McDonald's turns cup holder into limited edition Boombox

22-Aug-2017 - Last updated on 24-Aug-2017 at 08:23 GMT

The McDonald's Canada Boombox. Picture: Stacklab.

McDonald's Canada, the University of Waterloo's Audio Research Group and Stacklab have created McBoombox, which doubles up as a drinks tray and amplifier/speaker for a smartphone.

The limited edition product coincides with McDonald's McFlurry’s 22nd anniversary, which was originally created in Canada.

The McBoombox is promoted as a useful way to listen to music whilst eating.

The recyclable drink tray has also been fitted with custom designed "cones" to create a full, more robust sound.

The cones are a 10-side shaped polygon, enabling the 100% cardboard speakers to send sound out audio at a decibel level of 70.4.

“When we changed the shape of the cones of the McBoombox, the difference in sound levels was 50%,’ said Janelle Reach, PhD candidate, University of Waterloo.

“When we used the reflective material, you increase the sound by 43%. Inserting your phone increases the sounds level by 101%."

To use the device consumers need to flip over the tray, unfold the speakers, place the smartphone into the McBoombox.

The limited edition trays were only available on July 28 from 2pm-7pm.