CES 2012: Bone cutting ear-free sound

AfterShokz, a brand of ear-free headphones powered by bone conduction technology, is offering consumers a more comfortable, healthier and safer listening experience with three models of ear-free headphones: AfterShokz Sport, AfterShokz Mobile and AfterShokz Game.

Unlike conventional headphones and earbuds that use the eardrums to transmit sound, AfterShokz headphones rest comfortably in front of the ear and utilize bone conduction technology to transmit sound through the listener’s cheekbones to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum completely.

AfterShokz Sport, AfterShokz Mobile and AfterShokz Game will be on display at the 2012 International CES.

‚Bone conduction technology has been around a long time: developed initially for our military forces that need to hear remote communication via a headphone, without any restriction to ambient noise in their surroundings,‚ said Bruce Borenstein, the president and CEO of AfterShokz. ‚We’ve taken that technology and built it into consumer-friendly headphones that active adults, business travelers and gamers will benefit from, both in the short and long term.‚

The AfterShokz brand offers users the benefit of comfortable, healthy and safe transmission of sound. Scientific studies have found that extended use of regular headphones and earbuds promote hearing loss and damage to the eardrum. AfterShokz headphones do not use the eardrums to transmit sound and provide consumers with a quality listening experience without the risk of eardrum damage.

AfterShokz Sport headphones enable joggers, bike riders, skiers, skateboarders, hikers and other athletes to safely use their portable music players while staying connected to their surroundings. Since AfterShokz headphones rest outside the ear, users are able to also hear ambient noises such as oncoming traffic, car horns, ambulances or other warning noises, potentially preventing accidents. Headphones that cover the ear and earbuds that nest inside the ear significantly restrict a user’s ability to hear these important sounds.

AfterShokz Mobile headphones offer the additional benefit of an in-line microphone: so incoming calls automatically interrupt music, simultaneously activating the microphone, ensuring mobile communication is seamless and safe during activity.

AfterShokz Game headphones are designed to provide gamers and those who use Skype or other VoIP systems a unique audio experience — one where they can comfortably immerse themselves into a video game or conversation while still remaining attentive to their environment. Since there is nothing in, on or covering the ears, superior comfort can be expected during extended use.

All three models are lightweight, sweat and water resistant, feature in-line controls, and come with a lifetime warranty. Both the Sport and Mobile headphones have a standard 3.5mm connector designed to fit all smart phones, iPhones, iPods, iPads, and MP3 players. AfterShokz Game has a USB connector, universal for most gaming systems, and an extended 9-foot cord for flexibility while gaming.

AfterShokz Sport is currently available for $59.95 on www.aftershokz.com. AfterShokz Mobile and AfterShokz Game will be available later this month, both priced at $69.95. The trade will have access to the line through its distributor partner, Petra, the nation’s leading distributor for consumer electronics accessories. Barnes & Noble.com (www.bn.com) has been selected as the brand’s exclusive consumer launch partner, with both Sport and Mobile available in its popular Electronics category.

*