If you’ve been missing the days of your old iPod, there’s a new accessory that might just bring back some nostalgia. TinyPod is a case designed to transform your Apple Watch into a miniature iPod, allowing you to hold and operate it like the classic MP3 player. Priced at $79, the version with a scroll wheel enables you to physically turn the watch’s digital crown. For $29, you can opt for a case without the scroll wheel but with a cutout for direct access to the digital crown.

But TinyPod offers more than just a retro media player experience. It aims to enhance your watch’s functionality as a companion to your phone. In a tech landscape filled with gadgets and minimalist phones that claim to keep you connected while promoting disconnection, many fall short due to being underpowered or impractical. The TinyPod takes a different approach, positioning itself as a complement to your phone rather than a replacement. It’s dubbed as ‘your phone away from phone,’ emphasizing the convenience of leaving your phone behind while still having access to essential features like messaging, calls, mobile payments, and music playback.

The case features a cutout on the back, allowing for charging without removing the watch. This design choice, coupled with the concept of using a cellular model for optimal functionality, aligns well with the idea of a minimalist phone experience. TinyPod is set to become available this summer, with orders currently being accepted for three different sizes, making it a practical and feasible option for Apple Watch users seeking a versatile accessory.

For those familiar with the concept of an iPod Nano-inspired watch case by Joyce Kang that never materialized, TinyPod offers a more promising alternative. While Kang’s design was primarily nostalgic and nonfunctional, TinyPod is positioned as a functional and market-ready product. With its imminent release and focus on enhancing the Apple Watch’s utility, TinyPod presents a compelling solution for those looking to streamline their tech accessories.