Ghostek launches the world's first headphones with graphene drivers

Ghostek announced a new graphene-based headphones, the Rapture Wireless Headphones. Ghostek says that the Rapture uses 40 mm graphene drivers to deliver a "Next-Level HD Audio Experience". Other features include Bluetooth 4.1+EDR, aptX Audio Technology, soft protein leather ear cups, a 3.5mm audio jack input, built-in HD microphone and a LED battery status.

Ghostek Rapture photo

Ghostek's Rapture Wireless Headphones will ship on January 22 for $125. You can pre-order it now on Amazo.com.

Read the full story Posted: Jan 01,2018

Pioneer launches graphene-enhanced sports earphones in the Chinese market

Pioneer Corporation, leader in optical disc technology and a worldwide manufacturer of audio, video and computer equipment, has launched the SEC-S801BT - a heart rate sports earphones with graphene diaphragm. These will be made available in China as a start.

Pioneer's graphene-enhanced earphones image

The Pioneer SEC-S801BT is a Bluetooth dual-mode based sports earphones that track the user's heart rate while simultaneously playing music. The graphene diaphragm is considered a superior material for earphones as it allows more accurate sound reproduction and can deliver clarity in the mid to high frequency range. Using the graphene diaphragm, the Pioneer earphones reportedly provide a wider range of frequency response, resulting in an acoustically solid listening experience for the users that achieves a deep bass while still having best-in-class middle and high frequencies.

Read the full story Posted: Dec 25,2017

Researchers develop the world's first light-driven speaker using a 3D graphene sponge

A research team from the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland and Sapienza University in Rome developed a new loud speaker that is driven by a light signal - and without electricity. The idea is to use modulated light that shines on a 3D graphene sponge. The audio is achieved via a highly-efficient photo-mechanism.

The researchers say that unlike conventional loudspeakers, this high-fidelity photo-speaker does not rely on vibrations to produce the sound - and it does not need any type of electrical connection or complicated system for sound generation. Using an optical pulse train, this loudspeaker allows a completely digital operation for frequencies from acoustic to ultrasound.

Read the full story Posted: Dec 18,2017

10 graphene-enhanced products already on the market

Graphene has been attracting attention due to its exciting properties and countless ideas for applications benefiting from those properties have been thought of; However, it is rightfully claimed that graphene has yet to transform an actual industry or become a household name.

With that said, graphene seems to be slowly but surely entering the market in all sorts of products. In this post, we list 10 products already commercially available that contain graphene - and these are not all of them. Hopefully this is just the beginning and many more applications will follow.

International wheel producer Vittoria sells a range of bicycle wheels that are built from graphene-enhanced composite materials. The wheels, called Quarno (Graphene Plus inside) are available in three different editions (46, 60 and 84 mm) and contain graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) provided by Directa Plus. The company explains that the graphene grants the wheels advantages like heat dissipation (15-30°C lower) a crucial factor in the slopes, an increase in lateral stiffness (more than 50%) and puncture reduction, especially around the valve area.

 

Read the full story Posted: Dec 13,2017

The Zolo graphene-enhanced wireless earphones are now commercially available

Update: Currently Zolo is only shipping is Liberty earphones and not the Liberty+. Both products seem to be similar, but the Liberty+ has double the battery life.

Earlier this year, Anker’s audio brand, Zolo, launched a Kickstarter campaign for its Liberty+, a pair of graphene-enhanced fully wireless earphones. The Zolo Liberty+ earphones are now available on Amazon.

Zolo's graphene-enhanced earphones image

The earphones cost $99, which may seem expensive but the company explains that these are already wireless and offer a whole-day battery life. It also comes with AI for smart assistance and is sweat-proof (and so suitable for use in fitness activities). The ZOLO promises super clear and immersive sound quality and the graphene-enhanced technology reportedly results in impressive treble and clarity.

Read the full story Posted: Nov 22,2017

CKCOM launched a crowdfunding campaign for graphene-enhanced wireless earbuds

China-based manufacturer CKCOM has launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for Alien Earbuds, offering an affordable but high quality alternative to more expensive true wireless earbuds on the market. Alien earbuds feature graphene-enhanced drivers, 4.5-hour playtime, built-in mic for hands-free calling, and multi-touch button for important gestures, and more. The campaign has already reached $15,498 USD at the time of writing, which stand for 77% of the $20,000 (flexible) goal, with a month left to go.

Graphene-enhanced Alien earbuds image

According to the company, the graphene drivers are "lightweight yet sturdy enough to conduct clear highs, crisp mids, and resonant bass". Graphene prevents unwanted sound distortions that come with standard audio drivers. CKCOM defines the Alien earbuds as "the first pair of true wireless earbuds that offer premium features at the lowest price on the market. Alien Earbuds have all of the bases covered: they're perfect for exercising, traveling, and working out".

Read the full story Posted: Oct 11,2017

Zolo launched crowdfunding campaign for graphene-enhanced earphones

Anker’s audio brand, Zolo, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its Liberty+, a pair of graphene-enhanced fully wireless earphones. The campaign has already surpassed $600,000 at the time of writing, charging past its $50,000 goal with a over 30 days left to go. An update from July 31 shows the campaign already managed to secure a staggering $2,804,475.

Zolo's graphene-enhanced earphones image

The use of graphene-augmented drivers for the Liberty+ is interesting, and could theoretically yield excellent audio quality. In addition the the graphene boost, the Liberty will also include an AI assistant integration to control your music playback through voice commands, as well as provide information on weather, news alerts, traffic updates, and more. Zolo says they’ll be compatible with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Cortana. Some other features are intriguing, like its battery life and connectivity.

Read the full story Posted: Jul 04,2017

ORA launches a highly successful crowdfunding campaign for its graphene-enhanced headphones

ORA, Canada-based developer of graphene-enhanced audio equipment, recently unveiled its graphene oxide-based composite material, dubbed grapheneQ. A few days ago, the company launched a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign for graphene-enhanced wireless Bluetooth earphones that promise comfort, high fidelity and long battery life, which has since been doing extremely well and (at the time of writing this post) has already tripled its mark!

ORA's graphene headphones image

The product is regarded as the first commercial audio product to use graphene, and is now available at the "early bird" price of $199 (retail price should be $499). The ORA Headphones feature GrapheneQ membranes for excellent tonality and superior dampening, high efficiency drivers for extended battery life, touchpad controls to skip songs, control volume and answer calls, high quality built-in microphone for hands-free calling, and ear-shaped design optimized for fit and ergonomics.

Read the full story Posted: Jun 26,2017

Exeter researchers demonstrate a thermoacoustics graphene-based speaker chip

Researchers from the University of Exeter developed a new chip that combines a thermoacoustics graphene-based speaker, amplifier and graphic equalizer. A thermoacoustics speaker creates sounds by heating and cooling the thin graphene membrane rapidly by an alternating electric current - and the transfer of the thermal variation to the air causes it to expand and contract, thereby generating sound waves.

Graphene-membrane speaker chip (Exeter, 2017)

Thermoaccoustic speakers based on graphene has been demonstrated before, but the Exeter researchers are the first to embed such a speaker, an amplifier and a graphic equalizer on a millimetre-sized device. The researchers see possible applications in ultrasound imaging, telecommunication and maybe even intelligent bandages that monitor and treat patients directly.

Read the full story Posted: May 07,2017

Apple wants to use graphene membranes to enhance next-gen iPhone speakers or microphones

Apple was granted a new patent (filed in 2015) that details an audio device that uses a diaphragm made from a graphene-enhanced composite material. Apple's graphene membrane can be used in a speaker, microphone or headphone device. The patent specifically includes an image of an iPhone device as an example application.

Apple graphene composite acoustic diaphragm patent image (US20170006382)

Apple explains that as devices become smaller and lighter, it is ever more challenging to provide high quality audio using conventional materials - and graphene may improve the mechanical response of the audio device. In addition, in some cases, the use of graphene or graphene flake materials may reduce or eliminate the need for additional external damping.

Read the full story Posted: May 06,2017