Israeli startup Noveto wants to go one step further, eliminating headphones entirely with a new technology that beams the sound from your device directly into your ears. Noveto essentially has invented the virtual headphone. Now headphones will start to look like old technology in 2019.
Noveto has come up with a technology that can do exactly the same thing as headphones - deliver sound right to your ears without disturbing those around you - except without the headphones themselves. In fact, you wouldn't need to wear any device at all. The technology uses a system of sensors similar to those in the latest iPhone X, which unlocks your phone using facial recognition rather than password or finger recognition.
Focused audio can come from either a standalone device that looks like a small soundbar or Bluetooth speaker, or from any device that usually makes sound like a TV, computer monitor, smartphone, tablet, and even things like an exercise treadmill with Noveto's technology built-in.
Using its own algorithms, Noveto finds your face and calculates the distance to your ears (they don’t have to be visible) and a specially developed tiny speaker focuses the sound there. Move your head and the sound follows you. It emits audio directly to your ears and there is no sound leaks out to disturb your neighbour.
Noveto's "focused" audio is steerable and follows you around as you move, which is something directional audio can't do. It uses 3D-tracking technology to see where your ears are and deliver that audio right to your ears.
How does it sound?
In its current prototype state, it may not satiate audio quality enthusiasts. But the sound quality will be dramatically improved as development progresses, however, it could easily give its devices better sound quality than one of the most popular headphones you can buy today.
There are some limitations on how much you can move. So sports like jogging or skiing are out. Instead, Noveto is concentrating on three business opportunities.
Cars
You want to listen to a podcast in the front seat but the kids prefer Beyonce in the back. With Noveto’s My Virtual Mobile system, everyone will be able to connect to the car’s entertainment system via Bluetooth. Then, the installed Noveto speaker can direct the appropriate audio to each person’s ears.
Office
Noveto’s sensors and speakers can be built into a computer’s screen, meaning conference calls (and any other audio you might listen to while at work) will be beamed to your ears only, easing the auditory overload for workers in cubicles, call centers, and the open-plan offices favored these days in startups.
Gaming
It allows gamers to play for hours in front of a computer without getting headphone fatigue. (Parents might find this a less appealing selling point.)
Noveto expects the devices will be ready and available to buy by fall 2019.
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