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March 22, 2007 10:22 AM PDT

When your skull is the best speaker

by Mike Yamamoto
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(Credit: Akihabara News)

Are we the only ones who get freaked out by the idea of having soundwaves shooting through our bones? Apparently so, judging by the number of products on the market that do just that.

The latest skeleton-rattling device comes from China, where a company called Temco just released a "bone conduction" Bluetooth headset that forgoes the usual earpieces and sends your tunes via vibrations directly through your skull, Akihabara News reports. But it looks kind of clunky, especially considering that it apparently doesn't have a built-in MP3 player as similar products do. And what good are these things if you can't take them under water?

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don't like
by icecreamobsessed March 22, 2007 1:22 PM PDT
I really don't like the sounds that resonate through your body and what's the point in having one if it can't go in water and/or has an MP3 player or Ipod installed!
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New lo-tech version announced.
by HorizonDataSys March 22, 2007 2:15 PM PDT
For Immediate Release
---------------------

Easter Island Audio and Video has anncounced a new lo-tech version of the bon-conduction sound machine.

A large man(named Bunga) with a club walks around behind you. Select a song on you IPod and Bunga will beat out the music on your skull with his club. Bone conduction does the rest.

"Other than a certain amount of blood-spatter, I think it's just great"' says Prefontaine Tentious, offical spokesman for Easter Island Audio and Video. He was wearing a hospital gown, a large bloody turban of bandages and appeared to be slurring his speech slightly.

The only reported drawback is if the user asks for a tune that Bunga does not know. Bunga the plays a different tune on your noggin' while saying, "Bunga don't play dat."

###
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Are You Sure This Isn't Made By Temco Japan?
by westrajc March 23, 2007 4:52 AM PDT
Temco Japan is a highly-respected manufacturer of audio conduction products, including the great "ShellShocker" motorcycle helmet mic/speaker system. Here is a link to their home page:

http://www.temco-j.co.jp/english/index.html
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Gotta love their disclaimer!
by pixelpshr March 23, 2007 7:11 AM PDT
Note: Do not use the product while driving. For safety, use caution and pull the motorcycle to the edge of a road before using the product.
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