Ekko sound pods stream audio to several headphones at once

Ekko Audio has taken the wraps off an intriguing product that aims to make a single audio source available to multiple pairs of headphones at once. This functionality is achieved via sound pods, of which four are available; each sound pod streams audio to a pair of headphones plugged into the pod, allowing everyone to listen to, for example, the TV or radio using their own headphones or earbuds.

The product, simply called ekko, is as shown below: an elongated base upon which the four sound pods rest. The base plugs into the audio port on a sound source, such as your living room television. The audio from that source is then streamed to each of the four sound pods, and subsequently to any headphones plugged into them.

The idea is that your sound source may not be terribly high in quality — maybe your TV has a low-quality speaker — and you may want to enjoy the content (a video game, perhaps) in the higher quality your headphones provide. If others are watching, though, you can't use headphones without sealing them out. Ekko is the solution, allowing each person to hear the audio from a single source.

According to the company, each receiver is battery powered and delivers an ultra-low latency Hi-Fi experience; each pod also feature individual controls that don't affect other users' sound experience. There's up to a 100ft range. The base station itself measures in at 10 x 2.5 x 0.67 inches, and supports regular 3.5mm audio connectors. Each sound pod will run for up to 4.5 hours of playback before needing charged.

Ekko will launch in a Kickstarter campaign soon.

VIA: Gizmag