NEW YORK, July 9 ― We all know how hard it can be to find a pair of earphones that fit properly, but now a new start-up is using 3D printing to offer customised earbuds.
“Normal” lets users order tailor-made earphones by taking photos of their ears via a smartphone app that launched this week for iPhones and Android phones.
Once each ear has been photographed, customers are led through a “customisation flow” to create their earphones from various design options.
The brainchild of Quirky co-founder Nikki Kaufman, Normals are then manufactured using 3D-printing technology in New York and shipped within 48 hours in a personalised carrying case.
As well as staying in place whilst running, working out or simply listening to music, Normals also claim to deliver a better listening experience as the sound direction is more precisely tuned than with standard earphones.
Normal was inspired by the difficulties Kaufman had finding custom-made earphones, which typically involve having silicone molds created and waiting for weeks for manufacturing before being hit with a hefty price tag.
Meanwhile customisable headphones are having a moment, with Velodyne Acoustics unveiling its new customizable “skins” at the recent CE Week FashionWare showcase in New York.
The ear candy brand is working on a website portal that will enable headphone users to upload their own images to create unique skins for their designs.
Normals are available for US$199 (RM631). ― AFP-Relaxnews
