At CES 2019, bone conduction audio company AfterShokz announced a new product line using its unique, open-eared headphones: sunglasses. Their new OptiShokz Revvez sunglasses were specifically designed for runners, cyclists, skiers, or anyone else who would like to listen to music while wearing sunglasses — all with the bonus of bone conduction technology, which lets them hear the world around them.
Revvez aren't the first sunglasses/headphones combo we've seen. Bose Frames sunglasses will be shipping soon, combining Bose sound with traditional sunglasses styling. But, AfterShokz brings a twist with its bone conduction headphones, which offer great situational awareness for outdoor activities. Instead of going into your ears or covering them like traditional earbuds or headphones, Revvez make contact with the cartilage at the back of your ear to conduct sound directly into your inner ear.
Because bone conduction audio puts sound waves directly in your inner ear, it bypasses your eardrum and doesn't cover your ear at all, making it easy to listen to your surroundings. These headphones are ideal for runners who may hit their stride best while listening to 80s music but have to watch for cars, or golfers who have to take a quick call on the fairway but still need their ears open to listen for that "fore!" Revvez have noise-canceling microphones that enhance speech volume for calls, too.
The lenses come in five colors. There are fairly traditional sunglasses options, like Polarized Grey, REVO Blue, and Gradient Gray, but they also come in Bright Yellow and Transparent. Since the lenses are interchangeable and made from Teijin polycarbonate, the Transparent option may make good light safety goggles you can use to listen to your favorite podcast while you play basketball. You can only choose one lens color when you order, but you'll be able to order additional lenses separately. The Revvez will be available later this year for $179, with the polarized lens option costing $199.
[Image credit: AfterShokz]
