86 Issue 1404
Thisweek’s Kickstarter projects are a pair ofaudio-focused campaignsfeaturing
high-fidelity, specialist-use hardwareyou can’t getinthe shops
OSSIC X
If you’re a gamer or audiophile who likes the idea of 3D sound,
the Ossic X headphones are for you. Instantly calibrated to the
listener, they create a sense of auditory space thanks to advanced
3D audio algorithms and built-in head tracking abilities. Rather
than being noticeably directed into your ears from the speakers,
the sound appears to come from all around you thanks to a multi-
driver array that plays back sound in multiple simultaneous ways,
creating a special surround effect.
For gaming, Ossic X makes a natural companion to VR headsets
and competitive play, but it can also enhance the experience of
watching movies by offering the wearers cinema-like immersion.
For music, itreplicates the sound of a concert hall. It’s hard to
demonstrate by its nature, but the campaign as a lot of graphs,
videos and diagrams that should convince you that they’re serious
about what the technology can do.
It’s fair to say that there’s confidence in the hardware, because
Ossic has raised a million dollars despite aiming for a tenth of
that. The cheapest way to get one right now is to spend $249
(£177) on their Kickstarter-exclusive first run, a saving of $150
(£106). The hardware is due to ship in January 2017, but it does
seem like it’ll be worth the wait.
URL:kck.st/1RYtmer
Funding Ends: Thursday, April 21st 2016Soundboks
The problem with most portable speakers is that they’re either
a bit weedy or lack staying power. The Soundboks is one
company’s attempt to create one that doesn’t. Designed for
outdoor use, the Soundboks claims to deliver “extreme volume”,
“unbreakable design” and “maximum battery life.” All of which
sounds great, if true. Indeed, it’s so loud the San Francisco police
claimed that they’d need a permit to use it.
Despite being battery powered, the speaker can chuck outa
massive 119dB, which is as loud as a live concert. The case is
shockproof, weatherproof and temperatureresistant. The dual
batteries charge in three hours and can play for eight hours at
maximum volume, 30 hours at medium level and 100 hours ata
low level.With a range of 90 feet and a 120° spread, just one
Soundboks can cover enough area for almost any occasion.
If you’re wondering what might put you off this hardware,
then there’s only the price to worry about. The cheapest tiers
have already gone, but you could still pick one up for $459
(£325) if you’re fast, and $499 (£354) if you’re not. The package
includes the speaker, two batteries and an aux cable. The good
news? They’re planning to ship it in June 2016, so your summer
parties can make full use of it.
URL:kck.st/1TqWWuF
Funding Ends: Sunday, April 3rd 2016CrowdfundingCorner
Disclaimer: Images shown may be prototypes and Micro Mart does not formally endorse or guarantee any of the projects listed. Back them at your own risk!