# Augmented Audio Earbuds The 'Sound' Headphones Can Increase Sounds in the Wearer's Surroundings By M | Published 2016-05-24 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/audio-earbud References: [theverge](http://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2016/5/23/11747572/human-sound-wireless-earbuds-headphones) & [humaninc.info](http://humaninc.info/) The 'Sound' audio earbuds designed by start up [Human Inc](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Human-Archive). offer consumers a futuristic interpretation of headphones that are designed to offer an [augmented listening experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augmented-reality-headphones) beyond simply music. The earbuds can be used to increase sounds in the wearer's own surroundings as well as double up as wireless speakers for communal listening. The wearables offer a multiplicity of uses in one compact and sleek audio sound system. The 'Sound' earbuds are engineered to go beyond the functionality of a headset to be used for both personal and community listening. The devices are teardrop shaped and clip onto the ear for augmented listening of both the audio coming through the device or outside sounds. They can also be used to [translate languages for the wearer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oso-ai-earbud) and as loud speaker systems. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Augmented Audio Wearables:** Opportunity to develop new products that combine audio, sensory and AR capabilities for personalized and enhanced experiences beyond music. - **Multipurpose Earbuds:** Opportunity to design earbuds that can serve multiple functions such as translation, personal and communal listening, amplification of ambient sounds, and more. - **Teardrop Audio Devices:** Opportunity to create sleek and compact earbud designs that offer both form and function. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Wearable Technology:** Developing new earbud technologies that incorporate AR, sensory feedback, and other features to enhance experiences and offer new functionalities for consumers. - **Audio Equipment:** Innovating new audio devices that combine both personal and communal listening features, to appeal to different user scenarios and use cases. - **Language Translation Services:** Exploring opportunities to integrate language translation features into earbuds, offering personalized on-demand translation services when users need it. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Open-Style Air Conduction Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jbl-soundgear-sense.md) - [Industrial Open-Ear Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nothing-ear-open.md) - [Audio-Enhanced Wireless Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conversation-clear-plus.md) - [Hybrid Wearable Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neckphone-tri.md) - [Fashion-Forward Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/openear-earbud-concept.md) - [Contoured Ear-Hugging Headphone Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earbugs.md) - [Airy Bass-Boosted Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soundpeats-pearlclip-pro.md) - [Social-Centric Wireless Earbud Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-earbud.md) - [Lifestyle Open-Ear Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jbl-openear.md)