BLOG

Nokia Cranks Up Music Inspired Headphone Designs

Putting the power of design in the hands of the consumer has its strengths and weaknesses. It’s an opportunity for unknown designers to get some shine, but sadly sub-par concepts and uninspired execution usually overshadow the real talent. But damn, we can’t hate on the left-field designs that have come out of Nokia’s Music Almighty Headset Competition this week.

The Finnish company called on consumers to put a music-inspired spin on their line of Bluetooth earphones, using tools provided on the website like beaming lights, interchangable colors, and decorative characters. The five winners will actually be manufactured as one-of-ones and will be displayed in select retail locations. Check out designs inspired by Jay-Z, MGMT and Santogold below…

WeSC & Bloomingdales Hand Out Headphones

When it comes to streetwear brands throwing parties, WeSC knows how to do it. This coming Thursday, to celebrate its new partnership with Bloomingdales, the Swedish company will be throwing an in-store event at the midtown NYC store where guests will receive these LTD headphones, made in a run of 500 (not for sale) pieces. Following the cocktails at the in-store, the event will move on to Home in NYC where DJ Stretch Armstrong and the band Awesome Color will perform. Get up in there and get yourself some free shit!

Headphones will be a big push for the brand in the next year, when they will release special designs by We activists like Stretch, Ray Barbee, Amy Gunther, Jason Lee, Jussi Oksanen, Marok, and others. See closeups of the Bloomingdales ‘phones below…

Hands Free

About every six months we look to switch up our cell phones, and there are always a ton to choose from. Free is often an X factor, a few cool features to satisfy our ADD are essential, too. At the bottom of that list is Bluetooth. The innovative technology that allows you to use your phone remotely through the use of an earpiece is certainly convenient, but it’s just another accessory we can do without. We get enough weird stares from the all-over print hoodies, so looking like we’re talking to ourselves would be a little over the top.

Either way, Plantronics, the communications company that owns Altec/Lansing (arguably the best speakers on the market) gave us some samples of their new Bluetooth products—headsets that weigh as much as a nickel bag, and wireless headphones that stream songs from your mp3-capable cell phone. First off, we have iPods. Second, we just spent a grip on our latest phone, so we’re gonna show it off like it’s our girl. If these Plantronics pieces don’t make the giveaway rounds in our office, our stockbroker uncle will get a few early Christmas gifts.

The lightest and most expensive of the batch. Probably the coolest and least annoying, that’s if you don’t mind looking like Captain Kirk.

Our earbuds break all the time. Hopefully we’ll have better luck with these wireless ones.