Wearables

DropShades: Sound-reactive sunglasses brighten up the party

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DropShades are sound-reactive sunglasses with LED bars that pulsate in time to music
Early attempts at constructing the DropShades prototype led to minor injuries, one of which can be seen here
DropShades are sound-reactive sunglasses with LED bars that pulsate in time to music
DropShades prototype
Computer rendering of DropShades
The initial brainstorming session with various pairs of sunglasses and electronic equipment assembled for sorting
The DropShades prototype as seen in public, with a volunteer braving a party while wearing them
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If you're the person at a party who likes to be noticed, then donning a pair of sunglasses which react to sound may be just what you've always wanted. Such a thing now exists, at least in prototype form, with DropShades taking the Kanye West-style shutter shades design and adding multi-colored LED lights to the equation.

DropShades are regular shutter shades with some basic tech added to make them dance. A microphone picks up sound (which, at a party, is likely to be loud music) and a signal processor translates that sound into a pulsing cascade of lights across the front of the sunglasses. This has the effect of turning your face into a walking graphic equalizer.

The creators of DropShades currently have a working prototype and have launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds necessary to bring the glasses to market. A pair of DropShades will set you back US$30, but shipping is currently limited to the US and Canada.

The video below features the Kickstarter pitch for DropShades, with the prototype being tested at parties.

Source: DropShades on Kickstarter

View gallery - 6 images
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3 comments
Nantha
Cool! I can think of similar clothes to go with them?
LainieAnderson
Amazing that they actually pulse to the beat, my kids would love these!
Garrett Lajoie
These look awesome and I would totally wear them, but can you actually, ya know... see out of these?