The ORB fits a wireless headset into wearable ring design

Jul. 27, 2009 (12:56 pm) By: Matthew Humphries

Wireless headsets have come on leaps and bounds in terms of design over the past few years, but you are still faced with a choice of wearing the device, or throwing it in a bag or pocket out of the way. Wearing it all the time becomes annoying and putting it out of sight makes it all the more likely the headset may get lost.

A new headset design from Hybra Advance Technology and AbsolutelyNew may be about to change things, though. Their ORB wireless headset combines a very small and sleek design with a storage solution that is always in plain sight and almost impossible to lose. That’s because when you remove the headset from your ear a simple twist turns it into a ring that can be placed on a finger.

the-orb-wireless-headest-1There will be two versions of the headset available; the standard and deluxe editions, as well as multiple ring sizes to cater for every finger size. When sitting on the ear; bone conduction is used to ensure good quality sound and allow it to function outside of the ear so there’s nothing hampering your normal hearing ability. Even though this device is tiny the deluxe version has an E-Ink screen integrated into the outer casing allowing the display of caller ID and calendar reminders.

The standard ORB is set to be released in the U.S., Europe, and across Asia in 4th Quarter 2010 with the deluxe version following later. The standard headset will cost you around $129 and the deluxe version $175.

Read more at the AbsolutelyNew press release (PDF), found via Gizmag

Matthew’s Opinion

From the image of the headset it doesn’t look like it would feel totally secure sitting on your ear, but the clasp may extend further around the back of your ear than the pictures reveal. Still, it is very small and makes a nice change from the bulkier headsets I’ve seen people walking around wearing.

The use of a ring design for storage is a clever solution. You never have to worry about where you left the device as it sits on your finger or on your ear. There is no concern about losing it or leaving it in plain sight inside your vehicle where it may get stolen.

Now all that needs to be proven is the quality of the ORB as a functional headset. If it provides good audio quality and attaches securely to the ear I think it could be quite popular.

http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/the-orb-fits-a-wireless-headset-into-wearable-ring-design-20090727/

Press Releases

ORB™ Wireless Earpiece Finger Ring Wins CES 2010 Top Honor (AbsolutelyNew, 11/18/09)

AbsolutelyNew Announces the ORB™ Wireless Earpiece Finger Ring (AbsolutelyNew, 7/23/09)

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