OwnPhones campaign started on Kickstarter to help complete the development of the world's first wireless 3D printed, personalized smart earbuds and an accompanying mobile app for iOS. The campaign, which has a funding goal of $250,000 USD, features limited Early Bird specials of 50% off all sets of earbuds (regular retail prices planned to range from $299USD to $449USD).
The company’s earbuds are molded using Mobile App Scanning and photogrammetry to create a unique-per-user shape that is used to create the in-ears using Multi-Material 3D Printing. Apart from the 3D scanning algorithm, OwnPhones is developing optimized speaker placement within the earbud based on an individual's unique ear shape, in order to improve the flow of sound and acoustics through the earbud to the ear canal.
The OwnPhones mobile app turns the phone’s camera into a 3D scanner. By following a few simple steps, users create a short video orbiting the phone around their ears. The OwnPhones servers will then convert the video into a 3D model of their ears, creating a custom ergonomic fit. A 3D printer can later assemble 3D objects out of many different materials, matching the cartilage in the user’s ear.
The company aims to offer thousands of combinations of features from four different basic models (“Fit,” “Designer Fit,” “Smart Fit” and “Jewelry Collection”) to choose from. “Ears are like fingerprints - each one is unique, so it is time that consumers were able to get earbuds that actually fit their ears properly,” says Itamar Jobani.
Designed to fit perfectly and built exclusively for each individual ear, the user’s personality and choice of activities, OwnPhones earbuds combine also wireless Bluetooth 4.0 technology and aptX audio transmission.
According to OwnPhones, the earbuds will also be able to cancel external noise using a built-in digital signal processor to filter ambient noises (a technology the company calls Soundscaping). The user can use the OwnPhones mobile app to let through requested sounds – from a beeping alarm to a friend’s voice (OwnPhones calls this “Real World Notifications”).
OwnPhones is seeking support to complete the development of its 3D printed personalized smart earbuds and accompanying mobile app for iOS (Android to follow), with first delivery scheduled to start March 2015.
www.ownphones.com
Kickstarter campaign: bit.ly/ownphones
