Neckphones TRi: The Multifunctional Hybrid Headphones

Revolutionizing Audio Wearables for Urban Commuters

The inspiration for the Neckphones TRi came from the need to address the safety concerns associated with using headphones while riding urban e-bikes. Armengol and his team realized that traditional headphones not only pose a risk to the rider but also disturb the people around them. To overcome these challenges, they developed a proprietary patented directional open sound technology that allows users to enjoy music and make calls without compromising safety or legality.

What sets the Neckphones TRi apart from other audio devices is its versatility. These hybrid headphones seamlessly transform into neckspeakers or portable speakers, offering a patent-pending electroacoustics engineering that delivers directional open sound. This unique feature ensures that micromobility users can enjoy their favorite audio content without disturbing their surroundings.

One of the standout features of the Neckphones TRi is its Active Noise Cancelling capability, making it the first hybrid headphone in the world to offer this functionality. Additionally, the headphones come with interchangeable earpads of different sizes, providing a personalized and comfortable fit for every user.

The design and engineering of the Neckphones TRi presented several challenges. The team focused on creating earcups with the optimal thickness to deliver exceptional sound quality while maintaining a sleek and premium design. Through collaboration with experts from Harman Kardon and B&O, they developed an exclusive internal back cavity that enhances the audio performance of the headphones, particularly when used in neckspeaker mode.

With dimensions of 180mm in width, 100mm in depth, and 220mm in height, the Neckphones TRi strike the perfect balance between portability and functionality. The compact design ensures that users can easily carry the headphones wherever they go, without compromising on audio quality.

Extensive market research conducted by the design team revealed a lack of personalizable headphones in the market, with only 3% of options available. The Neckphones TRi aims to fill this gap by providing a two-in-one device that offers both comfort and functionality. The patent-pending ergonomic ultra extensible headband design ensures a secure fit for 99% of the world's population, while the ecosystem of interchangeable accessories, including ear pads, enhances the user experience.

The Neckphones TRi is not only a technological marvel but also an aesthetically pleasing accessory. The automatic built-in switcher, located in the headband, seamlessly transitions the sound from headphone to neckspeaker mode. This component, designed to be lightweight and compact, adds to the premium and sleek appearance of the headphones.

Since its inception in 2019 in Barcelona, Spain, the Neckphones TRi project has garnered attention and recognition in the industry. It was exhibited at renowned exhibitions such as IFA in Berlin in 2019 and Global Sources in Hong Kong in 2020. The project is set to conclude in 2021 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Neckphones TRi has been awarded the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in the Audio and Sound Equipment Design category in 2022. This recognition highlights the headphones' well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, meeting professional and industrial requirements. With its integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, the Neckphones TRi contributes to a better world by providing fulfillment and positive experiences to its users.

With the Neckphones TRi, Enoc Armengol and his team have revolutionized audio wearables for urban commuters. These multifunctional hybrid headphones offer a safe, stylish, and immersive audio experience, setting a new standard in the industry.