Natural Hearing and Augmentation. A New Approach to Open-Ear.

Could Auricle have cracked the code of headphone isolation and hearing augmentation in an open-ear form-factor? Auricle, a company founded in 2018 and based in Denmark, identified the common problem of situational awareness or lack thereof when using headphones. In response, Auricle perfected bone conduction technology in a wireless design that still leaves the ear canal completely open. A platform with great potential for hearing augmentation, and a novel personal audio design that combines awareness, communication, hearing, and fun.

To reduce accidents in micro-mobility, Danish startup Circulr Sound Tech ApS, proposes introducing neckphones for modern lifestyles. The company's new take on neckbands is more akin to regular headphones which rest around the neck, instead of over the head and the ears, and use what Circulr defines as open-ear AI sound technology. The design combines elements from headphones, wearables and loudspeakers, allowing users to stay aware of the environment.

JLab Audio is determined to solve major issues consumers have in the wearables category with existing audio-integrated eyewear with the launch of its new JBuds Frames. Opposite to many existing product concepts already launched in the market of eyeglasses frames with built-in speakers, the San Diego, CA-based company decided to offer clip-on wireless speakers that can be added to any existing frames. The new JBuds Frames are also much more affordable.

Bose announced the new Bose Sport Open Earbuds — truly wireless earbuds that are optimized for sports, fitness and wellness — with a unique design that the Massachusetts company says, feels like "Nothing In Your Ears, Nothing Covering Them." This new "not in-ear" truly wireless design challenges perceptions, in a crowded space mainly competing to be smaller, smarter, and more discreet. But after the Sleepbuds and the Bose Frames, its seems clear that Bose is not afraid of taking risks.