DropLabs Introduces EP 01 Audio Enabled Footwear for Gaming, Music and Movies

August 20 2020, 15:10
DropLabs, a company from Los Angeles, California, announced its latest sonic-sensory footwear designed to transform the way people experience digital entertainment. DropLabs sound-activated footwear uses low-frequency information to extend entertainment experiences. The Triple Black Edition looks like standard sneakers or training shoes, but inside they are equipped with sound generating technology and Bluetooth, now adding enhanced audio controls, multicolor LEDs plus a few surprises.
 

The new Triple Black Edition shoes are an update to Droplabs' original EP 01 sneaker launched in 2019, now featuring an all-black exterior and further magic built-in. Droplabs patented technology uses an haptic driver embedded in the midsole of the shoe, sending audio, in stereo, from any connected device to the users' feet, and creating full-body bass audio which simulates the energy of a live event and immerses users in music, movies, gaming, VR content and more. The wireless audio transmission is effectively converted into an haptic extension of whatever the user is hearing, music beats, movie or gaming effects.

The concept was imagined by DropLabs’ CEO, Susan Paley, which has over 20 years of experience in consumer technology, having worked with brands like Beats, JBL, GM, Chrysler, Fiat, Universal Music Group and others. The design is the result of the work of Thomas Moyland, VP of Engineering with a long career in technology, consumer electronics and gaming companies, while the audio platform was engineered by Richard Little, an experienced engineer lead in acoustics and transducers for companies such as Goertek Electronics, Sonos, Tymphany, Bose and  others.

DropLabs’s original release, the EP 01 Classic sound-activated footwear, sold out quickly and followers have been eagerly awaiting this newest "drop" (the trending marketing concept). Both the new EP 01 Triple Black and the Classic editions contain numerous system upgrades including dynamic tuning settings designed specifically for gaming, music and movies.
 

The concept expands on DropLabs proprietary technology that converts audio signals into low-frequency vibrations that users can feel throughout the entire body. The app upgrade includes an in-app LED color wheel to adjust the hue of the lights embedded within the sneaker and some surprises in the form of “easter eggs.” 

“The embedded software platform allows us to continue to refine the experience and provide more unique customization at the individual level. We’ve developed a proprietary technology that we have integrated into the midsole of the sneaker that converts audio signals into vibrations. When these vibrations are delivered through your feet and synchronized with what you hear in your ears, it is a completely transformative experience for digital entertainment," says Susan Paley. "Although initially envisioned to recreate the energy of live music, adding this immersion layer to gaming, movies and VR is next level.”
 

"As many outlets for live entertainment are on hiatus and time spent gaming is increasing exponentially, the market has never been more ready for a product that bridges the gap between live and at-home entertainment by providing highly immersive experiences that feel real," the company adds.

The new DropLabs EP 01 sneakers are available for order on the company's website, and currently retail for $299.00. Specifications detail Class 1 Bluetooth 4.2 and up to 6 hours of battery life and the whole design is water resistant. The shoes ship with a low-Latency cable for gaming and music recording applications and a power adapter for charging which connects to the shoes using a safe-detach magnetic connector.
www.droplabs.com
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About Joao Martins
Since 2013, Joao Martins leads audioXpress as editor-in-chief of the US-based magazine and website, the leading audio electronics, audio product development and design publication, working also as international editor for Voice Coil, the leading periodical for... Read more

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