CIO has launched the "CIO Portable Bath Speaker," a compact Bluetooth speaker featuring magnetic attachment, Qi2 wireless charging, and IPX7 waterproof protection, on the crowdfunding service Makuake starting June 3, 2025 (Tuesday)[1]. The early-bird price starts at 3,980 yen (including tax), and the speaker is designed for use in a wide range of settings, including bathrooms, kitchens, and desk spaces where water exposure is common[1]. The palm-sized device weighs about 160 grams and offers up to approximately 8 hours of continuous playback with its built-in 1,800 mAh battery[1].
Magnetic Attachment Turns Any Wall into a Music Spot
The most distinctive feature of the "CIO Portable Bath Speaker" is its built-in magnetic attachment[1]. As long as a wall surface can hold a magnet, the speaker can be installed in a wide variety of locations, including bathrooms, washrooms, kitchens, the underside of desks, and MagSafe-compatible wireless chargers[1].
The flexibility of installation makes it easy to enjoy music or radio in bathrooms or kitchens where dedicated speaker placement is often difficult, without obstructing the line of sight. Eliminating the need for stands or suction-cup holders should appeal to users who care about placement in tight spaces.
When using the speaker in a bathroom, CIO advises confirming in advance whether the wall surface is magnetic[1]. For non-magnetic surfaces, the speaker can still be mounted by using a separate magnetic sheet[1].
Qi2 Wireless Charging and Bluetooth 5.3 Support
The speaker supports both Qi2-compliant wireless charging and wired charging via USB-C[1]. Placing the unit on a Qi2-compatible charger starts charging automatically, eliminating the need to plug and unplug cables[1]. Both CIO and third-party Qi2 chargers can be used, allowing the speaker to fit seamlessly into existing wireless charging setups[1].
A full charge takes approximately 180 minutes[1], with a built-in battery capacity of 1,800 mAh[1]. Playback time reaches up to about 8 hours at 50 percent volume, making it suitable for longer use cases such as soaking baths or focused desk work[1].
Bluetooth version 5.3 is supported, with reduced radio interference helping minimize audio dropouts during playback[1]. Multiple devices can be registered, allowing for smooth switching between a smartphone and a tablet, for example[1].
The single USB-C port is for charging only[1]. The speaker does not include a power bank function, so it cannot be used to charge smartphones or other devices[1].
IPX7 Waterproofing and 160 g Body for Bathrooms and Outdoor Use
For water resistance, the speaker carries an IPX7 rating, meaning it can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes[1]. It is designed to operate reliably under exposure to showers and steam, and even survives accidental drops into a bathtub, positioning it as a reassuring choice for bathroom use[1].
The device is palm-sized and weighs about 160 grams[1]. The compact design fits easily into a waist pouch or everyday bag, expanding its use beyond indoor settings to picnics, camping trips, business travel, and other outdoor scenarios[1].
By pairing two units, the speaker also supports stereo playback with left and right channels[1]. This allows users to scale up the soundstage for living rooms or other spaces where a more immersive listening experience is desired[1].
Makuake Early-Bird Pricing Starts at 3,980 Yen
The "CIO Portable Bath Speaker" Makuake project launched on June 3, 2025 (Tuesday) at 12:30[1]. Early-bird pricing starts at 3,980 yen (including tax), with reward tiers varying depending on the timing of the backing[1].
CIO has been steadily releasing accessory products aimed at improving everyday convenience, such as cord-reel-integrated chargers and ultra-thin power banks. This bath speaker likewise combines recent trends like Qi2 and magnetic attachment with the specialized environment of bathrooms, fitting in well with CIO's "remove small daily frustrations" approach to product design.
Summary
The "CIO Portable Bath Speaker" combines three key features — magnetic attachment, Qi2 wireless charging, and IPX7 waterproofing — into a palm-sized body weighing about 160 grams. It supports Bluetooth 5.3, offers up to about 8 hours of continuous playback from its 1,800 mAh battery, and enables stereo playback when paired with a second unit. The Makuake project, run as an official CIO crowdfunding campaign, started on June 3, 2025, with early-bird pricing from 3,980 yen (including tax). For anyone looking to bring music into bath time or seeking a compact speaker that can be placed almost anywhere, this model is a worthwhile option to consider.
