Skip to main content

This phone case lights up in time to music, ready to annoy everyone behind you at concerts

candel phone case kickstarter campaign news light
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Seeing as smartphones are now commonplace at events, concerts, and festivals, we may as well make them stand out as much as possible. That seems to be the idea behind Candel, a music-activated extended battery case, with its own built-in light show. It’s on Kickstarter now, and provided the campaign’s successful, it should arrive for those late summer gatherings.

The main feature is the light-up panel on the rear, which is controlled by a microprocessor that captures music and sound from the microphone, and turns it into a synchronized visual display. Cleverly, the case monitors the amplitude and compensates for sound that’s either close by or far away, so the display always performs at its best.

While this sounds like an easy way to drain the battery in your phone, Candel has made sure the light panel only uses the battery that’s inside the case itself, and will last for about 24-hours. That’s enough for most parties. When you’re not using the light feature, the battery can be used to charge your phone, just like any other extended life battery case. Oddly, the campaign says the battery has a capacity between 1800mAh and 3000mAh, so we’re getting clarification of what that actually means.

If you’re dreaming of changing the image on your Candel case on the go, that doesn’t look like it’ll happen. You purchase the case with a single image — there are three to choose from — and if you select an upper tier, you can add one of your own. However, it appears that once the choice is made, you’re stuck with it forever. The case is quite large, but comes with specially modified speaker channels, and a headphone extension cable.

Candel Case
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Candel’s creator had the idea after experiencing the Burning Man festival, where we can see the case working well. We’re not sure about flashing phone cases being particularly welcome at intimate concert venues though. Thankfully, it works just as well to notify you of incoming calls and notifications too.

Candel’s Kickstarter campaign is underway here, and the case is initially suitable for the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus, but a survey will be sent out to backers regarding other phone models, where backers will be able to choose from certain Android devices. Samsung Galaxy and HTC One models are most likely to be included. If yours isn’t there, you get a refund.

The Candel will cost you $59 if you’re fast enough to catch an early bird offer. If not, you’ll need $74 or for a custom image Candel case, a massive $250. The campaign ends in late February, and the case is expected to ship in July.

Editors' Recommendations

Andy Boxall
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
Why you should buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max instead of the iPhone 15 Pro
Someone holding an iPhone 15 Pro Max outside on a patio, showing the back of the Natural Titanium color.

If you want the best iPhone money can buy in 2024, you have two options: the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. They have the same chipset, similar display technology, nearly identical cameras, etc. It's a really close battle, save for the fact that the iPhone 15 Pro is $200 cheaper.

It might be tempting to save some cash and choose the iPhone 15 Pro, but I recommend you splurge for the larger (and more expensive) iPhone 15 Pro Max. Why? Let me explain.
It's a big iPhone you won't hate using

Read more
Can you take a picture of the solar eclipse with your phone? Here’s how to do it
can you take a picture of the solar eclipse with your phone jongsun lee f pszo jee8 unsplash

There will be a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, in various states across the U.S. and provinces in Canada. This rare event can produce breathtaking images and videos using a smartphone.

However,  simply pointing your phone, such as an iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S24, at the sky won't be enough to capture the beauty of this phenomenon. Here are steps to capture the total solar eclipse with your smartphone.
Where can you see the total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse is an astronomical event where the moon covers the entire sun. The upcoming event is scheduled for April 8 and will only be visible from a narrow path of areas that will experience totality.

Read more
10 reasons you should buy an iPhone in 2024
Purple iPhone 14 (left) and a green iPhone 15 in hand.

The iPhone 15 lineup — which includes the standard iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro — is the iPhone at its best. It's the latest series of iPhones available today and the default choice if you're buying a new iPhone in 2024.

But it’s not the only choice of iPhones you can purchase. In fact, Apple still sells the iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and the iPhone SE on its website. You could also find other iPhone models available – refurbished or new — from other retailers or carrier stores.

Read more