A new audio startup is officially challenging the idea that private and shared listening are two different things. A company called TDM (short for Tomorrow Doesn't Matter) has just unveiled the world's first model CES 2026: A pair of headphones that can physically transform into portable ones bluetooth speaker. They called it Neo Hybrid, and it's a pretty radical reimagining of how we carry our music.
The Neo Hybrid isn't just a loud headphone.
It has a clever modular design in which you can switch modes by simply rotating the earcups. There's no clunky navigation software or extra parts to attach; you literally just turn the headset and the outward-firing speakers fire, turning the device into a palm-sized, room-sized speaker.
According to TDM co-founder David Brailsford, it's all about spontaneity. He explained that the brand wants to give people the opportunity to have a private audition and instantly turn it into a social moment. This design is clearly made for commuters, travelers, or anyone who's ever found themselves in a small gathering and wished they could remember to bring a separate speaker.
From a technical point of view, the Neo Hybrid is equipped with serious equipment.
It uses four independently tuned 40mm drivers—two facing inward for your ears and two firing outward for the world around you—driven by dual integrated amplifiers. TDM claims this setup delivers a clear, detailed sound profile on headphones and surprisingly decent volume when used as a speaker.
Battery life is another important talking point. In headphone mode, Neo is designed to last 200 hours on a single charge, which is the best in its class. Naturally, speaker mode is more power-hungry, so this time is reduced to about 10 hours. The battery is also removable, meaning you can replace it after a few years rather than throwing away the entire device.
You can even customize what this “rotation” actually does. Auto mode allows for smooth switching between drivers, but you can also set the rotation to pause music, turn off the device, or simply act as a physical switch.
Neo Hybrid goes on sale Kickstarter later this month it will cost $249 and will be available in both black and white. How it stacks up against dedicated audiophile gear remains to be seen, but for anyone who values ​​versatility, the new TDM hybrid is one of the most exciting things to come out of Vegas this year.
