Last Gadget Standing Faceoff: Two Ear-Related Gizmos
By Harry McCracken | Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 11:05 am
We’re down to ten finalists for our Last Gadget Standing competition. None of them competes directly with any other item on the list, but we do have two unusual devices you hook to one or both of your ears.
The $199 Looxcie looks like an oversized, old-school Bluetooth headset, and while it can indeed serve as a headset for your phone, its main trick is that it’s really a camcorder that can send video clips to your iPhone or Android handset–and it has a buffer, so you can capture stuff going on around you even after it happens.
Sonomax’s Soundcage–also $199–is a set of in-ear headphones with a unique twist: It comes with a headband that lets you sculpt the buds for maximum comfort for a bespoke fit that’s otherwise the province of much pricier, fully custom headphones such as Ultimate Ears’ highest-end models.
Your verdict, please…
12 Comments
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December 29th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
I like Looxcie because it gives me hands free video shooting. Something that I never thought is possible few months back. Soundcage is good no doubt. But, it is not something as revolutionary, as forward looking, as Looxcie. Looxcie has opened up a new category of gadgets. Go Looxcie!!
December 29th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Without a doubt the Looxcie is the cooler gadget. The only thing that could make it better would be a MicroSD slot.
December 29th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
I like Soundcage's affordable custom ear phones. Finally, headphones that are comfortable and don't fall out of my ears! Can't wait to try them!!
December 29th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
I am an avid triathlete and my ear buds are always falling out, including ear buds I have spent lots of money on.
Doesn't everybody get annoyed with ear buds that fall out!?
These look sick!
December 30th, 2010 at 10:01 am
Looxcie is awesome but i think it's so expensive.
Gingerbread Android
December 30th, 2010 at 10:35 am
I really like the idea of custom fit ear-phones not head phones, I guess that from the look at the picture it could be mistaken for head-phones is that headband used to make the moulds for each ear to get that custom one of a kind fit?
I hear that it reduces outside noise so you can hear your music crystal clear and theirs no need for high volume, witch protects future hearing damage, is that true?
Awsome Pruducts!!
December 30th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
that camera is SICK!!!!
Can you say filming snowboarding!?
December 30th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
I have the Soundcage earphones, and they are really great. I listen to my music at a much lower volume…and there's no way they will fall out. Perfect for working out, and blocking out unwanted noise!
I love them
December 30th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
I love my soundcage earphones. The headband is only used to custom make the ear buds. Once made you discard the headband and have awesome earphones. The earbuds are custom fit, never hurt and never fall out. Sound is the BEST! On airplanes I can listen to my music at a comfortable and safe level and it cuts out the plane noise too.
December 30th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Soundcage ear headphones are superb. I use them everytime I run on the tread mill & they never fall out. The are comfortable & the sound quality is excellent.
December 31st, 2010 at 11:00 am
The Soundcage ear headphones are an excellent product; I have tried others, including Beats by Dr Dre. Even with 10 tip sizes shipped with the Beats product, there is no way to get the same comfort and quality as that of Soundcage. I'm going to buy a few Soundcage headphones when they come available in the next couple of months and give them as birthday gifts to my family and friends.
January 7th, 2011 at 6:36 am
When and where did you try out the Soundcage ear headphones? I'd love to try them out myself…