Batband headphones: an “ear-free” audio headband

The technology works using three transducers – two above the ear and one on the occipital bone on the back of your head – each of which vibrate the bones around your ear to send sound directly to the inner ear.

The $250 Batband has the added benefit of not blocking the ears with earbuds, meaning you can still be fully aware of what’s happening in your surroundings. Designers at UK-based Studio Banana Things have developed a headband that sits on the rear of your head and uses bone conduction to play music directly into your head.

The Batband pairs with your audio listening device wirelessly, and rests on the top of your head like a high-tech Julius Caesar crown. The sound waves are basically vibrations that are transmitted at a frequency that can be carried through the user’s skull to the inner ear.

How the Batband technology works The studio say it will allow “you to hear twice as much, without compromising on comfort, quality or style”.

Well, sound will travel through your skull using bone conduction. The two-way communication for making calls is possible due to the built-in microphone.

Described as “the first hi-fidelity, bone conduction headphone,” Batband has already reached and crossed its Kickstarter goal of $150,000 with 42 days to go.

It pairs with a Bluetooth-compatible device like a smartphone and features touch sensors that allow you to control volume, as well as answer or make calls.

You can pre-order the device for $149 from Kickstarter before it is released on general sale for the price of $250, Slash Gear reports.

We all love headphones, but sometimes you also want to hear what’s going on around you in addition to listening to your favorite songs.