Pud makes headphones that let users carry the CD player, remote control, and even a jewel case on top of their head. A functional device, the different audio components are mounted on a shelf-like frame, and each of them works independently but connects to the same audio output system. The CD player sits in the front section of the device, where users can insert compact discs just above their forehead and control playback using a remote control on the left side of the headphones. As usual, the remote has buttons for play, pause, skip, and volume functions.

all images courtesy of Pud

self-powered battery pack embedded onto the frame

Behind the headphones by maker Pud lies a self-powered battery pack that keeps the CD player going for some time. In this way, users don’t need to have the device plugged in, and they can just walk around with their wireless headphones as they vibe with their music. The frame looks like it uses metal with mounting points for each audio component. Green-colored accents mark connection points and adjustment mechanisms throughout the device.

The frame also distributes weight across the user’s head so it’s not weighing down on them when they wear it for a long time. The speakers inside the headphones that Pud assembled mount directly to the frame structure, so users hear sound directly from them as soon as they slide the disc into the CD player just above their forehead.

Pud makes headphones that let users carry the CD player, remote control, and even a jewel case on top of their head

CD player from car mounted onto wireless headphones

In a Reddit comment, Pud says that the weight of the headphones with CD player, remote control, and jewel case box can be around two kilos, excluding the discs on the spindle. The player the creator embeds into the frame comes from the one typically used in cars. The battery life can depend on how actively the wearer is using the device, but it can last for several hours given the self-powering and rechargeable battery pack embedded onto the frame. Pud, known for his headphone works, created the system as a personal project that can bring all essential audio equipment with the user anywhere they go and without needing to bring cases and bags with them.

the CD player sits in the front section of the device, where users can insert compact discs just above their forehead

there are embedded speakers into the headphones

detailed view of the side

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Pud Makes Headphones (@pudphones)

Pud explaining his project

project info:

name: Headphones with integrated CD player, remote control, battery, disc storage, and jewel box compartment

design: Pud | @pudphones

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CASETiFY releases the Girl with a Pearl Earring collectible headphone cover that lets the wearers look like the painting by Johannes Vermeer. Inspired by the Mauritshuis museum collection in The Hague, Netherlands, the piece forms part of the brand’s series on the Dutch Golden Age paintings, alongside the Pearl Earring phone charm and Vase of Flowers device cases. The headphone cover attempts to faithfully follow the headscarf from Johannes Vermeer’s painting, from the shade of the blue and yellow headscarf to the pearl earring the girl is wearing.

all images courtesy of CASETiFY, unless stated otherwise

pendant similar to the pearl in johannes vermeer’s painting

In CASETiFY’s Girl with a Pearl Earring headphone cover, the accessory replicates the folded shape and drape of the blue part of the headscarf in the painting. It wraps around the headphone’s earcup so that, when worn, it gives the same visual profile as in the artwork. Attached to the bottom is a pendant in the form of a pearl, meant to mimic the famous pearl earring from Johannes Vermeer’s painting. The pearl is spherical to oval in shape and is suspended by a small piece of metal or wire. This attachment hangs down at the same point where the girl in the painting would have worn her earring, so when the user wears the headphones, the effect is similar to the pose in the artwork.

The headphone cover of the Girl with a Pearl Earring likely uses silk-like textile for the main cover. Sewing techniques are adopted for the folds, helping shape the fabric to hold its form similar to the one in the painting. The pearl is likely made from plastic, resin, or a coated bead to imitate the look of a real pearl without the weight or fragility. The accessory serves as a protective layer for the earcup, protecting the device against dust, scratches, or wear to the headphone’s surface. So far, CASETiFY’s Girl with a Pearl Earring headphone cover has run out of stock.

side profile of the accessory with the pendant below

Girl with a Pearl Earring, 1664–67, oil on canvas. Mauritshuis, The Hague. Bequest of Arnoldus Andries des Tombe, The Hague | images courtesy of Rijksmuseum; read more here

the accessory attempts to faithfully follow the headscarf from Johannes Vermeer’s painting

the piece forms part of the brand’s series on the Dutch Golden Age paintings

project info:

name: Girl with a Pearl Earring collectible headphone cover

artist: Johannes Vermeer

brand: CASETiFY | @casetify

museum: Mauritshuis Museum | @mauritshuis_museum

The post casetify’s headphone cover turns users into the girl with a pearl earring by johannes vermeer appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

modern sound gadgets put a design twist on audiophile classics

Some modern sound gadgets reimagine audiophile classics, from speakers and earphones to cassette and vinyl record players and musical instruments. They’re portable, wireless, and rechargeable, which are some of the design and tech features that can appeal to the present and classic collectors and listeners. Modern elements come through, like a series of medieval sounds and folleys installed in an electronic instrument, sampler, and composer.

Cassette players are redesigned so they can have rechargeable batteries instead of the swappable ones. In this way, users don’t need to keep changing them for power. There’s a turntable with a minimal design and a blasted glass platter, slightly frosted to mimic the vinyl disc’s look. Some Bluetooth-ready speakers are equipped with solar-cell technology, so that users can rely on sunlight to recharge them. Earbuds these days have advanced technologies too, which include an active noise cancellation feature to dilute the exterior noises.

Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval | image courtesy of Teenage Engineering

turntable with blasted glass platter and medieval sampler

Sound gadgets used for listening to tracks and records come with features that are not present before. Take Teenage Engineering’s electronic instrument, sampler, and composer as an example. Named EP-1320, the portable music maker produces medieval sounds, including the hurdy-gurdy, citole, bowed harp, and gittern, as well as battle toms, coconut horse hooves, farm animals, witches, rowdy peasants, an actual dragon, and more. The instrument can fit in a bag, the same advantage as the modern FiiO CP13. Users can always bring their tape player wherever they go, but with this cassette player, they don’t need swappable batteries to keep it running.

It comes with a built-in rechargeable battery, so fans of audiophile classics can just plug the port when their playing time runs out. The design also retains the tactile play, pause, stop, fast-forward, and rewind buttons, which revives the style of the audiophile classics. In terms of turntables, they’re more streamlined and can be minimal, like the Pro-Ject T1. For this vinyl record player, there’s a zero-resonance, blasted-glass platter in place on an anti-resonant sub-platter design. Its single-piece tonearm is forged from aluminum, and the sound gadget has vibration-absorbing feet to minimize jumps, as well as a dust cover with adjustable hinges for protection.

EP-1320 can produce sounds like hurdy-gurdy, citole, and gittern | image courtesy of Teenage Engineering

Solar-powered speaker and capsule-shaped earbuds

For modern speaker designs, these sound gadgets no longer have the massive horns or a utilitarian look of the audiophile classics. They’re self-charging now, like Urbanista’s Malibu Bluetooth speaker. This device is portable, and the user can hold it in their hand. It also has a rechargeable battery like the FiiO CP13 cassette player, but a feature the brand prides itself on is the use of solar cell technology. Because of this, the self-charging wireless speaker may never run out of battery, potentially ever, given that it can harness solar power from the surface of the device.

Even the earphones transform over time, and some of them, like Nothing’s CMF Buds, double as fashion statements. In fact, these dust- and waterproof wireless earbuds have a capsule-shaped exterior, so when users put them on, they look like accessories rather than sound gadgets. Fans of audiophile classics may appreciate the active noise cancellation of the listening devices, which can allow them to drown out the exterior sounds, unlike older earphone designs. It’s clear that sound gadgets will keep evolving, and it’s safe to say there are designers who still and will keep the retro features and style for collectors and fans of audiophile classics.

FiiO CP13 Cassette Player | image courtesy of FiiO

the cassette player also retains the tactile buttons to play, pause, stop, fast-forward, and rewind

Pro-Ject T1 Hi-Fi Turntable | image courtesy of Pro-Ject Audio Systems

for the turntable, there’s a blasted-glass platter in place on an anti-resonant sub-platter design

Urbanista Malibu Solar Bluetooth Speaker | image courtesy of Urbanista

the self-charging wireless speaker may never run out of battery, potentially ever

CMF by Nothing Buds | image courtesy of Nothing

these dust- and waterproof wireless earbuds have a capsule-shaped exterior

project info:

name: Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval; FiiO CP13 Cassette Player; Pro-Ject T1 Hi-Fi Turntable; Urbanista Malibu Solar Bluetooth Speaker; CMF by Nothing Buds

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The post from medieval sampler to solar-power speaker, sound gadgets reimagine audiophile classics appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Natura Umana introduces AI HumanPods, a pair of earbuds that help users with their needs. When they tap the touch-sensitive exterior of the device, the AI HumanPods analyze the request. Depending on the help needed, they act as either a therapist, assistant, gardener, language and fitness coach, travel guide, legal advisor, or more. Natura Umana selects an open-ear design for the earbuds. There’s a dedicated app that they need to download so the AI HumanPods can process requests. After that, users connect them to their smartphones via Bluetooth. Once connected, the users can start asking their AI HumanPods what they need.

In a preview clip, people can share their problems out in the open, and the earbuds listen through the microphone. The human-like voice of the digital agent then replies with potential solutions or just offers their listening ears. The development team, who unveils the earbuds at CES 2025, hopes to minimize screen time by making the interaction between the user and AI conversational. People use their phones when they need to take pictures and help the AI agent understand what they need help with, such as how to stop their plants from withering or turning yellow (the earbuds need to see them first before offering advice). Visitors to CES 2025 in Las Vegas, which runs between January 7th and 11th, can have the chance to test out the earbuds before they hit the market in 2025.

all images courtesy of Natura Umana

Open-ear design for the earbuds means less pressure

When it comes to the design features, the AI HumanPods are open-ear, meaning they don’t go into the ear canal. This allows users to comfortably listen and talk to the earbuds. Since they sit outside the ear canal, there’s also less to zero pressure and strain and more airflow. A ‘hook’ rises from the side of the earbuds, and it helps balance the weight of the device outside the ear canal. Natura Umana says that during testing, users often forget that they’re wearing the AI HumanPods because this hook ‘lifts’ the weight of the device. The startup lab is set to produce five different sizes of this hook for the AI HumanPods so the device fits any ears. The team assures that users can put them on even while they’re exercising since they won’t fall out. 

The earbuds are rechargeable with a 15-minute quick charge. After that, users can wear them for up to nine hours with all-day use on a single charge. There’s a charging case included, and it can provide additional power for up to 24 hours. Natura Umana’s AI Humanpods work in gestures: tap the exterior of the earbuds to play and pause, slide to adjust volume, and long press for the voice assistant. Because of their ENC technology and dual-mic algorithms, the device can cancel up to 90 percent of external noises for clear listening. The earbuds also automatically adjust their own bass levels when they detect lower volumes so that the output is still deep and clear.

users tap the touch-sensitive exterior of the device, and the AI HumanPods analyze the request

AI Agents have their own personality, voice and expertise

Natura Umana, a hardware and software AI lab, develops their own operating system for HumanPods. Called NatureOS, it’s the app that brings in the AI People or agents as well as other official language models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and more. The team devises NatureOS to allow users to send text, images, documents, and voice notes to official language models, Nature and other AI People. Speaking of the digital agents, Natura Umana designs them to emulate human behavior and conversational nuances, so they don’t sound monotonous.

Each AI Person has their own personality, voice, expertise, and purpose, so users feel as if they were just having a phone call with a real-life person. The main agent, however, is called Nature. Once they hear the user’s question, they assess the inquiry and redirect the request to the proper AI Person: a therapist, a fitness coach, a travel guide, and more. After CES 2025, Natura Human expects to roll out AI HumanPods and NatureOS in the first quarter of 2025.

the earbuds act as either a therapist, assistant, language and fitness coach, legal advisor, or more

users can wear them for up to nine hours with all-day use on a single charge

there’s a charging case included, and it can provide additional power for up to 24 hours

the startup lab is set to produce five different sizes of the ‘hook’ so the device fits any ears

Natura Umana develops their own operating system for HumanPods

the AI HumanPods are open-ear, meaning they don’t go into the ear canal

since they sit outside the ear canal, there’s also less to zero pressure and strain and more airflow

the earbuds are set to become available in the first quarter of 2025

project info:

name: AI HumanPods

design: Natura Umana 

event: CES 2025 | @ces

The post meet humanpods, natura umana’s AI earbuds that assist users as a therapist, coach and more appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Our top 10 personal technologies of 2024 include a variety of gadgets for individual needs, including the powered exoskeleton pants MO/GO by Arc’teryx and Skip Innovations. At times, they come in the form of accessories, such as the AI glasses of Ray-Ban and Meta, which, after having received a multimodal update, can report history and explain the backstories of famous landmarks and objects. Phones are big this year too, with the release of the world’s first triple-screen smartphone from Huawei, named Mate XT.

Musical instruments are also considered personal gadgets and technologies. They’re now advanced like The Orchid, the retro-inspired synthesizer by Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, which can produce sounds ranging from jazz to sci-fi music. Teenage Engineering brings back the old era because their electronic sample and composer in one plays medieval music. In our list of the top 10 personal technologies, we explore the designs that have made their mark in 2024, including Dyson’s Ontrac headphones and Marko Lazic’s 3D printed phone with an e-ink display.

TAME IMPALA’S KEVIN PARKER RELEASES THE ORCHID

image courtesy of Telepathic Instruments

Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker and Telepathic Instruments have unveiled The Orchid, a retro-inspired synthesizer with a compact design featuring tiny round buttons, a mini keyboard, wheel knobs, and a vintage-radio aesthetic. It produces sounds ranging from jazz and guitar chords to retro-futuristic tones, reminiscent of sci-fi soundtracks.

The Orchid includes 12 velocity-sensitive keys, allowing its small keyboard to mimic the sounds of an 88-key piano by spreading chord notes for a realistic effect. The velocity keys let musicians adjust volume dynamically, changing sound intensity based on how softly or firmly the keys are pressed. Additionally, the synthesizer features a “chord logic system,” enabling users to mix and match countless chord combinations. 

read more here

TEENAGE ENGINEERING’S INSTRUMENT PLAYS MEDIEVAL MUSIC

image courtesy of Teenage Engineering

Teenage Engineering revives the Middle Ages with the EP-1320, their latest release described as the world’s first electronic sampler, composer, and instrument exclusively for medieval music. It comes with a library of ready-to-play instruments, one-shot samples, and medieval phrases. Dubbed the instrumentalis electronicum, Teenage Engineering calls it the ultimate medieval beat machine. DJs and producers can jam directly on the instrument’s pads or connect an external MIDI keyboard to add their unique twist.

Packed with hundreds of medieval sounds, the EP-1320 also includes a line input and built-in microphone for quick, custom sampling. Users can tap the pads to play classic instruments like the hurdy-gurdy, citole, or bowed harp, or mix them with tambourines, chain rattles, and battle toms. If they’re feeling bold, they can throw in clappers, bells, and even coconut horse hooves for an authentic Gothic vibe.The instrument also features foley effects, including swords clashing, farm animals, arrows, and the roar of a dragon.

read more here

APPLE LAUNCHES VISION PRO VR HEADSET

image courtesy of Apple

The Apple Vision Pro launches, and this gadget in our top 10 personal technologies of 2024 aims to blend digital content with the physical world through spatial features. Apple claimed the Vision Pro includes over 600 new spatial experiences that users can control with their eyes, hands, and voice. These experiences let users transform any room into a personal theater for sports, TV, and movies, as well as collaborate and create digital content together. 

Many users appreciate the high-resolution display, praising its contrast, colors, and dynamic range, which they compare to a high-end TV. This makes the VR headset’s entertainment display feel like an upgraded home theater. Some users also enjoyed the immersive gameplay, especially with 3D-capable content, and found that it could function as a combined work, game, and entertainment space. However, there have been mixed reviews, with some users noting a pixel smear that affects the sharpness of the visuals.

read more here

RAY-BAN META AI GLASSES CAN REPORT HISTORY

image courtesy of Ray-Ban and Meta

Meta and Ray-Ban’s AI glasses have received a multimodal update, so they can share landmark histories, object backstories, and scientific explanations. Mark Zuckerberg has demonstrated the new features on Instagram through clips of his Montana weekend trip. While recording his walk, the Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses were asked to explain the Roosevelt Arch’s history, how snow forms in simple terms, and whether horses feel cold in snowy weather.

The AI glasses answered in a semi-monotonous voice. For the snow explanation, the glasses amusingly started with a caveman-like grunt before transitioning into the science behind it. In beta testing, as seen in Zuckerberg’s post, the glasses identified landmarks such as Big Sky Mountain and expanded on their significance with detailed information.

read more here

POWERED EXOSKELETON PANTS MO/GO BY SKIP AND ARC’TERYX

image courtesy of Skip Innovations

Arc’teryx and Skip Innovations have joined forces to create MO/GO, powered exoskeleton pants designed to make hiking easier. Arc’teryx provides the apparel, while the exoskeleton technology, made from carbon fiber, is developed by the California-based startup. When worn, the exoskeleton on the sides of the pants lights up, boosting leg strength by up to 40 percent to help hikers move with ease.

The MO/GO pants can make wearers feel 30 pounds lighter when trekking uphill, while also supporting their knees on descents to reduce strain and prevent slips. The technology, which is part of our top 10 personal technologies and gadgets of 2024, targets quadriceps and hamstrings, minimizing muscle fatigue and joint discomfort. A wheel built into the pants conceals the motors, spinning in response to the hiker’s movements and triggering the needed boost.

read more here

SAMSUNG GALAXY RING IN OUR TOP 10 GADGETS OF 2024

image courtesy of Samsung

At the 2024 Mobile World Conference (MWC) in Barcelona, Samsung unveils the Galaxy Ring. This smart ring uses advanced sensors to collect data about the wearer’s health, providing detailed insights. Powered by artificial intelligence, the ring acts as a personal wellness assistant, offering recommendations to help improve health and wellness. Samsung’s goal is to bring its innovations into a small, comfortable device that can be worn 24/7.

The Galaxy Ring, which is included in our top 10 personal technologies and gadgets of 2024, combines technologies from Samsung’s Galaxy products to track health all day long. It gives users insights into their wellness, helping them understand their health better. The company believes that every wellness journey begins with understanding health in depth and over time. Designed for 24/7 use, the ring also focuses on monitoring sleep quality.

read more here

HUAWEI REVEALS FIRST TRI-FOLD SMARTPHONE, MATE XT

image courtesy of Huawei

Huawei launches the Mate XT Ultimate Design, which is the world’s first tri-fold AI smartphone with three large glass screens. The phone features a slim rod structure between the hinges, helping keep the device compact. Thanks to this design, even though the phone has three screens, it feels like just one when folded. The launch also introduces Huawei’s Tiangong hinge system, allowing the phone to easily fold both its internal and external parts. 

When unfolded, the display measures 10.2 inches and doesn’t show any creases or the rod between the screens. Currently, the phone is available in two colors: red and dark black, both with leather covers. The edges of the phone are lined with black gold strips that shine both day and night. Huawei assures users that the Mate XT Ultimate Design is made with steel used in rockets, so it can handle frequent folding without deforming. 

read more here

 ‘OFFONE’, A 3D PRINTED PHONE WITH E-INK DISPLAY

image courtesy of Marko Lazic

Marko Lazic introduces the Offone, a 3D printed phone with an e-ink display designed to run only essential apps like calls, texts, messaging platforms, and taxi services. The phone’s compact size and slim body fit comfortably in the palm of the hand. This concept phone in our top 10 personal technologies and gadgets of 2024 also has an e-ink display, which gives it the appearance of paper.

This choice eliminates screen glare and blue light, which can cause eye strain. Marko Lazic also mentions that optional lighting might be available, so users can read messages and check calls in the dark or at night. The design of the Offone is simple and straightforward, using universal icons instead of text or captions to represent apps. Lazic hopes this will eliminate language barriers, allowing users to navigate the phone using intuitive symbols.

read more here

MORRAMA’S AI TECHNOLOGIES HELP CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH

image courtesy of Morrama

Morrama develops a set of concept Mindful AI tools to support children’s mental health. The team, known for creating mixed-reality glasses that display games, is now using machine-learning data analysis to power these smart tools. Their goal is to help children with emotional and mental well-being. The lineup includes four concept products, all starting with the letter “C”: Calm, Comfort, Create, and Connect. 

Connect is an AI sunflower designed to encourage communication. Create is a ‘MidJourney’ printer, a tube-like, green device that generates line drawings for children to color. It responds to spoken prompts, allowing kids to ask for a specific image, which it then prints, just like how MidJourney creates AI-generated images. Calm uses motion and heart rate sensors, along with a sweat monitor, to track the child’s mental and physical health. Then Comfort, which is a small projector with a built-in speaker that responds to the children’s requests with images and sounds.

read more here

DYSON’S ONTRAC HEADPHONES WITH CHANGEABLE EAR CUPS

image courtesy of Dyson

Dyson launches their OnTrac headphones, with over 2,000 customizable ear cups and cushions. These include options in aluminum, copper, and nickel, crafted with ultra-soft microfiber and foam for acoustic sealing. Designed by Jake Dyson and the Dyson Colours, Finishes, and Materials (CMF) team, the headphones, which have made it to our list of top 10 personal technologies and gadgets of 2024, come in four base colorways.

One standout is the Ceramic Cinnabar, featuring a ceramic-effect painted finish. Users can mix and match finishes across four headphone parts, creating combinations like a nickel cup paired with a copper one, or contrasting in-ear cushions in bold colors like lemon yellow and sunset orange.The OnTrac headphones boast Dyson’s active noise cancellation (ANC) system, which uses eight microphones to monitor surrounding sounds 384,000 times per second. 

read more here

see designboom’s TOP 10 stories archive:

2023 — 2022 — 2021 —

2020 — 2019 —  2018 — 2017 — 2016 — 2015 — 2014 — 2013

The post TOP 10 personal tech and gadgets of 2024 appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

During DESIGNART Tokyo 2024, Libratone brings UP, its open ear sports headphones that have ample-sized speakers on top instead of on the side. There are no buds to push into the canal as the sports headphones’ speakers lie just outside the ears. Users may also use them as an accessory for their fashion style since the pastel colors, which range from purple and yellow to green, can add to the playful clothing flair of the wearers. The 15mm-large speakers come with UPPER BASS technology that the brand has developed.

It allows for a low-distortion sound even at high volumes, so the users can still blast the sound levels without causing ear irritation. Libratone also employs the use of AI to improve the speech technology of their open ear sports headphones. In this way, users who jog, run, or simply speed away while needing to talk to someone hands-free can still clearly speak and hear what the caller is telling them. They can also connect the headphones to up to five devices. The device is dust and splashproof, and it can last for up to eight hours of continuous playing. It weighs 23.5 grams, making it lightweight, and fits around heads like a snug headband.

the recyclable packaging is seemingly oblong-shaped and paper-like | all images courtesy of Libratone

UP headphones and other devices at cafe-style community space

The open ear style of the sports headphones UP may as well deserve an open-air presentation. In fact, that’s how it is during DESIGNART Tokyo 2024, when Libratone joins dotcom space Tokyo in a shared space to present their headphones. Out in the open, the cafe style community hub of dotcom space is positioned in a garden-like setting where the open ear device is in attendance together with the products of XEO and DYNAUDIO. In this shared space, Libratone also hangs the oblong-shaped and paper-like, recyclable packaging of UP on a wooden frame.

Roaming around, visitors then see XEO POD, a seat equipped with an immersive sound system and 20 high-quality speakers designed for various uses, including gaming and movie streaming. They also fin DYNAUDIO’s The Bookshelf speaker in collaboration with Keiji Ashizawa Design and Karimoku, as well as Ishinomaki Laboratory’s furniture. The latter is presented in two forms. The ‘Maker Pack’ displays flat-pack furniture, while the other, The Originals, demonstrates traditional handcraftsmanship and solid wood from the factory. Visitors to DESIGNART Tokyo 2024 have time to see all of these in dotcom space Tokyo’s cafe hub until October 27th, 2024.

Libratone also employs the use of AI to improve the speech technology

Libratone puts the 15mm-large speakers on top of their open ear sports headphones

there are no buds to push into the canal as the sports headphones’ speakers lie just outside the ears

the colors range from purple and yellow to green

Libratone’s UP at DESIGNART Tokyo 2024, in dotcom space Tokyo’s cafe style community hub

Libratone’s open ear sports headphones are available for 129 EUR

project info:

name: UP

brand: Libratone | @libratone

event: DESIGNART Tokyo 2024 | @designart_tokyo

The post libratone puts speakers on top of sports headphones UP for wireless, open ear listening appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Dyson has officially entered the world of audio with the release of its Dyson OnTrac headphones. Remember their noise-canceling headphones and pollution mask back in 2022? The recent model may be a renaissance of that minus the mask and plus over 2,000 changeable ear cups and cushions, including aluminum, copper, and nickel. These covers are made of super-soft microfiber and quality foam to seal the acoustics of the sounds well.

There are four colorways as the base of the headphones, designed by Jake Dyson and the Dyson Colours, Finishes, and Materials (CMF) team. One of them is the Ceramic Cinnabar, which has a ceramic-effect painted finish. Dyson’s OnTrac headphones are ultra customizable too, since users can mix and match four parts of the gear in different finishes and colors. One cup can be made of nickel, the other in copper, while the left in-ear cushion can be in lemon yellow and the right one in sunset-hued orange.

all images courtesy of Dyson

Eight microphones to block unwanted background noise

Dyson designs its OnTrac headphones to block out unwanted noise for a better listening experience. They developed a system called active noise cancellation (ANC) that uses eight microphones to listen to the sounds around the user 384,000 times per second. This system can block out up to 40 decibels of noise.

The technology company adds 40mm speakers into the headphones, which can handle a wide range of sounds. These speakers are designed to reproduce sound very accurately, from deep bass to clear high notes, depending on the music being played. The headphones also have tilted speakers, at around 13 degrees, leaning towards the ears of the users to make the sound clearer and more direct.

there are four base colorways as the base of the headphones

The dyson ontrac headphones can last up to 55 hours

Those who don’t usually check the batteries of their rechargeable headphones may sigh in relief when they find out that the Dyson OnTrac headphones can last up to 55 hours on a single charge. They can use the headphones for up to two weeks without recharging them, even with noise cancellation turned on. The headphones have two batteries placed in the headband to balance the weight evenly on both ears.

Users can switch the noise cancellation feature on or off by quickly tapping either ear cup twice. They can also connect to the MyDyson app, so they can monitor the sound detection, internal and external volume, and harmful noise levels in real-time. The app also allows them to choose from three custom EQ modes, namely Bass, Boost, Neutral, and Enhanced. Because the headphones have sensor technology, they can tell when the users take them off, and they’ll automatically pause the music. When they put them back on, the music starts playing again.

users can mix and match four parts of the gear in different finishes and colors

There’s also an intuitive joystick available. It lets the users control their music with a small physical remote control on the headphones. Here, they can play, pause, skip, fast forward, or rewind the music, and even hold it down for voice commands. Since the Dyson OnTrac headphones have two microphones, they can pick up on the user’s voice clearly and block out background noise when they talk to someone over the phone.

The headphones also monitor the volume inside and outside and warn the user if the sound levels might harm their hearing. If they don’t want to use the intuitive joystick, the users can just stay on the MyDyson app to control their headphones as well as update their software automatically. As of publishing the story, Dyson has launched OnTrac headphones on its site and in direct stores at the price of 499 EUR.

Dyson Ontrac heaphones use eight microphones to listen to the external sounds 384,000 times per second

the 40mm speakers can reproduce sound, from deep bass to clear high notes

Dyson OnTrac headphones also have tilted speakers leaning towards the ears

Dyson OnTrac headphones are available at 499 EUR

project info:

name: OnTrac Headphones

company: Dyson | @Dyson

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During his conversation with designboom, Bob Verlaat, the ½ of Hears Earplugs, says we might not be aware of why we should wear earplugs. He tells us that people know they need to wear sunglasses when the sun is out because directly staring at it or being exposed to it can harm their eyesight. ‘But we’re completely ignoring that we’re hurting our ears,’ he shares with designboom in the interview. He’s talking about when people attend large-scale and grand concerts, raves, and parties. The music blasts from the speakers, and they’re often loud.

The ears may get used to the volume, but staying the night with that sound level may damage hearing and cause temporary tinnitus. Here’s where Bob Verlaat and his team step in. They picture people wearing earplugs at music events and still clearly hearing the acoustics and songs, feeling the bass vibrations, and talking with other people. They imagine stylish and lightweight ones, the kind that double as accessories. Their vision is no longer on the board. It’s now the Hears Earplugs, planted with acoustic and sound filters that still allow users to listen to clear music.

all images courtesy of Hears Earplugs

Bob Verlaat on the heart-shaped design of the earplugs

Bob Verlaat dissected the design of Hears Earplugs during our interview, and he started with the look of the hearing protection. When they’re united, the earplugs form the shape of a heart. Break them apart, and users can see half hearts, each of them placed into their ear. The co-founder says it symbolizes healthy hearing. It’s also a fun design he and the design team pored over before they decided they wanted the heart shape to be the brand’s iconography, too.

Halfway through our interview, Bob Verlaat stood up from his seat, grabbed a piece of the product, showed it to the camera, and bent the tails of the half-heart. They’re flexible, and it’s intentional because no one wants a pair of uncomfortable earplugs while at concerts and raves. The style came next. Some earplugs might not look appealing, and Hears gets it (just think of the ones handed out during flights). They want theirs to complement the wearer’s aesthetics. In search of doing so, they’ve produced two versions: one with a smooth finish, and another with an etched rippling design at the rear of the earplugs, replicating sound waves.

each earplug forms half a heart

Hears earplugs for concerts and raves

These soundwave carvings called ‘Coin’ can make Hears Earplugs part of the user’s fashion statement, a pair of accessories embedded into their ears while they party at concerts and raves. While these ripples may serve aesthetic purposes, the acoustic and sound filters are the technologies that bring the earplugs to life. Bob Verlaat’s technology team tells designboom that Hears Earplugs use a membrane that acts as a second set of eardrums for the users.

It reduces sound vibrations while maintaining the quality of the voice and tracks. There’s a microperforation in the filter too, which equalizes the sound pressure so that the original caliber of music remains the same. The Hears Earplugs team has thought of those who might lose a piece while they’re at concerts and parties. It’s probably because the fit is loose, or they might not have the right size. So, they’re offering four different tip sizes. In this way, users can find the fit they feel most comfortable with.

Hears Earplugs offer a selection of six color variations

Skin-friendly materials make up the ergonomic design of the Hears Earplugs, so they push into and pull out from the ears easily. On top of all these, Bob Verlaat says that a portion of the proceeds is donated to the Hearing Health Foundation (HHF) to support research on hearing loss prevention and treatment. For designboom, Bob Verlaat unpacks the story behind Hears Earplugs, as seen in our conversation below.

Our interview reveals why he co-founded the company, the design elements that didn’t make it to the final product, how it felt for him and the team to collaborate with musicians and DJs in the creation of the earplugs, and features that may soon appear in the upcoming Hears Earplugs.

Bob Verlaat says that Hears Earplugs incorporate a ‘Coin’ design element

Interview with Bob Verlaat of HEARS Earplugs

designboom (DB): Hi Bob, it’s great to have you here with us to talk about Hears Earplugs. We’re quite curious if you have had any personal experience with hearing loss or discomfort, and maybe that’s one of the reasons why you started making Hears Earplugs?

Bob Verlaat (BV): Well, the experience doesn’t come from having hearing problems ourselves. It comes from wanting quality hearing protection and knowing the risks of not having it. We have many people in our direct network who suffer from hearing loss, but the brand actually came from the lack of protection we wanted to wear and not aesthetically pleasing or of quality.

The earplugs we tried, and we tried many, weren’t satisfactory. We knew how important it was to wear protection, but there weren’t any earplugs we liked that didn’t muffle the sound or music at concerts, raves, and other events. So, we needed to create something that kept the music quality, didn’t compromise on sound quality, and still looked good. That’s where the origin lies, not from having hearing problems ourselves or suffering from hearing loss.

DB: How about the heart-shaped design because that was such a unique feature? Why did you pick that shape from all the other forms you could have chosen?

BV: For some reason, from the start, we wanted to do something with the heart shape because it resembles community, especially in the dance music scene. Whether you talk about hardcore, techno, or pop, there’s always this symbol that unites any type of free spirit or freedom within those festivals, which is the heart shape. So that’s what we incorporated in the design as well as the brand itself.

the ‘Coin’ design of Hears Earplugs for concerts and raves mirrors soundwaves

DB: Is there a technical reason behind this shape? Something that can help Hears Earplugs?

BV: No, not a technical reason for the heart shape. Although it’s a half-heart shape, if you unite the two earplugs, they form a heart. We did the design first because we wanted comfort to come first, and then we shaped it in a way that together forms our logo. It happened to be the perfect edge to wear comfortably and also keep it in place because that’s the most important thing. It’s also a problem we encountered with other earplugs: they didn’t fit well or fell out, and that’s the problem we solved. So design-wise, it all came together from an aesthetic view, a functional point of view, as well as the brand view, which resembles the heart again.

DB: Were there any other design considerations that you thought of at the beginning but didn’t make it to the final Hears Earplugs?

BV: There were many. This has been a process of the filter itself. It’s been a process of five years, and this design itself took two years to actually have the ergonomics and shapes that it should have, but we tried many different designs. We’ve prototyped maybe over 10 completely different designs to make earplugs that all contributed to the problem we were solving, but none of them were as good as our current design.

We over-prototyped and kept evolving as well, because what you see right now on the website and what you saw at Sonar is not at all what it looked like on the first try. The current earplug design has been developed for the last two and a half years. The focus of the five-year attention span was the development of the filter itself. It was the process of creating a filter, and our partners were more involved in that part. It’s been a long process and a complicated product to make, but we’re very happy.

four different tip sizes of Hears Earplugs for concerts and raves to ensure a secure fit for all ears

DB: It’s great to know that you’re happy with the results.

BV: Yes, especially seeing the responses from people and finally bringing it to market and hearing the customer reviews, how people love the earplugs when they’ve worn them at parties and raves, and that they’re better than any other they tried. That’s what you do it for in the end.

DB: Have you had any striking or memorable stories from someone who has tried the Hears Earplugs?

BV: We’re a two-month-old company, so I doubt we have many stories yet, but it’s very good to hear people trying other similar products and telling us how much better ours is. We see people swapping their old earplugs for ours. The responses we’re getting are great, even for a company this small and young. Definitely.

DB: Can we talk about the sound filters and experience? How do they work?

BV: We use a flat memory filter that’s been repeatedly tested to create the attenuation levels to keep music as it should, to keep the most natural sound effect technically possible. We chose an attenuation level on the damping of the sound of 20 decibels, which is enough for the earplugs to protect you from hearing loss as well as keep the voices that you hear, the conversations that you have at concerts, raves, or festivals, as clear and natural as possible. That’s the non-technical explanation for what the filter does. We do this well in terms of the quality of the sound you get from those filters, compared to any other type of earplugs, and these are some of our bigger selling points.

the ergonomic design allows for easy insertion and removal

DB What was the biggest challenge in making sure that the sound would still be crisp and clear?

BV: There are a million small adaptations you can make to change the earplugs’ damping and change the way you perceive music or the voices. But what we did was take many of them and partner with artists and world-renowned DJs to understand what was important to them in terms of the specific sound details during their sets at concerts, raves, parties, and other events. So, we also adapted Hears Earplugs based on that.

We also took into account that even the smallest details need to be hearable and noticeable to them. Maybe you and I would not notice these sound details, but the DJs and musicians have been a crucial part of the development of the earplugs to make sure those details are heard as well. So, they’ve been part of the process since the very beginning. We’ve taken their desires and wishes into account to build the Hears Earplugs as well.

DB: Can you talk about this ‘add-on track’ feature that may be in Hears Earplugs?

BV: Very early in our launch, we introduced the add-on track as well. Essentially, we chose to discontinue it because we weren’t satisfied with the quality that came out of the actual attenuation levels that we reached. There might be another point in time where we reintroduce this, but for now, it didn’t reach the innovation levels or the quality that we wanted the earplug to have. We’ll obviously find a way to make it happen because it’s been our mission to create a very high-quality earplug.

there’s an included case for every purchase of Hears Earplugs for concerts, raves and other music events

DB: Some of the Hears earplugs have these ripple designs on the back. What’s the story behind them?

BV: To be honest, it’s an aesthetic thing to have two different versions of our earplugs. For the coin or ripple design, we took some inspiration from the old music stereos, which were at the height of the DJ scene in the past. We wanted to incorporate that as part of the design, and then we figured that some people might like it, some people might not. That’s why we first started with just five different versions. 

Within those five different versions, there are two different colors for the ones with coin designs at the back. We chose materials that are skin-friendly, and actually, the heart-shaped wires behind the earplugs are bendable. The base of the earplugs and the coin are made from ABS, while the track is made from skin friendly TPE material. So it’s comfortable and secure while still being sturdy and not falling out.

the sound filter reduces harmful noise levels while preserving the quality of music

DB: We know that you might pick up the add-on track again. Are there other features that you may want to add to Hears Earplugs?

BV: We want to expand into more markets right now. We’ve built earplugs that’s perfectly suited for the music industry, both in terms of filter and design, be it at parties, concerts, raves, and the like. Obviously, we want to introduce more colors and a broader range, possibly brighter ones. Maybe that’s all coming.

But on the design itself, I think it will stay like this for a long time, the heart shape, because it’s something recognizable for us. It’s something people recognize us by. We’ll probably add different designs, with different colorways and finishes, maybe more glossy or more neon. Time will tell.

Hears Earplugs are available at 39.95 USD per pair

project info:

name: Hears Earplugs | @hearsearplugs

co-founder: Bob Verlaat | @bobverlaat

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CMF, sub-brand of consumer technology company Nothing, orchestrates a symphony of sound with the reveal of Buds – the best-in-class Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) across the price segment, and Neckband Pro – the first 50 dB Hybrid ANC device. From the resonating bass to the treble, the brand tunes out the outside world, giving users the optimal auditory experience with settings tailored to various preferences at each tap CMF, a sub-brand of Nothing, announces the launch of Buds and Neckband Pro.

CMF, a sub-brand of Nothing, announces the launch of Buds (see above) and Neckband Pro

all images courtesy of CMF by Nothing

the Buds feature four HD mics that work with Clear Voice Technology and an advanced wind noise reduction algorithm

blasting the silence: active noise cancellation unleashed

CMF’s Buds lead the charge with a 42 dB depth, and a bandwidth reaching up to 2900 Hz. For blocking out unwanted noise, the earbuds are considered the best-in-class (within the price segment). When the time calls, Transparency Mode invites the world back in, ensuring crisp transmission thanks to the four HD mics that work with Clear Voice Technology and an advanced wind noise reduction algorithm.

users can enjoy up to 8 hours of non-stop listening on a single charge or extend playback time to 35.5 hours by using Buds with the charging case

Crafted with a 12.4 mm Bio-fibre Driver, the CMF Buds deliver a panoramic auditory experience. Utliizing the Ultra Bass Technology 2.0, the expansive soundscape spans from the deep, resonating bass to the balanced mid-range notes and ethereal treble. With five EQ settings tailored to various genres, and digital enhancement using Dirac OpteoTM patented correction technology, professional tuning is a single tap away.

crafted with a 12.4 mm Bio-fibre Driver, the CMF Buds deliver a panoramic auditory experience

with a depth of 42 dB and a bandwidth of up to 2900 Hz, Buds are best-in-class (within the price segment) for blocking out unwanted noise

Neckband Pro sets the Tone 

The second unveil is Neckband Pro, equipped with an advanced chipset and five HD mics to deliver top noise cancellation of up to 50 dB. Additionally, its Environment Adaptive ANC self-adjusts to ambient noise with three intensity settings for optimal listening. Crystal clear calls are boosted by an AI noise cancellation algorithm tested with over 30 million sound samples. Transparency Mode lets outside sound in on demand.

Neckband Pro is equipped with an advanced chipset and five HD mics to deliver top noise cancellation of up to 50 dB

Neckband Pro tackles indoor and outdoor workouts regardless of the weather conditions thanks to an IP55 water, sweat and dust resistance rating

an Overture of Power

In a world filled with noise, CMF by Nothing stands as a conductor of clarity, where notes are crisp, beats are vibrant, and the rest is literal music to the ears. Internationally, certain products are available in the US, UK, EU, among other countries, with Buds and Neckband Pro going for £39 GBP/$39/€39. 

the first 50 dB Hybrid ANC Neckband and Best-In-Class for ANC Buds Mark the Start of a Strong Line Up of 2024 Product Offerings

Neckband Pro’s  flagship processor creates a Spatial Audio Effect, projecting sound that users can feel, bringing music, movies and games fully to life

when on a call with Buds, listeners can let the world back in by turning on Transparency Mode

project info:

brand: CMF by Nothing | @cmf.tech

company: Nothing

products: CMF Buds; CMF Neckband Pro

colors: Dark Grey, Light Grey, Orange

The post nothing puts everything into CMF buds and neckband pro, setting a new tone in audio design appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

In an ever-evolving world driven by technology, London-based electronics manufacturer Nothing seeks to challenge the status quo by questioning the essence of objects that we use in everyday life. With the aim of redefining the design approach in a market segment that has often been overlooked, the UK company reveals the new CMF brand, through a series of products which include Buds Pro, Watch Pro and 65W GaN Charger. These innovations offer advanced noise cancellation, health tracking and powerhouse speed charging whilst delivering uncompromised design experience.

CMF by Nothing is here to question the world

all images courtesy of CMF

CMF by Nothing, a subsidiary of the Nothing brand, is on a mission to craft thoughtful devices that combine aesthetics and functionality. To achieve this, the London-based company refuses to embrace indifference, considering every facet of design, from color to material to finish (CMF, in industrial design terms). The CMF Buds Pro, CMF Watch Pro, and CMF Power 65W GaN Charger are prime examples of this commitment, offering cutting-edge technology wrapped in vibrant, expressive style and timeless design.

one of the industry’s biggest displays is on the CMF Watch Pro with a 1.96” AMOLED display

nothing takes noise cancellation on new frequency heights

Carefully considering every detail, CMF Buds Pro is one of the flagship products – engineered to elevate the listening experience with a focus on active noise cancellation. Unlike conventional noise-canceling technology that merely measures decibels, Nothing’s earbuds take this to new heights, or better yet frequencies, achieving depths of up to 45dB and a wide range of up to 5000 Hz. These broader numbers enable the elimination of a wider spectrum of unwanted noises, providing an immersive audio experience even in bustling environments. The advanced Hybrid ANC ensures that noise is filtered twice for optimal listening pleasure.

the CMF Buds Pro offer up to 39 hours of listening on a single charge

Battery life is another area where CMF Buds Pro shine. Designed to accompany the user throughout the day, the earbuds offer an impressive 11 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge. With the charging case (with ANC turned off), listening time can even be extended to 39 hours. Fast Charge support ensures quick and hassle-free power-ups, delivering 5 active hours after just 10 minutes of charging. The quality remains uncompromised with the Ultra Bass Technology. The combination of custom LCP+PU drivers and a rear chamber delivers purer brass sounds that are more accurate, and powerfully resonant. An intelligent enhancement algorithm further enhances the bass in real-time, adapting to music preferences, and can be customized using the Nothing X app to fine-tune the sound.

to transform the bass experience, Nothing develops the custom LCP + PU driver

ai technology for call clarity in any environment

CMF Watch Pro joins the series with a 1.96″ AMOLED display. The expansive screen delivers brighter colors and sharper visuals, boasting a brightness of 600+ nits and a rapid 58 fps refresh rate for ultra-smooth touch responsiveness. Moreover, the watch goes beyond fitness tracking, offering precise outdoor activity monitoring with support for multiple satellite positioning systems, while also featuring health-tracking capabilities, including real-time heart rate and blood oxygen saturation monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress analysis, all aimed at enhancing overall well-being. 

Utilizing AI technology, the watch also provides call clarity. With an integrated microphone and speaker that reduce background noise, one can make and receive calls on the go in any environment.

CMF Watch Pro goes beyond fitness tracking, offering precise outdoor activity monitoring with support for multiple satellite positioning systems

powerhouse charging in 25 minutes

Lastly, the CMF Power 65W GaN Charger exemplifies Nothing’s commitment to efficiency. The compact sleek product, equipped with two USB-C ports and a USB-A port, offers versatile power solutions for an array of devices, from smartphones and tablets to earbuds and laptops. Incorporating Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology instead of silicon, it provides rapid charging. Its thermal conductivity and high-temperature resistance makes the charger a powerhouse, capable of charging a Nothing Phone (2) smartphone to 50% in just 25 minutes.

the CMF GaN charger uses nitrogen and gallium material rather than silicon, which means it has a higher electrical field strength and powers devices more efficiently

The new CMF products offer value with an uncompromised design experience. London-based brand CMF by Nothing brings a breath of fresh air to a segment that has been overlooked, with meticulous attention to design and above-par user experience on core functionalities.

CMF by Nothing

developing the CMF Watch Pro

close-up sketches of the CMF Watch Pro evolution

project info:

brand: CMF | @cmf.tech

company: Nothing

products: CMF Buds Pro; CMF Watch Pro; CMF Power 65W GaN Charger

The post nothing’s CMF democratizes everyday tech design with earbuds, smartwatch & charger appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.