Soundhawk is a hearing aid for people that don’t have hearing issues. But what does that even mean?
Think of it more along the lines of augmenting the sense instead of correcting damage to it. Soundhawk is a device that consists of two main parts, plus a charger/case and an associated app to install on the user’s mobile device. An earpiece goes into the ear, logically, and a small wireless mic can be clipped onto a shirt or set on a table, etc.
The microphone picks up sound from within 35 ft, dependent on which direction it is pointed, and augments it in the user’s ear. For this reason it is most beneficial in noisy environments where it is hard to discern a single source of sound from the surrounding din. With this device it will be considerably easier to hold conversations in loud areas without fear of ear strain or awkward miscommunications.
Image via TechHive (click to enlarge)
The connected smartphone app allows the user to fine tune what they are [super]hearing. Controls such as pitch, volume and equalization can all be manipulated through a mobile device in order to optimize the listening experience. The app and headset are connected via Bluetooth.
Battery life is up to a full 8 hours, with the charging case allowing two full recharges of both parts before it needs to be plugged into a wall outlet or USB port.
This device is essentially a counterpart to Google (News - Alert) Glass, in what seems to be the first steps toward augmented humanity, a trend that assuredly will continue as technology compensates for the slow pace of evolution and the lack of certain features we feel our body should offer. Again this is not a solution for the hearing impaired, but would surely be useful to almost anybody.
Soundhawk packages will be released later this year with a starting price of $299, but are currently available for preorder starting at $279.
