Gadgets

An interesting new turntable design that includes a mobile phone app

Turntables–machines that play flat rotating discs with a stylus attached to a tonearm–have been with us since about 1900. While there have been many improvements over the last century, the underlying technology–the mechanics of the thing–remain the same.

As does how you play records. Put on an album, place the tonearm in the desired groove and let ‘er spin. Want to skip a song? Get up and move the tonearm to the desired track.

Things are a little different with the Zephyr Apollo, a turntable with a touchscreen, a mobile phone app, and the ability to be programmed to play a “playlist” of songs without physical human intervention.

While it’s still in its Kickstarter phase, there is this demonstration video. More at The Vinyl Factory.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 37931 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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