The bone conducting headset

Stephen Tong | Jun 19, 2007

Headsets that allow call pickups via bone conduction? NTT DoCoMo's Sound Leaf makes sure that the hearing impaired won't be too left out.

How does it work? Basically once linked to the handset, users can talk by placing the receiver supposedly anywhere on the scalp. You don't need to put the speaker to the ear but, of course, somewhere closeby is recommended. Clearly this will help those who can't hear too well.

The Sound Leaf weighs 52g, is powered by two AAA batteries which can last for about 25 hours of talking. This nifty device was released in the Japanese market in summer 2006 but no information was given as to when we'll see it released elsewhere. This handset retails for ¥8,000 (US$65).

More images of Sound Leaf: