# Car-Detecting Headphones These New Smart Headphones Keep Users Aware of Oncoming Traffic By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2019-12-12 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-smart-headphones References: [newatlas](https://newatlas.com/good-thinking/smart-headphones-car-sound-detection/) & [datascience.columbia.edu](https://datascience.columbia.edu/dsi-researcher-designs-smart-headphones-warn-pedestrians-imminent-dangers) A set of new smart headphones have been developed by a team of scientists at the [Columbia University's Data Science Institute](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clinical-decision-support-platform) in a bid to help protect pedestrians from avoidable accidents. Created in partnership with colleagues from the [University of North Carolina](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proactive-hearing) and Barnard College in New York, the prototype headphones work by continually tracking the audio present in an environment. The accompanying app will utilize machine learning to differentiate between sounds, detect when a vehicle is closing in and sound an alarm to alert the user. The new smart headphones are reported to use very power to make them as applicable for mass production and use as possible. The headphones are presently being tested in the lab and on New York City streets. Image Credit: Columbia University ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% 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 ### What's Driving This Trend - **Smart Headphones for Pedestrian Safety:** Opportunity to develop smart headphones that use machine learning to detect oncoming vehicles and alert users to prevent accidents. - **Audio Tracking Technology:** Opportunity to advance audio tracking technology to differentiate between sounds and identify potential hazards. - **Integration of Machine Learning and Wearable Technology:** Opportunity to integrate machine learning algorithms into wearable technology to enhance safety features. ### Who This Affects Most - **Wearable Technology:** Wearable tech companies can explore developing smart headphones with innovative safety features. - **Automotive:** Automotive manufacturers can collaborate with headphone companies to integrate pedestrian safety features into future vehicle models. - **Artificial Intelligence:** AI technology companies can research and develop machine learning algorithms for audio detection in wearable devices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Neurodegenerative Disease-Detecting Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hightech-earbuds.md) - [Helmet-Friendly Open Ear Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/detachable-open-ear-headphones.md) - [Brain Tracking Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mw75-neuro-lt.md) - [Hearing Protection Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kidear-headset.md) - [Brainwave-Monitoring Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mw75-neuro.md) - [Pedestrian-Detecting Crosswalks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-pedestrian-crosswalk.md) - [Hybrid Open-Ear Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oleap-pilot.md) - [Hybrid Wearable Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neckphone-tri.md) - [AI Conversation Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proactive-hearing.md)