Creative Introduces Outlier Free Series of Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones

Offering two different models with Bluetooth 5.3, one with IPX8 waterproof rating and the other with IPX5 water-resistant rating, Creative Technology introduced its Creative Outlier Free series of bone conduction headphones. The Creative Outlier Free and Free Pro (waterproof) models are very similar designs to the Shokz models that are now highly recognized in the category, and both are targeted at serious sport and fitness enthusiasts.

Shokz, formerly AfterShokz and known for its patented bone conduction technology and open-ear headphones, announced OpenRun Pro Mini, a smaller version of Shokz’s most premium bone conduction sports headphones - OpenRun Pro. The reduced-size version of the boundary pushing open-ear headphones improves performance in a 0.83-inch shorter band, giving those with smaller head sizes and ear shapes a more comfortable and snug fit in a smaller titanium frame.

Shokz, the company formerly known as AfterShokz, a pioneer in patented bone conduction technology and open-ear headphones in the consumer space, has now launched its Opencomm UC headset. Similar in many features to Opencomm, the brand’s first-ever bone conduction stereo headset, Opencomm UC is optimized for both working from home and office experiences. An added wireless USB-A adapter allows for increased compatibility with old Windows PCs, while the adjustable DSP noise-canceling boom microphone provides clear sound on all the major communication platforms.

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) officially kicked off CES season with traditional CES Unveiled events in New York, Paris and Amsterdam. Attendees to these invitation-only celebrations heard exclusive CES announcements and experienced emerging tech trends that will dominate the CES 2020 show floor Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas, Nevada. More importantly, these events kicked off the annual CES 2020 Innovation Awards announcements, which will be expanded and confirmed until the Las Vegas show opens in January.

The enterprise market, led by the government, military, and retail verticals, is also beginning to turn to hearables to foster better communication, collaboration, and workforce productivity. Market research from ABI Research forecasts enterprise hearable shipments will top one million in 2021, increasing from just 30,000 in 2016, at a CAGR of more than 108%.

audioXpress has published some really interesting stories about new audio companies, born out of their founders’ imagination, creativity, and deep convictions on their own designs. Crowdfunding helps to convert ideas into successful products and create new businesses. But the crowdfunding route is also full of valuable marketing lessons on what should not be attempted.

AfterShokz launched its new Trekz Titanium headphones on Indiegogo, a wireless, bone-conduction headphone perfect for runners, hikers and cyclists. The design allows users to listen to music while keeping their ear canals open and AfterShokz says its PremiumPitch+ technology guarantees they won’t compromise on sound.