Oh! Gizmo

By Jonathan Kimak

This conceptual headset, named the Nike FeelFree, uses binaural beats to stimulate the brain in a variety of ways. Binaural beats are a combination of two tones at slightly different frequencies. One tone is presented and heard by one ear while the second tone is presented and heard by the other ear. The user must have stereo headphones on for the binaural sounds to have an effect.

Depending on the frequencies, the binaural sounds emitted can help with meditation, focus, learning and sleeping. The FeelFree will have adjustable settings for each of those functions. The aim is for an individual to wear this for a period of time during their activity of choice and be able to get the maxium beneficial effect from it. The frequencies for concentration, betweeb 13 and 40Hz, are also linked to arousal, so be careful where you choose to study.

I have a CD that uses binaural sounds mixed in with relaxation sounds that is meant to stimulate the brain into a meditative mode without the need to spend 20 years sitting atop a mountain. I haven’t used it often enough to say whether it actually works or not though. The FeelFree would not use music or hamper your hearing as it would conduct the sounds through the bones in your head.

I think it would be quite cool if this ever got made.

[ The Design Blog ] VIA [ Tech Digest ]

By Andrew Liszewski

If you’re like me and truly hate the annoying wires connecting your MP3 player to your earbuds, you’ll like these wireless alternatives from Sennheiser. While they’re no where near as small as a set of wired earbuds, they’re definitely the most discrete wireless models I’ve seen to date. Instead of Bluetooth, they actually use the Kleer Corporation’s digital transmission technology, and while it works in the same 2.4 GHz range as BT, it actually allows for the transmission of uncompressed CD-quality sound.

They do require you to carry a transmitter with your MP3 player (or any device with a headphone jack) but that seems to be a minor inconvenience. On a full charge the transmitter will last for about 10 hours, while the earbuds will last for about 3 to 5 hours. However, they come with a special carrying case that has a built-in battery of its own allowing you to fully recharge the earbuds up to 3 times. All in all the only real dealbreaker I can find is the $499.99 price tag from Amazon.com, and unfortunately it’s a big one.

[ Sennheiser MX W1 Totally Wireless Earphones ] VIA [ Cool Material ]

This post is syndicated with permission from Gadgetoholic.com

I am an avid PC gamer and when I play, I always use headphones. I use headphones because they don’t disturb the people in my home and it helps block out the noise in the environment that disturbs my play. Typically, when I play I use a set of Razer Barracuda headphones that provide very good surround sound audio quality.

Razer has introduced what may be my next set of headphones called the Megalodon 7.1 surround sound gaming headset. The headset uses Razer’s new Maelstrom Audio Engine to process positional audio cues 800% faster than comparable virtual surround sound systems according to Razer.

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This post is syndicated with permission from Gadgetoholic.com

When it comes to headphones there are lots of differ products to choose from. Of all the headphones of various styles that I have ever used, they tend to always have one thing in common—lack of bass. Monster announced a set of headphones at CES back in January called Beats by Dr. Dre that promised to bring new technology and a new level of sound quality to consumer earphones.

At CES Monster didn’t give a clear idea of when the headphones would be available, but it did say they would retail for slightly under $400. That price is a serious chunk of change for headphones. Monster has announced that the Beats by Dr. Dre headphones will be available starting July 25 at the Apple store, Best Buy and from Beatsbydre.com.

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By Jonathan Kimak

Headphones have always been a good friend of the gamer. They keep the parents, girlfriend, neighbors or pets from ruining a perfect moment by shouting/barking “Turn that damn game down” just as you were about to execute a perfect headshot. Many times you had to sacrifice comfort for functionality or vice-versa. But the AudioFX Pro 5+1 gaming headset hopes to give you everything you need, including comfort.

They do look rather comfy and the 5.1 surround sound is a really nice feature. Bonuses to the design are the included force feedback effect and LED lights on the side that indicate the volume level. It’s a USB headset and has a price tag of $79.94. Be sure to use the mute mic button if you still live at home and you don’t want to be caught on YouTube being chastised by your mom and laughed at by millions of others.

[ eDimensional ] VIA [ Everything USB ]

By Evan Ackerman

Fine, they won’t really snap your neck, but at least they’ll make your ears tickle, and that’s gotta be good for something. The iFeelU EX2 2.2-channel “Body-Sonic Vibration Ear Wearing System” uses two speakers in each earbud; I’m guessing that the second speaker at the back is actually more of a mass driver, producing vibration rather than sound. According to Gizmodo, who got some eartime with them, “for explosions and other big booms, these things are surprisingly great, with solid feedback and definite in-ear quakage [sic].” They may not be as great for listening to music, although it looks like you can adjust the strength of the vibration separately.

They should be available not too long from now for about $40 a pair; for that amount, it might be fun to pick some up just to see what they can do.

[ iFeelU ] VIA [ Gizmodo ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Whenever I listen to music I like to block out all the background noise and other sounds around me. So instead of speakers, I usually opt for either a set of earbuds or full-sized headphones. While it means I can enjoy my music without distraction, I unfortunately often end up missing phone calls or delivery men knocking on my door when I’m at home. It’s even more of a concern if I’m out wandering the city, as I have to be extra conscious of people, bicycles and other vehicles I don’t hear.

And that’s what interested me in the AirDrives as an alternative to my regular headphones. Instead of completely covering or blocking the ear canal, they’re designed to sit just outside your ears, allowing you to hear your music as well as everything else going on around you. The AirDrives were created by Mad Catz and the company has recently released a version designed specifically for the iPhone. I had a chance to try them out and you can find my full review of the AirDrives for the iPhone after the jump.

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By Luke Anderson

Growing up in a family of musicians has given me a fairly good ear, though I’m by no means an audiophile. I just know good sound quality when I hear it. I had the opportunity to test out ableplanet’s latest high-end noise-canceling headphones.

The difficult thing about testing audio equipment is that unless you have something to compare with, it’s hard to be fair. Luckily I had the chance to pit their Linx Audio Clear Harmony headphones against a comparable set from Bose. After listening to a couple of selections with both, it was clear that the Linx Audio set were of a much higher quality. Not only could I not hear a single thing going on around me (which seemed like a miracle in that environment) but the mids were much clearer.

You’ll have to pay for a quality set of headphones like these. The ones I tested out will run you around $300, which isn’t too outrageous if you’re into music recording, or something similar that requires the clearest possible sound.

By Luke Anderson

Are you one of those people that must always be listening to your iPod? I’m horrible about using mine, I always think that I’ll use it, but I rarely find the need. I’m usually in my car or at my desk, both of which have an ample supply of music. However, for those that are outdoors a lot, possibly walking or jogging, you’ll love this Tooks Beanie which features a built-in headset.

The beanie looks rather normal, except for the two circles for the speakers, and the cord running down the back. I probably wouldn’t wear this if I were just going out somewhere, but those that like to exercise in the cold might get some use out of it. The Took Beanie comes in six different colors and will set you back $25.

[ EpicOutfit ] VIA [ ChipChick ]