In an effort to provide more sophisticated sound augmentation capabilities to the everyday consumer, Curtin University researchers are working to create earbuds that provide a higher level of selectivity. The IQbuds, as they've been named, will make it possible to select which parts of the world can be heard directly in the ears.
Nuheara has partnered with the researchers to develop the Bluetooth-enabled earbuds, which can stream music while selectively eliminating sounds from the environment. Background noise, such as traffic and chatter, will be eliminated through the use of the IQbuds. Its creators hope that it will successfully become the first smartphone-connectable device to offer such capabilities.
The earbuds work using Nuheara's Super Intelligent Noise Cancellation technology. Dual external high-fidelity MEMS microphones pick up on ambient sounds and change how they are delivered to the ear. All of this technology requires little power, and it is conveniently designed to fit into the shape and size of the earbud.
Through the Nuheara app, IQbud users will be able to control exactly what they hear in their environment, whether they're outdoors or on a plane. Different profiles can be created for various instances in which the earbuds may be used.
The IQbuds have a battery life of four hours when streaming music. They weigh less than 12 grams and can be paired with Android and iOS devices. Through their Bluetooth feature, the IQbuds can also be used to answer phone calls on the go.
Nuheara claims on its Indiegogo page that it's been extensively beta testing the IQbuds on consumers over the past two months. Its research team has a combined 70 years of experience in inventing, designing, building and commercializing sophisticated audio devices.
The first hardware prototype for the IQbuds was created in the summer of 2015. Nuheara expects its first contract manufacturing test production run to begin in fall 2016. However, the company acknowledged that the IQbuds will need to pass regulatory and EMC testing before they can be released to the public.
"We have already commenced working with electronic suppliers and contract manufacturers for the IQbuds and our team has brought multiple products to market in the past through sophisticated supply chains including both in house and contract manufacturers," Nuheara stated. "Any unforeseen complications in the bring-up and readiness preparation of our final selected contract manufacturer may result in delays to final product shipment."
