Skip to main content

Sony unveils prototype 'headphones' of the future


Sony's newly-formed R&D outfit, Future Lab, has showcased a prototype pair of headphones (or should I say neckphones) that let you listen to music without buds or over-the-ear pads. Called Concept N, the Bluetooth device features built-in speakers that project sound up to the user's ears, providing full fidelity stereo sound and comfort.

The idea behind Concept N is to create a system for listening while trying to retain background noise for when you're traveling or commuting. According to Venture Beat, the headphones respond to voice prompts, and is equipped with a camera, sensors, and a GPS feature. The device also comes with a pair of earbuds for those who want a traditional listening experience. Those buds, however, come punctured with holes in the middle, so you're still able to, say, hold a conversation while listening to your favorite tracks.

No word yet on an official release date for Concept N, but hopefully it will hit shelves later this year.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Check out this insane music box powered by 2,000 marbles

The brainchild of Swedish musician Martin Molin, the Wintergartan Marble Machine , is a bizarre music box that allows the user to play tunes using a hand crank and 2,000 steel marbles. The Rube Goldberg'esque contraption features a vibraphone, bass, drums, cymbals and other instruments that play a score programmed into a 32 bar loop comprised of LEGO Technic parts. It's mesmerizing, and you can watch how they built it over here . [h/t: MailOnline ]

Oil paintings that look like watercolors

Julian Meagher is an artist from Sydney who paints watercolor effect with oil. His paintings often revolve around Australian masculinity, juxtaposed by pop-culture references. Julian has an interesting back story. He's been a full-time artist for ten years, but prior to this he worked briefly as a doctor. The first few years was tough for him, and there were times he thought he should have sticked with his original profession. "It still feels weird to say I'm an artist," he told The Sydney Morning Herald . "You say that at a dinner party and you get weird looks. People think being an artist is a romantic, alcohol and passion-filled job. But it's not, and the idea of people seeing my work still scares me." Julian is a twice recipient of the New Work Grant from the Australia Council of the Art and has held solo exhibitions across Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Miami and Los Angeles. Be sure to check out his website for ...

Hirotoshi Ito creates creepy, yet enchanting stone sculptures

When I found Hirotoshi Ito's flickr stream about four years ago, my eyes widened and my jaw dropped. I've come across some amazing sculptures before, but Hirotoshi's work is one of the most memorable I've seen.  The Japanese artist, also known as Jiyuseki, takes ordinary rocks found in a river bank near his home and adds his own bit of weird and funny alterations. He usually spends up to a month carving and decorating each of his stone pieces. As he chisels, Hirotoshi retains the original shape of the rock, then he adds accessories such as zippers, dentures, coins and other materials to complete the illusion. His creations are somewhat creepy, but they also bring laughs and smiles to the people who see them. You can learn more about Hirotoshi and his work on his  website .