TL;DR
TDM, a new audio brand, unveiled the Neo at CES 2026 — over-ear headphones whose flexible headband can be twisted and rolled to convert the set into a portable Bluetooth speaker. The design uses separate inward- and outward-facing 40mm drivers, user-replaceable batteries, and Bluetooth 6, but the Neo do not include active noise cancelling.
What happened
At CES 2026 TDM (Tomorrow Doesn’t Matter) introduced its first product, the Neo, a hybrid pair of over-ear wireless headphones that can be transformed into a compact speaker by twisting and rolling the flexible headband around the ear cups. Instead of rotating cups or open-back designs used by earlier combos, the Neo house two 40mm drivers aimed inward for private listening and a second pair of outward-facing 40mm drivers for shared playback. Users can switch modes either with a button or by rolling the headset into speaker form, which deactivates the interior drivers and powers the external ones. TDM claims as much as 200 hours of battery life in headphone mode and just over 10 hours in speaker mode; power comes from two 1,500mAh rechargeable cells that the company says are user-replaceable. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 6 with multipoint and Auracast support, a 3.5mm wired input, and a built-in mic that works for calls and voice assistants. The Neo will launch via a Kickstarter campaign in January 2026, priced at $249 in black or white.
Why it matters
- A flexible headband that converts headphones into a speaker offers a new approach to shared listening without having to hand off earwear.
- Separate inward- and outward-facing drivers preserve private listening while enabling louder, outward audio when desired.
- Long quoted battery life in headphone mode and replaceable batteries could extend usable lifespan compared with sealed designs.
- Lack of active noise cancelling at this price point may limit appeal for buyers who expect ANC in premium wireless headphones.
- Bluetooth 6 with multipoint and Auracast support suggests modern wireless features for device switching and broadcast audio.
Key facts
- Manufacturer: TDM (Tomorrow Doesn’t Matter), debut product at CES 2026.
- Form factor: over-ear headphones that can be rolled into a compact Bluetooth speaker via a flexible headband.
- Drivers: two inward-facing 40mm drivers for private listening and two outward-facing 40mm drivers for speaker mode.
- Battery: two user-replaceable 1,500mAh rechargeable batteries; up to 200 hours in headphone mode, just over 10 hours in speaker mode.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 6 with multipoint and Auracast support; 3.5mm wired option available.
- Extras: built-in microphone for calls and voice-assistant activation (Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant) in both modes.
- Launch and pricing: Kickstarter campaign launching January 2026; MSRP $249; available in black or white.
- Noise isolation: no active noise cancelling; passive isolation relies on memory foam ear cushions.
- Mode switching: users can change between headphone and speaker modes via a physical button or by rolling the Neo into speaker form.
What to watch next
- Kickstarter campaign outcome, delivery timeline and retail availability — not confirmed in the source.
- Real-world audio performance and speaker loudness when outward drivers are active — not confirmed in the source.
- Long-term durability of the flexible rolling headband and the user-replaceable battery mechanism — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Driver: The speaker component that converts electrical signals into sound; larger drivers often produce stronger bass and higher volume.
- Bluetooth 6: A recent generation of the Bluetooth wireless standard offering improvements in range, throughput, and power efficiency compared with earlier versions.
- Multipoint: A Bluetooth feature that allows a headset to maintain simultaneous connections to multiple source devices, like a phone and laptop.
- Auracast: A broadcast audio feature of modern Bluetooth standards that enables one source to stream audio to multiple receivers.
- Active noise cancelling (ANC): Technology that uses microphones and signal processing to reduce ambient noise; differs from passive isolation provided by ear cushion materials.
Reader FAQ
Do the Neo headphones include active noise cancelling?
No — the Neo do not have ANC and rely on memory foam ear cushions for passive noise isolation.
How long does the battery last?
TDM rates battery life up to 200 hours in headphone mode and just over 10 hours in speaker mode, powered by two 1,500mAh user-replaceable cells.
When and where will the Neo be sold?
TDM plans to launch the Neo through a Kickstarter campaign in January 2026; wider retail availability is not confirmed in the source.
Can the Neo connect to multiple devices or older gear?
Yes — they support Bluetooth 6 with multipoint as well as Auracast, and include a 3.5mm wired input for older devices.
TECH GADGETS NEWS These wireless headphones roll up to become a Bluetooth speaker The Neo headphones feature four drivers facing inwards and out for private listening or sharing music with…
Sources
- These wireless headphones roll up to become a Bluetooth speaker
- TDM. Neo Hybrid Headphone Speakers
- CES 2026: all the news, gadgets, and innovations from …
- Bluetooth Speaker Neo
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