Audio brand Urbanista seeks to end the problem of wireless active noise cancellation (ANC) the headphones have run out of power. The company claims that the Powerfoyle solar cell material used on the Urban planner Los Angeles the headphones can charge the battery with any type of light, not just solar. The idea is that you will get “virtually infinite playing time”.
If you are outside for an hour when the sun is shining, solar cell technology will add up to three hours of listening time to the battery, according to Wired. Even if it’s a cloudy day, you’ll apparently have two extra hours of extra battery life for every hour you spend outdoors. Ambient light will also charge the Urbanista Los Angeles, but you’ll charge the battery faster even if you leave the device next to a window. Alternatively, you can charge the battery using a USB-C cable.
Powerfoyle is the brainchild of a Swedish company called Exeger. The material can apparently be used in any design. Urbanista says this is the first time the technology has been incorporated into headphones.
However, JBL also tried to use the technology. The company started a crowdfunding project in 2019 with a similar goal of offering almost unlimited reading with its Reflect Eternal headphones. Partly due to travel complications resulting from the outbreak of COVID-19, JBL canceled the project, and offers refunds to all contributors until the end of the month.
Elsewhere, Urbanista Los Angeles is fully compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows systems, according to the company, as well as Siri and Google Assistant support. You can switch between ANC and ambient sound modes with the push of a button. With an on-ear detection function, the headphones pause sound when you take them off and continue playing when you put them back on your ears. There will be two color options, including a midnight black variant.
Whether the company’s billing claims hold up remains to be seen. Urbanista Los Angeles will cost £ 169 (around $ 200), although the company has yet to open any pre-orders.
