These headphones look normal, until you turn them into a speaker

These newly released headphones feature a novel hybrid design that I can’t say I’ve seen before. You can wear them on your head as usual for private listening, or rotate the headband so the cups combine and form a speaker for others to hear.

The Neo headphones, from audio startup Tomorrow Doesn’t Matter (TDM), should appeal to people who enjoy sharing what they’re listening to. The key is the flexible headband, which rotates and automatically switches the Neo from headphone mode to speaker mode, and vice versa.

This could be interesting to younger listeners who socialize frequently, or travelers who like to pack light and carry one less device on the road.

There are four 40mm drivers in total, which TDM says are tuned to deliver clear, powerful sound. You can use a companion mobile app to modify the Neo’s equalizer and set up separate profiles for headphone and speaker modes. In addition, it will help you track your Neo by pointing out its last known location.

The twisting movement only lasts one second and can be configured with different functions. You can switch between output modes, pause your music, turn the device off and on in whatever mode it’s in, or lock it in speaker mode.

TDM says you can expect a whopping 200 hours of battery life from the Neo in headphone mode, or about 16 hours in speaker mode. Charging it via USB-C gives you eight hours of playback in just five minutes.

At 12 oz (340 g), the Neo is a little heavier than most other headphones (including the 9 oz/254 g Sony XM6). Beyond the luxury of lighter equipment, you’re also giving up active noise cancellation, which is practically a given on consumer-focused headphones that cost over a hundred dollars.

For some people, however, this may not be a bother, especially if they get enough use of the speaker.

TDM hopes you like the concept enough to shell out $249 for the Neo. I’d like to hear it in action and test the bold battery life claim before shelling out that kind of money.

Alternatively, you could buy a well-reviewed pair of Bose QuietComfort headphones, a highly recommended compact speaker from Ultimate Ears, and still have money left over.

If your interest is piqued, you can find the Neo on TDM’s site, as well as on Amazon.

Source: TDM via Business Wire

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