5 comments

[ 3.2 ms ] story [ 19.1 ms ] thread
I've learned a little bit about bone conduction from reading about products based on the technology - bluetooth earbuds a few years ago, and microphone+speaker units for airsoft/paintball more recently.

One of the major things I've heard about the technology is that it's generally not really very good - that the sound isn't ideal.

Obviously what's presented here is a few shades better than anything I can get my hands on - or apparently manufactured in the first place, at least not without military-scale funding.

Is the impression I've gotten incorrect? Is there anything out there I _can_ get my hands on that _is_ any good?

I've used a couple bone conducting headsets. The sound is definitely sub-par when listening to music (the low end is especially weak.) But for voice applications they work fine (perhaps not the highest fidelity, but people on the phone are easily understandable).
It's fine enough for radio communications. I doubt someone is going to use this to listen an orchestra performance. Moreover, it's mono channel audio.
Radiation full time in a cavity full of soft tissue and with thinner walls to the brain?

What could go wrong? I’m sure the same DoD that gave us cancer via Agent Orange and PSTD is carefully looking after its cannon fodder...