First came Bluetooth and we did away with the need for wires. Now comes the Batband, and now we’ve done away with the need for… ears?
A company called Studio Banana Things have created a set of ear-free headphones called the “Batband”. These ‘headphones’ sit above the ears in a curved headpiece that transmits sound waves through your bones in your skull and into your inner ears.
The name is inspired by the sonar that bats use to see, but in reality it sounds more like a new weaponised toy that Batman would use to defeat the Joker.
Regardless of the name, it could seriously revolutionise headphones if it gets off the ground. Not only is it inclusive of all those people out there who have suffered a tragic double ear amputation, but it could change the way we communicate. Unlike the usual awkward practise of begrudgingly taking one earphone out to hear someone speak, the Batband allows the user to simultaneously communicate with people as well as listen to music. Why you would want to listen to people speak while you listen to music is quite frankly beyond me, but the practicalities are undeniable.
The invention is being crowd-funded currently, but has already surpassed its target of $150 000 USD, so shipping is expected to begin next April for $149 a pair. The band also includes Bluetooth capabilities, so you can answer the phone with the device as well. It is controlled by a touch pad and button on the headpiece.
Several questions remain. Will it feel like someone has attached a vibrator to your head every time you want to listen to music? Is it even safe to vibrate music through your skull?
Likewise, wearable technology hasn’t exactly taken off in recent times with Google Glass failing dismally and the Apple Watch not exactly taking off. But everyone loves music, and at $149 it’s right in the middle of the price range for quality headphones currently.
Prepare your skulls people.