Survey Results Revealed:
The New Muro Box-N20 Lite Go!
Muro Box-N20 New Model
Survey Results Revealed:
The New Muro Box-N20 Lite Go!
Hello everyone,
I’m Dr. Chen-Hsiang Feng, the inventor of Muro Box.
The key points of this update includes:
1. Explanation of the current design direction for the new N20 model (N20 Lite Go).
2. Summary of the current Survey #1 results, highlighting the response ratio and preferences of existing customers versus potential customers, and presenting the overall trend of opinions.
3. A special thanks to several readers who took the time to provide written suggestions on the application scenarios for new features, offering us a wealth of creative inspiration.
[1] Explanation of the Current Design Direction
Thank you all for your enthusiastic responses. We have taken everyone’s suggestions into consideration and made the final decisions as follows:
Naming of the New Model: N20 Lite Go
We have ultimately chosen the name that best aligns with this request: Lite Go, which represents the idea of the Lite product line combined with a battery, allowing you to carry the music box and travel the world with ease.
Various creative and meaningful names were suggested in the surveys, and we will reserve them for future, more advanced models.
Considerations for Battery Specifications
In order to comply with battery restrictions for courier services in most countries, we have chosen not to include batteries with the shipment. Customers will need to purchase two 18650 lithium batteries separately based on their own needs. Through testing, we found that two 3400 mAh batteries can play for nearly four hours (with the default offline playlist playing three times). You can choose batteries with a more suitable capacity according to your actual needs.
NFC / Memory-Triggering Item Module
The NFC module has been fully integrated, and we have named this feature the “Memory-Triggering Item” module in the project.
You can attach an NFC sticker to any object and place it in the music box’s sensing area to trigger the pre-set song (any song can be specified using the app).
You can use your own NFC tags or order our customized “film roll” to create a gift surprise for special occasions.
Sensor Function: Motion-Activated Playback / Night Light
We’ve decided to turn the entire transparent acrylic cover into a sensing area, allowing the music box to detect user interactions. Basic functions, such as using it as a switch for the night light at the bottom of the music box, have already been successfully tested. More complex features, like operating it in a theremin-like manner, are still under development—stay tuned!
By touching the button symbols on the wooden box, you can switch to the previous or next song, pause, or play the music.
How to Use the Open API
We have confirmed that in this project, we will be launching both software and hardware options for makers with strong hands-on skills.
▪️ Software: We will provide an Open API, allowing you to integrate the music box into your own smart home platform. Documentation will be available to guide you through the integration process.
▪️ Hardware: We will offer the option to purchase just the movement, along with engineering diagrams for the mounting holes. This allows you to laser cut or 3D print your own custom enclosure.
Muro Dock Postponed
Due to the numerous requests for this new model, we have officially decided to postpone the release of the Muro Dock. During this project phase, we will gather more customer suggestions. Please be patient and stay tuned!
Subscribe to the Newsletter
New Model N20 Lite Go
Get Early Access
[Crowdfunding Early Bird Discount]
[2]Summary of Survey #1 Results: Presenting Opinion Trends
In addition to collecting feedback through surveys, we also invited several customers who could attend in person for face-to-face interviews and to fill out the questionnaire, providing valuable suggestions on the same topics.
Up to 2025/04/08, there were 56 responses, with 21 written by English readers and 35 by Chinese readers.
Among the respondents, approximately half had already purchased a Muro Box, and half had not. The majority of respondents were in the 36-55 age range.
Overall, the response trends from both English and Chinese survey participants were similar, so the following analysis will combine the results from both languages. Only when there are significant differences will we separately explain the discrepancies between English and Chinese respondents.
Survey Response Results
Purchased or Not
Age of Respondents
Built-in Battery Function
How important do you think it is to play music without needing to plug in?
How long would you like the Muro Box to play continuously when fully charged?
Overall, more than half of the respondents affirmed the importance of the battery function, indicating that battery life and portability are key factors. The majority of users preferred a moderate battery life of 3-5 hours.
Here is a summary of the suggestions for the battery function from the open-ended responses:
Recommended Usage Scenarios:
The battery-powered version is suitable for places without power outlets, such as baby rooms (placed out of children’s reach), outdoor gatherings, stores, art exhibitions, travel, camping, outdoor markets, and special occasions like Christmas and birthdays. It is also ideal for cafes, cars, beaches, and other therapeutic or recreational spaces, offering portability and ease of display, making it perfect for open-air environments or special events.
Battery Design Suggestions:
▪️Use replaceable batteries, such as 18650 or 21700 batteries.
▪️Provide a USB-C charging port.
▪️To extend usage time, consider adding a power-saving mode or pairing with an external speaker to enhance sound quality.
️▪️Some respondents mentioned the unnecessary use of batteries: for music professionals or long-time users, the plug-in solution is more stable and avoids problems such as battery degradation and overheating, as well as increasing weight.
Worth Mentioning: Due to the minimalist design style of the Lite series, we have decided not to include a Type-C port (as the connector is too small and not durable). Additionally, customers who purchase the battery module no longer require the use of a power bank. Therefore, the power input for the N20 Lite Go will continue to use a DC round connector. Both the Muro Box N40 and the standard N20 models support external power banks.
Built-in NFC (Near Field Communication)
Assuming you can stick your NFC card or cell phone close to the Muro Box, it will automatically play the specified music, for example:
▪️Home Decor: Use NFC to play specific songs on the music box.
▪️Exhibitions or Stores: Customers scan NFC cards to play different music.
▪️Gifts or Souvenirs: Specific NFC cards paired with the music box to play specially prepared songs.
What do you think of the NFC feature?
Suggestions for NFC Application
▪️Music Transfer: Use NFC to transfer melodies or music files, or consider using Bluetooth.
▪️Children’s Music Box: Allow children to play their favorite nursery rhymes or stories via NFC cards.
▪️Simplified Pairing: Use NFC to simplify device pairing, especially in exhibition settings.
▪️Interactive Accessories: Introduce NFC-enabled accessories (e.g., keys, wands) to enhance interactivity.
▪️Preloaded Scenario Cards: Offer NFC cards for alarm modes, emotional sound effects, etc., to easily switch functions.
▪️Airtag Integration: Integrate Airtag API for easier device location.
▪️Voice Control: Add voice control functionality (e.g., “Hey Siri”) to increase convenience.
Birth of a Memory-Triggering Item: Sensory Music Box Plays Your Designated Songs
Regarding design and usage, the respondents proposed many application scenarios. If these scenarios can be connected with emotions, they will make for a very valuable gift. Therefore, we define ‘ Memory-Triggering Items’ as the core application of NFC functionality, and based on this concept, we developed the film roll-shaped Memory-Triggering Items.
The customizable photo Memory-Triggering Items, which quickly triggers the music box to play a designated song, will be one of the key features of the N20 Lite Go!
Sensor Function
▲ Imagine the Muro Box detecting your movements to play notes, much like a Theremin (see video). With the Theremin, you can create beautiful music by moving your hands through the air!
▲ When triggered by an external force, the music box will play notes accordingly. You might even use external objects like plants or a water cup, as shown in the video, to play the music box.
You can use it in:
▪️ Home entertainment: Let family or friends experience playing music in different ways.
▪️ Music creation: Use the sensor to record unique ways of playing and incorporate them into your compositions.
▪️ Education and demonstration: Teach children or students about the integration of music and technology.
▪️ Art installation: As part of an interactive art piece.
What do you think of the Sensor function?
If the Muro Box has a built-in sensor, which of the following applications would interest you?(Required)
We can also see from this that the preferences for sensor interaction features align with the sensor functions we are currently developing, including the use of sensor buttons to replace physical knobs and the development of touch-based music gameplay. This will be one of the key focuses of our future development.
Sensor Button Replacing Physical Knob
In the survey, we also asked about the position of the knob and whether respondents agreed to replace the physical knob with a touch-type button. The results are shown in the diagram.
We are responsive to feedback, and the N20 Lite Go will replace the original knob design with touch-type buttons, making the operation more intuitive and convenient.
Create More Musical Creativity with Touch
Currently, we plan to make the entire transparent top cover a touch-sensitive detection point, paired with an automatic chord accompaniment function. Simply touching the transparent cover will trigger the music box to generate a chord breakdown corresponding to the highest note of the melody.
With the arrangement feature of our free app, you can first select the melody and then use the automatic accompaniment function to easily complete a live performance and enjoy the fun of improvisational creation!
Open API
Imagine the Muro Box offering an open API, allowing you to develop your own unique music interaction features, such as:
▪️Create a smart doorbell using Raspberry Pi. Trigger the Muro Box remotely to play a specific song.
▪️ Control the Muro Box to play a designated melody through your own custom app.
What do you think of the Open API Function?
Which other devices or applications would you like the Muro Box to interact with?(Required)
For the acceptance of the Open API, we observed that among the Chinese respondents, a higher proportion expressed a clear preference, with 21 respondents indicating this. In contrast, English respondents mainly expressed ‘It’s Good,’ with 11 respondents selecting this option.
From the feedback of some English respondents, this may be influenced by cultural factors. For the application of the music box, English respondents might prefer to retain its simple, traditional functions, and their demand for the newly added Open API feature is not as strong as that of the Chinese audience. Therefore, the Chinese audience has shown greater interest and acceptance in this regard.
N20 Lite Go Appearance
Consolidated feedback from respondents on appearance design:
▪️Button Design
◦In the survey, we asked whether the knob should be on the front or side, and 93% of respondents chose the front. However, as mentioned in the previous section about the sensor, the new N20 Lite Go model replaces the physical knob with a touch-type button.
◦Some feedback regarding the knob position: The front position makes operation more intuitive, provides more space for engraving, and maintains the symmetry of the music box. The corner position is less practical, prone to impact and damage, and less convenient for placement.
▪️Appearance
◦It was suggested to rotate the mechanical structure by 90 degrees, making the shorter side the main visual surface to restore symmetry in the design.
◦The appearance could also be designed to resemble different musical instruments, such as a piano, harp, or cello.
▪️Material and Color
◦Offer options with darker wood grain finishes (such as Padouk) to enhance the overall texture and quality.
◦Consider enlarging the surface area of the metal touch button, and design it to support magnetic labels that can attach to the button. This could work in conjunction with NFC scenario cards to program function keys.
▪️Touch Sensitivity
◦Add vibration feedback to provide users with an intuitive response when touching the button, making it easier to know whether the input has been registered. This design could help address limitations in the touch experience.
◦Improve protection for the touch-sensitive area, especially as repeated finger contact increases over time. Consider using wear-resistant wood or enhancing the wood surface with a stronger lacquer finish to prevent long-term wear.
Thank you all for the valuable feedback—durability is definitely something we’ll pay special attention to. For now, we’ve decided to prioritize maintaining visual consistency across the product line, so more creative design ideas will be reserved for future iterations. As for haptic feedback, we currently plan to use lights and music as the main forms of response. However, we’ll also consider the option of incorporating a vibration motor.
External Multi-Function Small Box for More Creativity
In addition to the features we want to add to the music box itself, we have also thought of many creative ways to use the music box:
▪️Turntable, linked to rotating decorations
▪️ LED lights
▪️Voice-controlled song playback
▪️ Magnetic attachments for decoration
▪️Other external connectors
However, due to space limitations, we are planning to release an external “Muro Dock” (similar to a small wooden box) in the future to support these additional features.
Acceptance of the External Muro Dock
For the Muro Dock, we currently have the following applications in mind. Which would you be interested in?
Preferred Connection Types for Users Who Selected Additional Ports
Regarding the acceptance of the Muro Dock, we observed that a higher proportion of Chinese respondents expressed a clear preference (21 respondents), while English-speaking respondents mainly selected “No opinion” (9 respondents).
As mentioned earlier, since this new model already includes many features, we have officially decided to postpone the launch of the Muro Dock. During the campaign period, we will continue gathering more feedback from customers—thank you for your patience!
New Model Naming
Thank you all for providing many creative naming ideas.
Whether they emphasized portability, such as:
N20 音旅, N20 TOGO, N20 Go, N20 Walker, N+N Travel Go,
Or had a musical feel, like:
N20 Pro Music, N20 Rhythm, N20 律動, N20 Groove, N20 Xylo, N20 Zylo, Anthem,
Or suggestions that continued the series style, all of them have been valuable to us.
Response to Suggested Ideas
No Need to Wait for the New Model, These Features Are Available Now!
In the suggestions from respondents, these features are already available in the current product. We’ve specifically listed them below:
▪️Timed playback (alarm). To learn how to operate, click here.
▪️Real-time performance with the phone’s virtual keyboard. To learn how to operate, click here.
▪️Play any song like a Bluetooth speaker. To learn how to operate, click here.
▪️The Muro Box-N40 / N20 Standard version supports power banks. When purchasing a power bank, please use one that supports a 15V voltage and a current of 2A or more (30W 15V/2A or 45W 15V/3A). For example, the following power bank is the model we used for internal testing: https://www.mi.com/global/product/mi-50w-power-bank-20000/
Other Suggestions Are Categorized as Follows
The suggestions from the open-ended questions are categorized as follows:
▪️Product Function Suggestions
◦ Launch the N60 or versions with more octaves, supporting more complex melodies.
◦ Add wireless charging support (e.g., Qi).
◦ Support more advanced MIDI features.
◦ Support spatial audio (e.g., multi-box surround setup).
◦ Support microtonality to explore more musical expressiveness.
◦ Display date and time.
◦ Add AI voice control for convenience.
◦ Indirect LED lighting effects that sync with the melody’s rhythm, elegant, non-flashy RGB.
◦ Keep USB-MIDI as a default – don’t remove it easily.
◦ Hope to offer trial units or free samples, especially for enthusiastic potential users who have not yet purchased.
◦ Offer models at various price points for both beginners and advanced users.
◦ Preserve the “romance” and “nostalgic feel” of the music box, avoiding excessive technologization that may cause a style conflict.
◦ Combine tech and tactility – unique blend of retro & modern.
◦ The music box is not just a playback device, but an emotional carrier and a sense of ritual in life.
▪️Software and AI
◦ AI automatic melody generation, such as inputting a scenario or reference music style to automatically convert it into a music box melody.
◦ AI can convert external audio into playable music box melodies (e.g., convert a song into a box arrangement).
◦ Improve cloud synchronization and social sharing features.
◦ Provide API to connect with external music creation platforms.
◦ Combine external music detection with AI translation to make creation more intuitive.
Regarding the combination of music arrangement and AI, we have been experimenting with the free AI conversion app features available on the market, so everyone can more easily convert their songs into MIDI files for the music box to play. However, we are still searching for a suitable app, and we will share any new discoveries with everyone.
▪️Design and Accessories
◦ Protective Case: The carrying case can store accessories and enhance protection.
◦ Limited edition artist collabs (e.g., Ghibli, Hans Zimmer).
◦ Made with high-quality materials (e.g., walnut, cherry wood, ebony).
◦ Use high-end parts like titanium, brass, or sapphire bearings for better clarity and durability.
◦ Features a low vibration design with a crystal resonator box.
▪️Instrument Creativity and Concept
◦ Launch a version without the comb, using bell sounds or organ sounds, allowing different music boxes to ensemble together.
◦ Add pitch control like Theremin – magical, Harry Potter–like interaction.
◦ Multiple music boxes can form a mechanical orchestra, enabling spatial performances or interactive creations.
◦ The Theremin concept can also be used with an external Muro Dock.
The Theremin concept was also the origin of our initial idea for the Sensor module. However, due to time and technical constraints, we will put this instrument concept on hold for now and revisit its development when we work on other Sensor features in the future.
Subscribe to the Newsletter
New Model N20 Lite Go
Get Early Access
[Crowdfunding Early Bird Discount]
