SafeSound Products, designer of innovative accessories for active consumers, has unveiled AIRbudz, billed as the first ever alternative earbud solution that allows ambient noise in. Launched on crowd funding site Kickstarter, SafeSound Products has looked to runners, bikers and music enthusiasts for support to bring AIRbudz to market.
The company successfully raised its funding goal of US$22,000 on Kickstarter on 9 June.
AIRbudz are alternative earbud attachments that can be utilized while listening to music in environments where it’s necessary to be aware of your surroundings in order to stay safe. Whether running, biking, skiing, skateboarding, or even riding on public transportation, walking to a car after dark, or staying attentive at work, there are many situations where it is imperative to hear the background environment.
AIRbudz have air channels built into the earbuds that allow the user to simultaneously hear music without distortion, while also allowing ambient noise into the ear. AIRbudz fit approximately 70% of headphones with removable earbuds that are currently on the US market. Users can simply replace the noise cancelling earbuds that come with headphones with AIRbudz.
A study from the journal Injury Prevention has revealed that serious injuries sustained by pedestrians while listening to headphones have more than tripled in the past six years and the average age of the victims is 21.
“Our goal at SafeSound Products is to keep the focus on safety while using technology in every aspect of our lives,” said Tammy Erdel, founder of SafeSound Products. “As a mother of two young and very active children it was important that when they were riding bikes, skateboards, scooters or just walking while listening to their headphones that they stayed safe and could hear their surroundings.”
In each AIRbudz package purchasers will receive nine AIRbudz, three sets of each size – small, medium and large – with a choice of the following colour combinations: Monochrome, Jewel Tones, Patriotic, Primary Colors, Rastafari, Glow in the Dark and Neon.
AIRbudz offered one of the first sets of AIRbudz and a carrying case exclusive to Kickstarter pledges for funcing contributors who gave at least US$10 or more. A pledge of US$20 or more gave contributors one of the first packages of AIRbudz, an exclusive Kickstarter carrying case and a pair of headphones. Additional pledge offers included:
- Pledge US$800 and receive 100 packages of AIRbudz
- Pledge US$1,600 and receive 100 packages of AIRbudz and 100 headphones
- Pledge US$3,300 and receive 500 packages of AIRbudz
- Pledge US$7,500 and receive 500 packages of AIRbudz and 500 headphones
