At CES 2024, a new audio brand emerging from Japan’s NTT, known as nwm (an acronym for New Wave Maker and pronounced “noom”), introduced a unique personal audio technology that stands out not for its presence, but rather its absence of barriers between the user and their environment.
Nwm’s headphones employ a technique akin to noise-canceling but in a reversed manner. Instead of blocking external noise, these headphones are designed to prevent their own sound from leaking out. This is achieved through destructive interference, a principle where sound waves are tuned to cancel each other out. Unlike traditional earbuds or closed-back headphones that physically confine sound, nwm’s headphones function more like mini speakers positioned close to your ears.
The concept behind this design is to allow users to simultaneously enjoy their music or calls and stay aware of their surroundings, eliminating the need to remove earbuds in mid-conversation. However, this also means that the audio could potentially be audible to those nearby. To counter this, nwm’s headphones emit a destructive sound wave to create a “personal sound zone,” preventing sound leakage.
During CES, nwm showcased two innovative audio products. The first is a chair with built-in speakers in the wings beside your head. The audio is crisp and clear when you lean back but becomes muffled and quiet just a few inches away. The chair, styled like a typical gaming chair, discreetly incorporates the speakers.
The second product, the MBH001, is a strikingly designed set of headphones. They appear as if the middle and edges of a typical on-ear or over-ear headphone set have been removed, leaving an almost transparent structure.
Despite initial skepticism, a trial of these early versions revealed that, while it was challenging to assess sound quality in the noisy environment of the show floor, the audio was clearly audible when worn and not when removed. The headphones, though lacking in padding comfort, were noted for their light weight and simplicity, apart from the distinct lack of mass.
Nwm confirmed that the MBH001 is set to be their next product release, although it will not be available for a few months. There are plans to evaluate the final product once it becomes available.