Important Innovations

Alerts of Potential Collisions With Cars for Pedestrian Wearers Source:  Columbia University Columbia University Invention Designed to Prevent Accidents A breakthrough set of intelligent headphones is able to detect and analyze ambient sounds around the wearer and warn of an approaching vehicle that could pose a danger. The smart headphones send the wearer a sound alert to be aware and avoid what's coming at them. This is an invention from a team at Columbia University that could save many lives. Twalking Alerts Millions of pedestrians are using headphones and "twalking".  We see them every day with their faces glued to their phones, oblivious to their surroundings as they walk and talk along the streets.  It's very dangerous behavior.  The number of fatalities and injuries caused by "twalking" have tripled in the US in the past 7 years.  Last year, pedestrian deaths hit their highest level since 1990. New Audio-Alert System for Pe

Sustainable Listening: JBL Reflect Eternal Wireless Headphones Source:   JBL Totally Green Sound from Light The Reflect Eternal headphones from JBL generate power to operate from the natural light of the Sun and from artificial light.  The self-charging headphones contain solar-charging material, Powerfoyle from Exeger, that is built into the headband.  The material transforms light into free, sustainable energy. The headphones need only two hours of sun per day to provide 168 hours of listening.  The headphones can be used indoors and outside and can recharge on artificial light. Crowdfunding for Consumer Input JBL is attempting to develop the Reflect Eternal headphones by collaborating directly with consumers by engaging them in crowdfunding on Indiegogo through January 14, 2020.  They want to determine the level of consumer interest in such a green, sustainable product and then fine-tune the product from input.  JBL is a long established audio company with products lik