Technabob » earbud

Adapter Turns Earbuds into Headphones

Range — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:00:39 +0000

While I have some large headphones at home, I always carry earbuds with me because they are just so small and convenient. This new earbud adapter is supposed to expand the usefulness of earbuds, allowing them to become headphones.

These Ear Adapters were created by the Chilean-born, Paris-based designer JC Karich, and allow users to transform earbuds into over-the-ear headphones. This means that you can take your earbuds on the go, and when you want the stability or looks of headphones you can have them easily enough.

The whole thing is 3D-printed and even comes with cushioning. If you like the design, you can freely download the schematics from Thingiverse and print them out on a 3D printer.

[via designboom]

Sennheiser IE 800 Earphones and HDVD 800 Amp: Probably Amazing, Definitely Expensive

Range — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:15 +0000

Sennheiser makes some really good audio products, and they’ve just upped the ante with some top of the line earbuds and an accompanying amplifier. If you’ve got deep pockets and audio quality is important to you, then these might be worth your attention.

The IE 800 earphones are made out of ceramic and will cost you a whopping €599 (~$787 USD) for a pair. They have an incredibly wide 5 to 46,000Hz audio frequency range, 7mm drivers, and have stainless steel vents at the back that are supposedly there to improve bass and airflow. To provide power for these headphones, you could use any amp, or you could go with the one Sennheiser built just for these earphones. The HDVD 800 amp retails for an equally crazy €1499 (~$1,973 USD). The amp has a body made out anodized aluminum, supports 24-bit 192kHz digital sources, and was specifically designed to work with the HD 800, HD 700, HD 650 and HD 600 headphones.

The amp and the earphones are expected to go on sale this Summer. Will you be putting down a big chunk of your hard earned cash on these?

[via Slashgear]

Olympus TP-7 Telephone Recorder: Bug Your Own Phone

Chris B. — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 13:00:36 +0000

Ever needed to record your phone calls? Let us pretend for a moment that you believe that there is some huge government conspiracy against you. If you tell anyone this, they’re going to think you’re crazy. Unless you have proof, that is. Now, you need to collect said proof. Spy cameras are always good. Set lots of those up around your house. You’re also going to need to record all of your phone calls. After all, those can be full of useful evidence that you can show to the rest of the world.

Tapping your own phone line isn’t easy, unless you have the Olympus TP-7 Telephone Recording Device. This sucker is cheap (just $11) and takes no time to set up. Just plug one end into the microphone jack of any recording device. Then put the special earbud in the ear you use the phone with. It has a tiny microphone that will pick up the entire conversation. This thing is exactly what you need. Now you just have to figure out how to get it. After all, they’re watching your internet too, you know.

[via Boing Boing]

Zipbuds Tangle-Resistant Earbuds Get a Makeover, Start Shipping

Chris B. — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:11:34 +0000

It’s amazing how much a design can change in a year.

Back in January, we showed you a different kind of earbud that promised to prevent tangles. This was a great idea, because tangled cords are the number 1 cause for destroyed earbuds* (due to the owner getting frustrated and just breaking them). Unfortunately the early prototype Zipbuds that we saw were bulky and ugly. I know that I wouldn’t have wanted to wear these, or even try to stuff them into my pocket. They may have solved one problem, but created others.

Well it’s almost a year later and the company is now shipping their Zipbuds. What’s more is that they look a lot different than before. Gone is that ugly rubber strip connected to the zipper. They’ve managed to actually run the cable inside the zipper itself. Shipping in five different colors for $40 (USD) each, I’d say these are worth looking into.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

*Completely fabricated statistic

[via DVICE via Ubergizmo]

IPod Earbuds for Giants [Speakers]

Technabob — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:40:06 +0000

You’ve gotta love these speakers that look like giant iPod earbuds. Unless your last name Bunyon or your first name is Green, these jumbo earphones will have to sit on your desktop instead of in your ears.

Part of the new lineup of whimsical products from Fred & Friends, these gargantuan earbud speakers are sure to draw looks sitting there alongside your laptop. They get their 500XL moniker since they’re about 500 times the size of a pair of iPod earbuds.

If you just have to have a pair, you’ll have to hold your breath for just a little while, since pricing and a release date haven’t been announced yet. (You might want to check with Perpetual Kid, since they’ve been known to carry much of the Fred line).

[via UberReview and Mike Ballan]