The military technology that allow soldiers to listen to messages transmitted inside their helmets is coming to mainstream.
Makers of the Buhel SG05 have prototyped a pair of $160 sunglasses that transmit sounds of music or a voice of a telephone call directly to the inner ear without the use of ear buds.
The technology, called bone conduction, allows sound to bypass the ear canal by transmitting it closely to the temple, clearly. The wearer is able to remain alert to his or her surroundings and filter out all other outside noise.
Powered by a micro rechargeable USB battery, the Bluetooth-enabled sound shades last for up to 4 hours of conservation. A bi-directional microphone embedded in the bridge of the sunglasses enables two way conversation and is supposed to ensure clear conversations even through the wind.
Texas-based lab Atellani, owned by Maurizio Maranghi, say the target market could be cyclists, runners, construction worker, hunters and drivers and the glasses can work with smartphones, tablets, mp3 players, GPS, iPhones and other electronic devices. We assume all those in this category will also be able to remain alert to their surroundings even while having sound at their temple. That too could be considered by some a distraction, but we suppose no more so than regular ear buds are now.
These noise canceling shades are fashionable too because they feature interchangeable lenses, according to the press release.
The project has nearly trippled its Kickstarter goal of $80,000 at this posting. Early bird orders are just $160. Early birds can pre-order one for $160.
