A new hardware solution open source appears to simplify volume control on our laptops. Called SoundSlide, this small USB-C accessory offers a tactile and intuitive approach to adjusting the sound, reminiscent of the ergonomics that Apple has developed with its products such as the iPod and its emblematic touch controls, or the recent Camera Control button. .
A minimalist and intelligent accessory
The SoundSlide comes in the form of a small, particularly compact USB-C module (20.9 x 6.9 x 3.5 mm) which integrates discreetly into the design of your computer. Its capacitive interface allows you to adjust the volume with a simple swipe of your finger, providing a more natural experience than traditional keyboard keys.
Compatible with macOS, Windows and Linux, the device is plug-and-play and requires no special drivers. It is also customizable thanks to a configuration tool allowing you to adjust the touch sensitivity and personalize certain gestures such as the mute function.
An open source project with some compromises
In an effort to be transparent, the developers have made the entire project public: technical diagrams, firmware source code and command line tool. The SoundSlide uses a Microchip SAM D11 Arm Cortex-M0+ microcontroller to manage the touch interface.
Sold for around $18 only in the United States (import to Europe costs $7), this gadget nevertheless raises some practical questions. The main compromise concerns the occupation of a USB-C port, a sometimes limited resource on modern laptops – a particularly sensitive point for MacBook Air users who already have few ports. Alternatives like USB rotary controllers also exist at more modest prices, around €6-7.
Despite these reservations, the SoundSlide could appeal to users nostalgic for volume wheels or those looking for a more intuitive experience for controlling their machine’s audio. This little accessory can make an original gift for the holidays. Allow around thirty euros for the purchase of the product, with delivery and various taxes.
