The volume controls are—fittingly enough—are integrated into the zip pull. The concept calls for twisting the pull to adjust the volume, and pressing a button to prevent accidental volume changes.

I’m all for the Zip-It going on the market, but I think the zipper shouldn’t go all the way up to the person’s ears. The zipper would rub on the wearer’s cheeks, and cause some significant discomfort.

If a company ever decides to turn this concept into reality, how much would you pay for it? Would it also make sense to make a headphone version?

(images courtesy of Ji Woong, source)

Post from: The Gadget Blog

According to Gearlog, at least two companies are working on earphones designed for the iPod shuffle. Like the earphones that come with the music player, these planned products feature playback controls right on the earphone cords.

A few days ago, I wrote that the shuffle’s lack of playback controls represents an opportunity for third-parties. Looks like at least Scosche is turning it into a gold mine; the most expensive of their rumored earphones will cost $100, definitely higher than the $80 iPod shuffle. The only information gathered on V-Moda’s development plans point to a Q2 2009 release.

Any further thoughts on Apple’s hardware DRM? I just realized that Apple would’ve avoided all the uproar if they bundled a pair of earphones that plugs into a cord with playback controls on them, which plugs into the iPod itself.

No doubt, this setup is a bit messier, but I think giving customers a bit of versatility regarding their headphone or earphone choice is more important than marketing-oriented design.

(image from Gearlog)

Post from: The Gadget Blog

To make a long story short, the Coosh earphones are a worthy buy at $20.

For starters, our first impressions regarding the comfort-level lasted. Again, since there’s padding on the actual earphones themselves, covering the usually sharp seam between the metal grill and the earphone plastic, these earphones can spend the whole day in your ears.

On top of that, the soft plastic “arms” that wrap around your outer ears, so again the earphones can spend the whole day in your ears, because they’re securely fastened. Another feature we like was the bent earphone jack. Aside from being another opportunity for brand showcasing, this construction means you won’t have earphone jacks sticking out the side of your gadget.

The earphones are nowhere close to the audio quality of full-fledged headphones, especially in the bass department. But Coosh’s offering do a decent job. At the very least, you aren’t stuck with tin cans in your ears!

The only issue we have with the Coosh earphones is how those arms make you more visible than usual, especially in public. People will probably notice the white supports around your ears and do a double-take. This unfortunately may include thieves scoping out for a mark. Perhaps Coosh could make future versions have transparent arms?

Post from: The Gadget Blog