Mobile Technology

Helios Bluetooth solar-powered headphones aim to cut the cord for good

Helios Bluetooth solar-powered headphones aim to cut the cord for good
The Helios Bluetooth solar-powered headphones use a photovoltaic panel to draw on power from the Sun
The Helios Bluetooth solar-powered headphones use a photovoltaic panel to draw on power from the Sun
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The Helios Bluetooth headphones have an integrated microphone, intended for use with a paired device to enable hands-free phone conversations
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The Helios Bluetooth headphones have an integrated microphone, intended for use with a paired device to enable hands-free phone conversations
The Exod team says each hour of exposure to natural light can provide its Helios Bluetooth headphones with enough juice for half an hour of clean energy listening
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The Exod team says each hour of exposure to natural light can provide its Helios Bluetooth headphones with enough juice for half an hour of clean energy listening
Buttons on the earpiece allow the user to change tracks, adjust volume, take calls and also switch the solar panel on or off
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Buttons on the earpiece allow the user to change tracks, adjust volume, take calls and also switch the solar panel on or off
If the Bluetooth is proving problematic, the headphones also feature a 3.5 mm audio jack for more conventional connection
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If the Bluetooth is proving problematic, the headphones also feature a 3.5 mm audio jack for more conventional connection
If the Bluetooth is proving problematic, the headphones also feature a 3.5 mm audio jack for more conventional connection
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If the Bluetooth is proving problematic, the headphones also feature a 3.5 mm audio jack for more conventional connection
If sunlight is scarce, the 430 mAh battery can be topped up through a Micro USB charging cable plugged into an AC outlet
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If sunlight is scarce, the 430 mAh battery can be topped up through a Micro USB charging cable plugged into an AC outlet
The Helios Bluetooth solar-powered headphones use a photovoltaic panel to draw on power from the Sun
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The Helios Bluetooth solar-powered headphones use a photovoltaic panel to draw on power from the Sun
If the Bluetooth is proving problematic, the headphones also feature a 3.5 mm audio jack for more conventional connection
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If the Bluetooth is proving problematic, the headphones also feature a 3.5 mm audio jack for more conventional connection
View gallery - 8 images

We first came across the idea of solar-powered Bluetooth headphones back in 2009. Five years later, the proliferation of Bluetooth LE and the capability of today's solar cells has given London-based startup Exod the tools needed to turn the concept into reality. With its Helios headphones, the company is dangling the prospect of a dangle-free listening experience in front of mobile music lovers.

As anyone who has spent time untangling those stubborn knots will attest, headphone cords are generally bad news. The thought of going completely wireless with your set of cans certainly has its appeal, but just how much listening time can be afforded purely by energy from the Sun?

The Helios headphones rely on a photovoltaic panel built into the headband to draw on the Sun's power. The Exod team says each hour of exposure to natural light can provide its Bluetooth headphones with enough juice for half an hour of clean energy listening.

The Helios Bluetooth headphones have an integrated microphone, intended for use with a paired device to enable hands-free phone conversations
The Helios Bluetooth headphones have an integrated microphone, intended for use with a paired device to enable hands-free phone conversations

But if sunlight is scarce, the 430 mAh battery can be topped up through a Micro USB charging cable plugged into an AC outlet. When fully charged, it should be good for 15 hours of use. And if the Bluetooth is proving problematic, the headphones also feature a 3.5 mm audio jack for a more conventional connection.

The headphones also have an integrated microphone, intended for use with a paired device to enable hands-free phone conversations. Buttons on the earpiece allow the user to change tracks, adjust volume, take calls and also switch the solar panel on or off.

Helios will be available in wood color, black with mat or glossy finish and carbon. Exod is looking to raise £50,000 (US$78,500) through its Kickstarter campaign, with early pledges of £100 (US$157) still available at the time of writing. Shipping is slated for July 2015 if all goes to plan.

You can check out the team's pitch video below.

Source: Exod

View gallery - 8 images
3 comments
3 comments
Elijah Sherv
Sounds like a cool idea. But yeah, probably wouldn't provide enough electricity to make it loud like many people enjoy. But with improving cells with awesome efficiency i'm sure we can all see some great potential.
S Michael
If your selling price is right you will do ok... If not.... well I will keep my money and cord. Don't try to make a killing all at once.
Shiva750
Sounds Great !!!!!!!!!!!!! I`ll buy this thing as soon as it is launches in the market