CES 2013 Preview: Bluetooth Baseball Hat
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This is no ordinary baseball cap. Brim hides control for hands-free phone use.
CREDIT: Max Virtual |
Forget the earpiece, soon you'll be able to wear what looks like an ordinary baseball cap, but is actually a Bluetooth device that lets you take calls hands-free. Max Virtual announced today (Jan. 4) it would unveil the Cynaps hat next week at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Cynaps uses bone conduction to transmit sound to the inner ear via two small vibrating modules within the lining of the hat. It can be wirelessly connected via Bluetooth to a mobile phone, tablet or PC to make calls or listen to music and video .
The control panel under the bill provides access to useful features such as taking a call, adjusting the volume and navigating playlists . And to those around you, you'll just look like you're fiddling with your hat.
Standby time is around 30 days, and the average talk time is between six and 10 hours. The hats also come with a removable headlight that can be attached to the brim.
What may seem like more of a device built for aspiring spies , the hat could prove especially useful for runners, bikers, people working out and those behind the wheel of a car. Since both ears are free, the user remains more aware of surrounding traffic and will be better able to react in case of an emergency, according to Max Virtual. It plans to install the gear in motorcycle helmets, headbands and other hat styles.
The company just launched a funding drive for the Cynaps on Indiegogo, a popular crowdfunding website, with a goal of $20,000. Each hat costs $60. The first batch of hats is scheduled to ship to backers in February.
Visit CES 2013 on TechNewsDaily for coverage from Las Vegas beginning Jan. 6.
