren't an obvious pair, I'm going to assume that its greatest strength comes from the design's flexibility and mobility. Suggested uses include impromptu office parties and depression alleviation. I also propose: beach party, car camping, covert library sing-a-long, and backup tracks for dramatic romantic serenades—I bet it would be much easier to hold over your head for three minutes than a boombox.

"Let a magic sound fill the room!"They suggest adjusting the speaker for "three types of sound": collapsed for a diffused jam, open for full rock potential, and face down for... muffled melodies? I'm not sure why that's a featured option, since most music producing devices have their own volume control and it's one job is to be an amplifier. I suppose it's a quick fix when your hands are covered with sand from your messy beachball match and that song you hate comes on. Ssssspeaker is powered by a rechargable battery and connected to your device of choice by a chintzy looking USB to microUSB slash 3.5mm audio jack. Seriously, what happened? It's like your speaker has a vestigial tail.

When collapsed it is the size of a hockey puck, which means you can fit it in most pockets. Not only is it easy to store, but if your dance party is busted you can skulk away with grace and speed. Plus, if your picnic serenade falls flat you could always drink away your sorrows IN the Ssssspeaker.