Off-ear earphone designs using conventional beaming transducers, even considering all the benefits of environment awareness, have never been successful. First and foremost due to the "thin" sound that results from the lack of proximity with the ear canal, sound spillage problems that make them annoying for others in the vicinity, not to mention that they don't normally hold very well when the user is in motion.
Sony engineers apparently believe they have an answer to those challenges and announced a new model of earphones that are specifically designed with runners in mind. Sony's new WI-OE610 off-ear headphones, dubbed "Float Run," have a small transducer positioned near, but without touching, the ear canal, while holding to an around the ear frame that also acts as counterweight and is able to hold battery, Bluetooth radio and tactile controls. According to Sony, this design leaves the ear safely uncovered while still delivering a rich sound experience.
Also according to Sony, the Float Run offers a lightweight design with a flexible neckband that doesn't slip when in motion, which is vital for runners or athletes. Another key advantage of the pressure-free design that sits off of the ears, is that runners no longer need to worry about sweat or chafing getting in the way of their workout. The Sony Float Run headphones only weigh approximately 33 grams.
"Designed to be stable and secure, Float Run headphones stay in place no matter how the runner moves. Tested on a wide range of head shapes and hairstyles, the headphones will stay with the runner, due to the flexible neckband design. Additionally, Float Run headphones were tested with accessories including hats and sunglasses. Whatever is worn, the stabilizing neckband will keep them secure," Sony says in the announcement.
The transducers in the WI-OE610 are 16mm dynamic drivers and are precisely tuned to offer "a natural and wider sound so there is no compromise on sound quality" from the off-ear position. As the company explains, the Float Run earphones have an open-type design that diminishes echo of the sounds the body makes, like footsteps, chewing or heavy breathing while allowing in ambient sound. And more importantly, they are designed "to fill the users ears, but not cover them, so wearers can be aware of their surroundings." Sony says that the unique design "allows music to naturally mix with ambient sound." How does the design solve the challenge of the trade-offs between an "open sound" that lacks bass at low volumes, while avoiding sound spilling for outside users when the user cranks the power, is the key.
Otherwise, the Sony Float Run earphones are an IPX4 splash resistant design, with long battery life and up to 10 hours playtime when fully charged. A quick charge of 10 minutes will allow up to an hour of playtime since the Float Run charge using USB-C.
With a variety of controls built in, the Float Run allow users to control playback and access their smartphone's voice assistant without having to take it out of their pocket or bag. When their run is over and it's time to get to work, the Float Run headphones have a high-quality built-in microphone to make them just as ideal for productivity tasks. Additionally, the headphones include a carrying pouch to keep the supplied charging cable and headphones together and protected.
The Sony Float Run headphones will be available for purchase in February 2023, and will be priced at MSRP $129.99 online at Sony Electronics.
www.sony.com
