Soundwhiz Konecta

TINY BOX WITH CLEVER TRICKS.

IT DOESN’T LOOK like much, but this matchbox-sized gadget has the power to breathe new life into old devices. The Konecta by Aussie company Soundwhiz is both a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, able to convert an analogue signal into something your modern speakers can pick up and play, or allow your old, favourite corded headphones to work wirelessly with your iPhone X (or any other device that transmits audio via Bluetooth). Plug a 3.5mm jack in from your source or headphones, select either TX or RX, pair it with the piece of kit you want the signal to go to or from, and you’re away. Volume controls live on the side, and while they’re a bit flat and small they have a nice click to them, so you’ll have to train your muscle memory if you wish to operate the Konecta blind.

As more and more smartphones ditch the headphone jack, devices like this offer a cunning stopgap between generations of tech. You can store up to four different profiles for both transmitting and receiving, but not at the same time; once you flick the switch between receiver/transmitter, the memory is wiped.

There are other shortcomings, too, as it isn’t waterproof at all, so using it while exercising can be hazardous. Nor is there a clip, so you’ll have to find a way to stash it while on the move.

Soundwhiz generously provides a whole bunch of cables — you get a short male-to-male 3.5mm cord, male stereo RCA to female adapter, a large 6.35mm jack adapter, and a micro USB cord for charging. Expect a day or so out of the battery.