We often overlook gadgets that cost little yet serve multiple purposes, as we take them for granted and hesitate to invest in them. Case in point, the Powerbeat Bluetooth speaker that doubles as a wireless charger or the Govee Lamp, which functions as a speaker. Then there’s the VQ lantern speaker, which goes beyond audio. While many of these aren’t high-end or top-tier multifunctional devices, they’ve proven their mettle time and again. Another standout in this category is the Rhythm Crankspeaker.
This all-in-one hand-powered Bluetooth speaker, FM radio, flashlight, area light, clock, and powerbank is a reliable companion for outdoor adventures or emergencies. First spotted by Notebook Check, the all-in-one speaker keeps you powered, entertained, and illuminated wherever you go. The biggest highlight of the speaker is its hand-crank charging method. For the uninitiated, the hand-crank charging is a way to generate electricity by manually turning a crank, which is then used to charge devices like mobile phones or power banks.
As per the makers, one minute of cranking generates about 5.1 minutes of radio runtime, 5.6 minutes of flashlight use, or an impressive 30 minutes of area light. If you are out camping or stuck in a disaster-prone area with a power outage, this hand-crank could be a lifeline. While the 4,000 mAh battery does not require an external power source to recharge (courtesy of hand crank charging), if needed, the device can be charged using a USB Type-C power supply (DC 5V/2A).
Another important aspect to mention here is the size of the speaker. The device measures 7.7 x 2.8 x 3.1 inches and weighs just 0.9lbs, making it easy to toss into a backpack or keep on a nightstand. With a device so compact, it is obvious to be sceptical about the audio quality Rhythm Crank Speaker offers. While we don’t have a first-hand review of the device, the makers claim that the device features a 45 mm driver coupled with a passive radiator, which delivers decent sound for its size. When it comes to streaming options, the device can stream music via Bluetooth 5.3 from a phone or tune into an FM radio station.
From a design standpoint, the speaker features an LCD panel on top that displays the radio station, time, and battery percentage, so you would always know what’s playing and how much juice is left. The device comes with side buttons that make it easy to control the volume, switch modes, or toggle the lights.
Also Read: MYND Bluetooth Speaker is Designed for Easy Repair and Longevity
Speaking of lights, the Crankspeaker has a flashlight with two settings (95 lumens high, 20 lumens low) and an area light (20 lumens high, 2 lumens low). According to Rhythm, a fully charged battery offers up to 50 hours of flashlight runtime or a whopping 266 hours of area light. That’s enough to light up a campsite for days or guide me through a dark trail. The device also comes with an IP44 rating, meaning you could use the flashlight in the rain, which is a huge advantage in unpredictable weather.
That said, the Rhythm Crankspeaker is indeed practical, durable, and packed with features that make it useful in both everyday life and emergencies. At $110, it’s a steal for what it offers. On a little downside, the product is only available in Japan at the moment, but keep your fingers crossed for a wider release.
