Human creativity and ingenuity never cease to amaze us. We deeply admire those who can make a “soup from a nail” and earn a Michelin star for it or those who, like MacGyver, can build a catapult from an old bed.
But what impresses us the most are the unexpected yet efficient devices from the world of radio. In this post, we want to show you some of them.
Radio Variations
At the beginning of the last century, Nikola Tesla introduced the world to his extraordinary invention—one of the first remotely controlled devices using radio waves. Since then, radio has undergone a remarkable evolution.
Countless types of radio receivers have been created, from massive cabinets with dials to pocket-sized radios and car radios that look like control panels for managing the world.
Among all these models, some stand out not necessarily for their innovative technological solutions, but for their unconventional shapes and eccentric designs.
We’ve selected 10 such examples. Number one has been our favorite for many years.
10. Siemens Alpha 2
A legendary radio with a futuristic design, created in the 1960s by world-renowned Italian designer Mario Bellini, and commissioned by Siemens. Elegant and portable, it evokes the shape of a large die.
9. Brionvega TS502
An elegant, foldable, portable radio designed in Italy in 1964 by the duo Marco Zanuso and Richard Sappe. It became an icon of modernist design and remains highly regarded by radio collectors.
8. Emerson BD-197 'Mae West’
A radio inspired by the famous actress Mae West, designed in 1938 by Alexis de Sakhnoffsky. To this day, it remains one of the most recognizable radios in history.
7. Brionvega RR126
This Italian radio from the 1960s features a geometric design by the Castiglioni brothers. Its cubic speakers can be arranged in various configurations, offering a creative experience for listeners.
6. JVC Videosphere
Although technically a television, this device also featured an AM/FM radio and an alarm clock. Its design resembles an astronaut’s helmet from the Apollo missions.
It’s also said that the designers of the JVC Videosphere were inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Produced in the 1970s and 1980s, this radio-TV stands out with its futuristic look.
5. Braun TP1
An innovative radio from the 1950s, designed by German industrial designer Dieter Rams. This sleek and minimalist piece of equipment cleverly combined a radio and a turntable into one compact device, embodying the elegance and functionality Rams was known for.
4. Telefunken KETTY
A retro-style radio from 1975, designed with a nostalgic 1950s flair. It boasts a pastel-colored casing and a rounded, streamlined shape, making it small, portable, and incredibly popular among radio enthusiasts in the 70s and 80s.
3. Sony TR-1825
A transistor radio from 1970, shaped like a cube and small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It features a unique tuning mechanism, making it perfect for on-the-go listening. Watch how cleverly it turns off when you’re done!
2. Panasonic Panapet 70
A hit of the 1970s – a spherical radio with a chain, resembling a keychain. Its futuristic design and vibrant colors made it not only a functional device but also a popular interior accessory.
1. Panasonic Toot-a-Loop (R-72)
One of the most recognizable and stylish devices of the 1970s, the Toot-a-Loop was shaped like a bulging doughnut or an underinflated bicycle tire. It could be twisted into an 'S’ shape, revealing the tuning knob, and worn on the wrist like a bracelet. Available in vibrant colors, it was designed with young listeners in mind.
Simply “adorable”!
Join the discussion in the comments below and let us know which radio has stolen your heart!
Cover: photo by Sailko, Joe Haupt