Los Angeles-based tech startup Zungle introduces a sunglasses collection that use bone-conduction technology to vibrate music into your ears. Zungle Panther is designed to solve problems of those who want to listen to music while enjoying outdoor activities. These audio shades are not only aesthetically pleasing just like regular fashion sunglasses, but also carry innovative features such as a bone conduction sound system, a hidden USB port, and a single jog dial button.
“In this generation, people have always wanted to try out wearable devices, but they were always hesitant because of the designs. Everyone wants to use a cool device that’s also convenient but no one wants to look goofy in them,” said Jason Yang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zungle. “The users can make phone calls or listen to music by pairing Panther with their smartphone through Bluetooth, but these shades will look just the same as regular sunglasses to other people. No one except the user can hear the sounds.”
Using the bone conduction sound system, Zungle Panther can transfer sounds even if the users don’t wear earbuds in their ears. Unlike normal earbuds which transmit vibrations to their eardrums, the bone conduction system transmits vibrations directly to their skull bone so that they can listen to music with their ears completely uncovered.
“The design of our product is something that we can never give up on. Sunglasses are fashion items that people wear on their faces and they really do care about how they look. We solved the design issue by hiding the bone conduction sound system on each end of the legs,” said Chris Hong, Founder and Chief Development Officer. “The USB port is also hidden on the hinge and there is only one jog dial button for every control of the functions.”
Zungle Panther comes handy when the users go for a jog or ride a bike. The users can easily use its intuitive jog dial button even without a manual and it only weighs 45 grams, which is lighter than regular sunglasses. It also lets them listen to music with their ears completely open which is a safer way to be aware of the surroundings and prevent possible accidents.
Zungle Panther comes in five colors: black, white, grey, neon green, and neon pink. To satisfy the customers’ needs, Zungle Panther lenses can be replaced with the iconic Oakley Frogskin lenses. Pre-order of Zungle Panther is available until July 17th on Kickstarter. During the Kickstarter campaign the product can be pre-ordered starting at $89 USD, with retail pricing expected to be $149 USD. Head over to Zungle’s official website or at Kickstarter to learn more.
all images and video courtesy of Zungle