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Do you really need a pair of smart headphones?
Muzik CEO Jason Hardi started his headphone company back in 2013 to, as he puts it, "connect the world." But even though he's been showing off versions of the hardware throughout the years -- and even received a small investment from Twitter earlier this year -- it's never actually made it to market. Until a couple of months ago. That's when Hardi and co. finally unveiled the Muzik One, which launched alongside a partnership with Spotify. What's the big deal? Well, the One is a pair of "connected" headphones that lets you share whatever you're listening to on the social media platform of your choice with just a tap of a button. Sharing music has never been so easy. Whether or not that's worth $300, however, is less clear.
Wearhaus Arc: Is the world ready for 'social headphones'?
Almost exactly a year ago, I received an email about "the world's first social headphones." The main feature of the Wearhaus Arc was their ability to wirelessly connect with other Arcs nearby, letting users broadcast (or listen in to) each other's tunes. Owners of the Arc would be able to create impromptu silent discos, or hyper-local radio stations with just one media player. At a romantic level, I liked the idea. I imagined all the conversations they could start, or connections they might spark, so I wrote about them, suggesting the technology might be better as a "feature" that other brands could license. Despite my reservations, Wearhaus went on to run not one, but two successful rounds of crowdfunding for its bespoke headphones. That product is finally here, and about to go on sale. I've at last had a chance to try it. Has it changed my mind?
