'Circulr Sound' launched a Kickstarter campaign for the 'Neckphone TRi.' This is a proprietary device that boasts a unique design that allows it to function as either an ear-worn headset or a neck-worn personal speaker. While in personal speaker mode, the device uses 'Open Directional Non-Invasive Sound' (ODNIS) technology to ensure the audio is isolated to the wearer. This technology involves the use of four specially engineered speakers that deliver targeted audio toward the wearer's ears.
In addition to its spatial sound isolation, the device also boasts 'Active Noise Canceling Plus 2' (ANC⁺²) technology. The ANC⁺² functionality allows the headset to dynamically adjust its noise-canceling algorithm based on the size of the earpad that the user prefers. This means the wearer does not need to worry if their audio is bleeding out of their headset or not.
The Neckphone TRi is also convenient due to its voice-controlled, AI-powered smart assistant and its ultra-long battery life.
Hybrid Wearable Headphones
The Neckphone TRi Doubles as a Headset and a Personal Speaker
Trend Themes
1. Hybrid Personal Audio Devices - There is an opportunity to create more personal audio devices like the Neckphone TRi with unique designs that offer multiple functions in one device, such as converting from an ear-worn headset to a neck-worn personal speaker.
2. Directional Sound Technology - More companies can adopt directional sound technology, like ODNIS, in their audio products to provide a more immersive and customized audio experience to the wearer while minimizing audio bleeding out.
3. Adaptive Noise Cancelling - Developing adaptive noise-canceling algorithms, like ANC⁺², can allow for more personalized and efficient noise-cancelling experiences for audio devices, regardless of the shape, size and preference of the user's earpads.
Industry Implications
1. Personal Audio Technology - The personal audio technology industry can experiment with creating more versatile audio devices that offer multiple functions to users, like turning from an ear-worn headset to a neck-worn personal speaker, with different sound technologies integrated.
2. Smart Device Industry - There is room for the smart device industry to create and integrate more voice-controlled, AI-powered smart assistants that can enhance the user experience for personal audio devices.
3. Workplace Productivity Tech - Exploring implementing long battery life in personal audio devices can improve productivity for remote workers who rely heavily on devices like these while on calls or for audio during long workdays.