The new concept was created by the latest audio tech startup that has joined Sound Hub in Struer, Denmark. "Circulr has read the market and spotted an urgent need to be safer on an e-scooter or bicycle while still enjoying the ride listening to music or making calls when commuting in the city. Due to their pioneering open-ear sound technology, designed for mobility and micro-mobility, we are pleased they chose our hub for their head office," explains Peter Petersen, CEO of Sound Hub Denmark.
Circulr Sound Tech is a start-up founded by a group of entrepreneurs from various fields such as product design and sound engineering. The concept behind the Neckphones was inspired in the ability to transform headphones into wearable loudspeakers, or speaker headphones. A concept that the creators says was enhanced with "an immersive and powerful sound of surprising quality" that is being patented.
The idea in itself is not new. Many companies, including Sennheiser and Bose, have created around-the-neck concepts and neckbands. And multiple companies have in fact launched headphones that can quickly convert to portable speakers and some can be found through Amazon and other online shopping websites. In fact, the company's founders were behind one of those first hybrid headphones, the Buoq Axis. This product launched with over 100,000 Euros received in crowdfunding to test and validate the need for the new product category.
Circulr Sound Tech ApS was established in May 2021 and is now expanding on that concept, with the slogan "Sound in motion" by introducing new features and perfecting the combination of headphones and speakers into one device. The company is developing an AI app with 3D audio to extend the experience even more and differentiate their solution.
So, how can this familiar idea be a game-changer? According to Circulr, their design is able to increase safety by transforming the open "headphones" idea into wearables using artificial intelligence and a voice controlled (VUI) platform that turns the whole experience completely hands-free. And Circulr hopes that users will like the quality so much that they will use the speaker headphones to boost the sound of every smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The launch of this new product is expected by October 2021.
"The use of headphones has become the number one cause of accidents in micro-mobility in the EU, US & UK. With Neckphones, people can wear them on the neck with the open ear audio technology, feel immersive sound and still hear their surroundings with non-invasive sound. As an example, you can get audible directions and avoid getting lost and be safer while moving without having to pay attention to the screen of the smartphone," says Enoc Armengol, the CEO and founder of Circulr.
Circulr has received international awards such as the ‘Start-up Launchpad Award’ in Hong Kong and received the first prize in 2021 in the category Tech for Entertainment at South by Southwest, in Austin, Texas. The company is also developing a new sustainable Circulr model, working in collaboration with freelance expert engineers with background from prestigious brands such as Bang & Olufsen and Harman.
One of the many reasons why Circulr Sound Tech ApS is now based at Sound Hub Denmark, an international sound technology and innovation hub offering coworking spaces, access to excellent measurement, workshop and test facilities, and a network of highly specialized skills from industry-leaders, mentors, and knowledge institutions. A world-class workplace for start-ups.
www.soundhub.dk
circulrsound.com
