While adults often don a pair of headphones to shut themselves off from the outside world, youngsters are more likely to want to share music and video being consumed on a portable device with friends. This usually means splitting one set of headphones between them, only hearing one side of the audio. DuoBuds ear buds offer a simple solution by packing a built-in 3.5mm port for attaching an additional pair of headphones.
It's a simple concept, but one that a lot of tweens and teens could enjoy. The DuoBuds are similar to most silicone ear buds, but with the addition of an extra port near the jack for connecting another set of 3.5 mm headphones. You can even connect multiple DuoBuds together, though you might see a slight loss in performance after connecting three or four in a row. Granted, you could get the same function from a cheap splitter cable or jack, but the DuoBuds are aimed at kids, who are much more likely to lose any extra bits and pieces or forget them at home.
With kids in mind, the cable is also wrapped in fabric for better durability and to prevent tangles, and the extra port has an attached cap to keep out dust and pocket lint. The two ear buds are also designed to snap together, so they can be worn around the neck when not in use. In the future, the designer plans to offer an over-the-ear model as well as a standalone cable that attaches to premium headphones.
The DuoBuds are available in black, white, green, blue, pink, and purple color schemes and can be purchased on the official website. Currently they are priced at AUD$39.95 (US$40.90) and will ship internationally from Australia – but the designer has stated the pricing may be lower for a forthcoming U.S. release.
