Technabob » earphones

Universal Earphones Know When They’re in the Wrong Ear, Switches Channels Automatically

Lambert Varias — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:32 +0000

Another First World problem solved! Kohei Matsumura, Daisuke Sakamoto, Masahiko Inami, and Takeo Igarashi of the Japan Science and Technology Agency have invented a pair of earphones with ear buds that can detect if they are on the left or right ear and switch the audio channel if needed. In other words, they’re both left and both right. And always right. Amirite?

Matsumura and company call their invention the Universal Earphones. Their secret is surprisingly simple and inexpensive – a proximity sensor piggybacked on one of the earbuds. As you can see in the picture above, the sensor faces towards the left ear and away from the right ear. If it detects that it’s about 30mm away from the ear, it means that it’s on the right ear. This input causes the earphones to switch the channels accordingly.

But that’s not all. By running a weak electrical current through the ear buds, the Universal Earphones can also detect if it’s being used by one person or shared by two people. If the current is interrupted it means that the earbuds are on separate heads. The earphones will then pump out a mono mix of the audio being played so the listeners can hear both channels at once. Genius! I suggest you put on your own earphones – correctly, of course – when you watch the video below.

That was awesome, save for the creepy synthesized narrator.

[via Engadget]

Sculpted Eers In-Ear Headphones Has You Mold Your Own Earbuds

Lambert Varias — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:30:49 +0000

In-ear headphones provide great sounds and decent noise cancellation, but only if you can find a set that fits right. Some companies like Westone or Ultimate Ears offer custom fitting – they have specialists that make molds of your ear canal, which are then used to make ear buds that fit you perfectly. But those types of services have an additional feature: budget cancellation. Sonomax claims it has come up with a great compromise – you get cheaper headphones, but you have to make the ear buds yourself.

When you buy a pair of the company’s Sculpted Eers in-ear headphones, you’re essentially buying an unfinished product. But it does come with the tools and materials you need to make your own ear buds. What’s more, the whole process takes just 4 minutes. Obviously there’s the risk of you screwing it up. Perhaps you end up making a mold of your armpit or butt instead. Here’s a demo of the process:

See? It’s so easy even the CEO of the company who makes it and thus is heavily invested in the success of the product can do it! And that’s while being interviewed! Seriously though, it doesn’t seem hard at all. The most critical part is ensuring that the headband fits snugly before you let the silicone out. Still didn’t get that? Here’s a more detailed video that seems to have been made for Sonomax employees. You can order a pair of Sculpted Eers on the official online store or on Buy.com. It’s available in two models – The $200 (USD) PCS-100 has a single driver while the $300 PCS-200 has two drivers for better sound.

[via Gear Patrol]

Apple Hairband Headphone Concept for Listening to More than Hair Bands

Range — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

These minimal headphones don’t look like the usual crop of over-ear ‘phones. They actually kind of look like hairbands, since it looks like they’ve got nothing more than earbuds on the ends. I don’t know how those small drivers will sound, but it is an interesting look to say the least.

These headphones were designed by Sang Hoon Lee, and they have a sleek aluminum finish, much like that found on the latest iMac and MacBook. The volume controls are hidden inside of the glowing Apple logo. I bet Apple fanboys and fangirls will go nuts over them if they’re ever produced.

Ultimately, they’ll need to insulate sound as well, so I wonder what Lee will think of to solve that issue. Regardless of their acoustic qualities, they’re certainly more stylish than many other headphones I’ve seen.

[via Yanko Design]

Octopus Earbuds Stick to Phone Screens Like Tentacle Suckers

Range — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:00:20 +0000

Are you tired of fiddling with your earbuds when storing them and taking them out of your pocket? Take a look what Red Dot Design concept winner Donghee Suh has created. The Octopus Earbuds are fitted with suction cups that will adhere to your screen when they’re stowed.

The suction cups on the earbuds are inspired by the ones you’d find on an octopus’ tentacles. The flexible silicone flap on the front of each bud will become an impromptu suction cup when flipped forward.

They were designed to keep the wires of your earphones from always being tangled up, but really don’t do anything to address the cable itself – but sticking the earbuds in place should help keep things from getting too messy.

For now, these are just a concept, but would you really want to stick your earbuds to the screen of your mobile device? It might be a good way of never losing them again, but I don’t know how dirty they would make the screen of your device.

[via Yanko Design]

SleepPhones: Look Silly, Sleep Well

Lambert Varias — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 16:00:58 +0000

We recently featured a pair of cushioned earphones that you can use while lying in bed. Here’s another alternative for those of you who like to doze off while listening to music, audiobooks, or anything but their partner’s snoring (or voice). Called SleepPhones, they’re fleece headbands with removable earphones inside them. The maker Acoustic Sheep calls them “pajamas for your ears.” I call them headbands for your head.

Like most headbands, SleepPhones are made of lightweight and washable material and grip around your noggin’ firmly enough so that they won’t fall off without causing discomfort, even if you lie on your side. You can also use them as sleep masks. Or as a headband. Here’s an unboxing and short review of SleepPhones by BWOne:

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

You can order a pair of SleepPhones from Amazon or ThinkGeek for $40 (USD). Or you can make your own if you’ve got the requisite skills. I think if you’re up to Level 7 in sewing you can easily transmute a Common Fleece Headband and Inferior Stock Earphones into a SleepPhone. And if your headband is slotted, add a Gem of Sleep in there and you could sell that baby for about 300 gold.

[via Lifehacker]

Moshi Audio Moonrock Black Earbuds: Hope They Sound as Good as They Look

Range — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 17:00:08 +0000

For the last few years, the Shure earphones that I’ve got have been doing well. Once they break down, which is just a matter of time with most earbuds, I’ll probably want to check out something like these ones from Moshi Audio.

Moshi Audio’s Moonrock Black earbuds come with Neodymium driver, designed to render crisp highs and balanced mids and bass. The design is in-ear, with hybrid-injection ear tips that are supposed to block out external sounds. Frequency response is rated at 20 Hz-20kHz / -10dB@1kHz. They are also equipped with an iPhone-compatible microphone with a single button for answering calls and navigating tracks (but no volume controls).

The Moonrock Black earbuds come in a handy little pouch, which comes with integrated cable management.

The Moonrock Black earbuds cost $39.95 (USD) over at Moshi Audio’s store.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Billets 9mm Earphones

Conner Flynn — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 02:00:59 +0000

This will be munition to the ears of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 fans everywhere. You’ve been waiting for the game, and while you are waiting check out these MW3 earphones with MW3 logos. Are you drooling?

These are a must have to accompany the game, which is arriving on November 8th. Aside from looking awesome, Munitio’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Billets 9mm Special Edition Earphones are created from black aircraft-grade billet aluminum and feature audio quality usually only found in larger and more expensive headsets. They even come with a changeable set of silicone green tips. They look so freakin’ cool, I wouldn’t even want to use them. I would just enjoy looking at them.

These amazing earphones will be available on October 23 for about $89.99(USD) from Munitio.

[via Kotaku via Geeky Gadgets]

Marc Ecko Zip Earphones Zip Instead of Tangle, XYZ

Conner Flynn — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:00:14 +0000

XYZ. In other words, examine your zipper. Thanks to Marc Ecko’s new ECKOUNLTD Zip earphones, your earphone wires getting all tangled up will be a thing of the past when you put them in your pocket and carry them around with you.

Similarly to last year’s slightly more clunky Zipbuds, these earphones feature a fully functional zipper instead of normal headphone cables. So when you are done, just zip them up and put them away. No wire tangles. The company has delivered more than just zipper technology though. These also have a built-in microphone and volume control for your Apple products and Android devices. They should be available soon at Shopecko in red, gold, blue, white, pink and purple for $29.99 (USD).

Just don’t expect superior sound at that price though, these are more about style and not having to untangle your wires. That makes it worth the price if this is a problem for you.

[via Engadget]

Gummi Bear Scented Earbuds: Music to Your Ears, Fragrance to Your Nose

Lambert Varias — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 14:30:10 +0000

1. Earbuds 2. Scent 3. ??? 4. Profit! These buds not only look like gummi bears, they smell like ‘em too. They come in strawberry, apple and blueberry flavors. No prize for figuring out which color has which scent.

A company could make a whole line of products based on this gimmick alone. Why stop at gummi bears? What about fried chicken scented earbuds, coffee scented earbuds or bacon scented earbuds? We can do this all day.

You can buy the Gummi Bear Scented Earbuds from Fred Flare for $18 (USD). I wonder how long the scent lasts. I wonder if it blends well with sweat.

Bedphones Make Bedheads Comfortable While Listening to Music in Bed

Hazel Chua — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:40:56 +0000

I usually have my headphones plugged into my ears because it helps take the edge off my day. It doesn’t always help with my productivity though, so I usually go music-less during work and just indulge myself at night.

I don’t leave them in my ears on purpose when I’m sleeping, but I usually nod off after only a couple of songs. I’ve woken up the next morning with sore ears (and a bit of frustration, because yes, I know it’s not good to keep pumping my ears with sound all throughout the night), because the regular earphones are obviously not meant to be laid on – but these bedphones are. Using moldable memory wire earhooks, and soft foam cushions, they’re designed for comfort even if you’re lying on them.

While it’s still not recommended to leave them on all night, the Bedphones will make listening to music and your audio more comfortable while you’re lying down in bed or reclining on your Lazy Boy. These unique headphones were designed by Eric Dubs, who has a degree in Mechanical Engineering, a passion for music, and a great love for sleep.

Bedphones are available from Dubs’ site for $29.95 (USD) a pair.

Jelly Belly Phone Cases Make Apples Smell Like Cherries and Blackberries Smell Like Blueberries

Hazel Chua — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:30:49 +0000

If there’s one thing that the world constantly needs, it’s good cases for your smartphones and devices.

I’m partial to silicone cases, while my sister goes for the leather ones. My dad likes hard shell cases while my other sister carries around her gadgets in the nude (and her phone and iPod are obviously the most banged up ones in our family.)

However, these cases by Jelly Belly are right up my alley. I mean, who doesn’t love jelly beans? I literally grew up eating these during class (when the teacher wasn’t looking) and I still gorge myself on these tasty treats every once in a while.

The cases are made from durable TPI plastic and come in five enticing scents (that happen to be the most popular flavors of Jelly Belly’s jelly beans): Strawberry Cheesecake, Very Cherry, Blueberry, Licorice and Berry Blue.

Aside from the cases, Jelly Belly is also releasing jelly bean-shaped earbuds that follow the same color theme as the cases. However, unlike the latter, they won’t be scented. But really, who would want their ears to come off smelling like candy after each and every use?

The Jelly Belly cases and earbuds will go for $15 a pop. Sweet!

[via Engadget]

Otokurage Earbuds Make You Feel Like You’re Sticking Jellyfish in Your Ears

Hazel Chua — Mon, 23 May 2011 12:00:13 +0000

Okay, maybe using these otokurage earbuds won’t exactly feel like you’re sticking some of those slimy and stinging sea creatures into your ears, but that’s what inspired Japanese studio nendo when they came up with this translucent and ethereally colored earbud.

These remind me a bit of those ADEL inflatable earbuds that are (literally) bloated up with air to provide a softer cushion to your ears while you plug those babies in. Maybe because they appeared translucent and slightly jelly-like, too.

The Elecom otokurage earbuds are a delight to look at, and hopefully, they will be equally delightful to use, too. They come in six different colors that are extremely appealing, from basic black and white, to the more bright colors like pink, purple, blue, and green.

The earbuds don’t just come in the usual boxes or cases either; in fact, they’re housed in plastic water bottles (without the water, of course) that just adds to the whole appeal of these darn things. They will most likely be sold only to the Japanese market though, but you might be able to get your hands on them if you’re resourceful enough (*cough* eBay or Rinkya *cough*).

[via designboom via Oh Gizmo!]

ADEL Inflatable Earbuds Look Comfortable (And a Little Freaky, Too)

Hazel Chua — Thu, 19 May 2011 14:43:27 +0000

We’ve all been taught at a young age to never judge a book by its cover. I guess the same applies to these strange-looking earbuds that promise a whole new level of comfort when it comes to enjoying your music.

Say hello to the ADEL inflatable earbuds (with the balloon portion resembling the outer covering of hakaw, which is a shrimp dumpling dish that I absolutely have to have every time I go out to get some dim sum.)

Looks aside, the earbuds are made inflatable for two simple but very important reasons: comfort and improved sound quality. I love listening to music, especially when I’m on the go or when I’m in bed about to turn in for the night. I usually just pop on my earphones and I find that they aren’t the most ear-friendly things in the world because they start to hurt after an hour or two. That’s specifically what these ADEL inflatable earbuds hope to eliminate. Aside from the added comfort, it also delivers louder sound at lower volumes than what would have been required with your plain, old balloon-less earphones.

These are actually an invention by Stephen Ambrose published in Sound+Vision mag. They’re not being produced yet but I’m going to stand in line to get one if they eventually will be made available commercially.

[via PopSci via Slippery Brick]

Stetheadphone: Bring Me a Pair, Stat!

Lambert Varias — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:07:11 +0000

The sharp minds at Antrepo Design Industry have designed another unique product. Part of their “I’m not” product series, the Stetheadphone is a headset that looks like a stethoscope.

The Stetheadphone has a built-in mic and has voice control, enabling the user to make and receive calls and control playback of an audio player, all while looking like a doctor.

Unfortunately, it seems Antrepo Design Industry is still looking for a manufacturer for the Stetheadphone. Let’s hope they find one soon. More pics here.

[via likecool]

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]

Urbanears Medis Earphones Won’T Hurt Your Ears or Your Pockets

Lambert Varias — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:54:29 +0000

In-ear earphones are great at blocking outside noise and usually fit snugly inside the ears, but I don’t like using them because after only a few minutes of putting them on, my ears start to hurt. Urbanears claims to have developed in-ear earphones that don’t involve pain or pressure. They’re called Medis, and they work by anchoring themselves to two separate points of the ears.

Let me give you a detailed explanation: As you can see in the diagram below, the Medis attaches to the upper and lower thingies of the outside ear, rather than being jammed into the inner thingie. Awesome.

Like other in-ear earphones, the Medis comes with four pads of different sizes (for the part that attaches to the upper thingie of the ear) to ensure a good fit. It has 15.4-mm handmade drivers, 20-20,000Hz frequency response, 32Ω impedance, 94dB sensitivity, and a maximum input power of 50mW. All nice, even numbers. Anyway, they also come with a built-in mic and remote control that will work with popular smartphones like the iPhone, and ones made by Nokia, Blackberry and HTC.

Medis comes in 12 colors. I only took a shot of the 9 that I liked. You can order them (and see the 3 remaining colors) at Urbanears for €50 (approx. $62 USD). Or not – apparently they’re all sold out right now, but that’s a good sign right?

[via Wired]

Grungebuds Are Clearly Not Grunge Buds

Lambert Varias — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:28:13 +0000

…not when they’re embedded with Swarovski crystals that form the shape of a cat. A pink cat.

You can pick up a pair of GrungeBuds Crystal Cat Pink at Atomic9′s online store for $40 (USD). You can also “choose your grunge” from other designs – designs which I am not making up – like a dragon, a monkey, and a panda. I don’t know what grunge means anymore.

[via Chip Chick]

Street Headphones: Loud in More Ways Than One

Lambert Varias — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:05:47 +0000

A byproduct of Brian Garret Schuur’s graduate thesis (pdf), the Street Headphones has a laser sintered (i.e. melted) polyamide outer shell. Made using rapid manufacturing, customers can personalize the shell by having something custom etched into it, like the names of your favorite musicians, as shown below.

Just don’t be a poser and have things on there that you don’t really know about. If I were to buy a pair I think I’d use song lyrics…

…but I can’t afford it: A pair of Street Headphones sells for a wallet-thumpin’ €833 (approx. $1, 140 USD) at Freedom of Creation.

[via MoCo Loco]

Leisure Eyes Sleep Mask With Speakers: Sleep on the Cheap

Lambert Varias — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:52:34 +0000

The Leisure Eyes from Brando are puffy sleep masks that have integrated speakers. It has it’s own on/off and volume buttons (plus one that says “sele”) which I think are big and distinct enough to be recognized by touch.

It also has a built-in “Nature Sound”, although the product page neglected to elaborate on that. Meh, chalk it up to the company’s trademark weirdness.

The Leisure Eyes sleep masks are powered by two AA batteries (I don’t know if they’re included; Brando lists “2 AA batteries” as “features”) and come in green, pink, and blue. You can order a pair at Brando for only $16 (USD). You’d be a fool to expect anything but sub-par audio from such a cheap gadget, but at least it’s portable. And fluffy. And cheap.

Zipbuds Earphone Zipper Cord Never Tangles

Lambert Varias — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 14:51:46 +0000

I cannot wait for the wireless future. I don’t even have a lot of wired gadgets, but everyday I’m confronted with messy bundles of wires and cables, and when I’m out I regularly wrestle with my earphone cords. Digital Group Audio may not have a wireless solution for tangled earphone cords, but the cords of their Zipbuds in-ear earphones zip up and magnetically lock together, which makes it practically impossible for them to be entangled.

Unfortunately this solution also brings about a problem of its own, one that I also hope will be a thing of the past: jammed zippers.

[via GadgetReview]