Xiaomi's Accessory That Turns the Back Screen into a Guitar: Pocket Guitar Introduced

The magnetic Pocket Guitar accessory announced for Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max models turns the rear screen into a music interface.

Xiaomi introduced an innovative accessory developed for its new flagship models Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. This magnetic device, announced under the name Xiaomi 18 Pro Pocket Guitar, turns the back screen of the phone into a music control interface.

This special accessory, which attaches to the back of the phone with a magnet, is placed on the secondary screen when folded and works integrated with the Changba application. Thus, the rear screen turns into a guitar-like control panel rather than just an area where notifications are displayed.

Design that Turns the Back Screen into a Music Interface

Pocket Guitar is offered to users with two different color options: black and red. The body of the accessory is specially designed to be divided into two parts around a hinge.

One of the sections contains physical controls representing the band buttons, while the other section has a textured surface with raised protrusions to create the feeling of a band. It is stated that in addition to the music playing function of the design, the accessory can also be used as a small phone stand when folded in the opposite direction.

The operating system of the accessory is based on Changba, a China-based karaoke and singing application. After connecting the accessory to the phone via Bluetooth, users can start their music experience by switching to the special performance section in the application.

The two different usage options offered here create a more simplified phone-based music experience rather than copying the control logic of a real guitar. In tuning mode, users can create rhythm by hitting the textured surface with their right hand while pressing the tuning buttons numbered I through VII with their left hand.

Rhythm mode, on the other hand, offers a simpler usage and focuses mainly on the user catching the rhythm. In this mode, there is no need to select the correct tuning and all the remaining operations are performed automatically by the Changba application.

Technical Specifications and Device Compatibility

Rear screen support is limited to the Xiaomi 18 Pro series due to its hardware structure. Pocket Guitar can be connected to the Changba application on other Xiaomi phones and iPhone models using iOS 14 or newer versions.

However, performance and recording features cannot be used on these devices via the rear screen. In these models, playing, browsing and tuning of songs are carried out via the front screen of the phone.

The accessory contains a 630 mAh battery and Xiaomi states that it offers up to 30 days of use on a single charge. While charging is done via USB Type-C connection, communication with the phone is provided via Bluetooth connection.

The sales price of Pocket Guitar in China is 599 yuan, which is approximately 90 dollars. The product is offered for sale to users on JD.com.

This new product from Xiaomi reveals a different usage area that combines the secondary screens of smartphones with physical accessories instead of using them only for notifications or auxiliary applications. Do you think these types of physical music accessories developed for the back screens of smartphones are practical enough for daily use?