UPDATE: Despite winning an innovation award for this product in 2010, and the fact that they still list this product as in development, it has yet to come to market as of August 2012. Sadly, I don't know if it will ever see the light. If It does, you'll be the first to know.
As of July 2013, the O.R.B. is yet to be produced and solicits possible partners/investors via their site, but no new information has been dispersed since this post was originally written in 2009.
The Orbital Ring Bluetooth
The most recent piece of hi-tech jewelry to be developed is a wireless earpiece and ring in one.
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The ORB(TM) wireless earpiece finger ring was developed by Hybra Advance Technology, Inc. in partnership with AbsolutelyNew’s Science + Technology Division. It's a finger-worn ring that twists open to become a comfortable, secure and sophisticated Bluetooth headset for hands-free calling.
above: The deluxe edition features a FOLED (Flexible Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen to keep caller ID and calendar reminders quite literally on-hand. It also offers voice-to-text for effortless communication without taking the ring off the finger. The base model has no screen or display.
above: Harnesses bone conducting technology to deliver high-quality sound without the discomfort of placing a device inside the ear.
All models deliver class 2 Bluetooth (~30-ft range) in multiple ring sizes.
Hybra plans to start selling its first ORBs in the U.S., Asia, and Europe as early as January 2010, at approximately $129 USD for the base model with premium aluminum housing. The Deluxe edition Orbs with displays will launch as early as April 2010, at approximately $175 USD.
The designers are also planning limited edition models in April 2010 featuring decorative gemstones, to be priced based on the value of the gemstones.
UPDATE: Despite winning an innovation award for this product in 2010, and the fact that they still list this product as in development, it has yet to come to market as of August 2012. As of June 2013, the O.R.B. is yet to be produced and solicits possible partners/investors via their site, but no new information has been dispersed since this post was originally written in 2009.
About AbsolutelyNew, Inc.
AbsolutelyNew is the consumer goods company that partners with inventors (plus manufacturers and retailers) to launch breakthrough products. The company’s Science + Technology Division also helps innovators launch new devices and technologies into businesses. Products in AbsolutelyNew’s portfolio span a range of categories and can be purchased in stores and catalogs, online and on TV. Headquartered in San Francisco, AbsolutelyNew is privately held with venture capital backing from Artiman Ventures. For more information, visit www.absolutelynew.com.
About Hybra Advance Technology, Inc.
Hybra Advance Technology is a Traverse City, MI product design company that marries and morphs emerging technologies to create consumer electronics for everyday life. Founders Joseph Thiel and Ryan Wells, who remain its principals today, strive to challenge the status quo by leveraging technology to simplify activities and eliminate inefficiencies. For more information, visit www.hybratech.com.
composited images by If It's Hip, It's Here. Original images and info courtesy of AbsolutelyNew and Hybra Advance Technology