Most of us gym-goers are dependent on our carefully tailored workout playlists to keep our legs moving during an otherwise dreary exercise. Needless to say, this entertainment is difficult to achieve underwater, but that hasn't stopped well-known swim gear brand Finis from helping swimmers have some fun, too. With this in mind, the company has updated its unique waterproof MP3 player, the SwimP3. Version 2 is carefully designed for comfort and practicality, and it's sure to sound a lot better than the splashes of a freestyle stroke.
Like the first version, SwiMP3 v2 uses bone conduction technology. It consists of two "earpieces," which are attached by a cord that loops around the back of the neck. But rather than placing each unit over your ears, you affix them to your cheekbones where vibrations from the player are passed from the bone to your inner ear.
(Credit:
Finis)
As a recreational swimmer, I had to take this gadget for a dive. My first attempt to wear the player was on the pool deck, and let's just say there were some curious looks involved as I fidgeted with the parts like a complete newb. (In a moment of insecurity, I ran to the bathroom for an assisting mirror.) Here's how it works: First comes the swim cap, followed by goggles on top (the usual routine). Finally, the units of the SwiMP3 player clip right onto the goggle strap, and lay directly on the cheekbones.
After swimming laps with my SwiMP3 player, I was very satisfied with my workout. The music is a definite motivator and, contrary to my expectations, the sound quality was impressive. It's nothing like putting on a pair of Bose headphones, but it's more than adequate for an underwater player. Plus, it attaches on your person more securely than something like the Freestyle Audio SoundWave or the Dolphin Swimmer, and there are no earbuds to easily slip out and no cumbersome wire connecting your head to your arm.
Avid swimmers will find the SwiMP3 to be a good investment, since it delivers a technology superior to a waterproof case and headphones. However, the $150 price tag isn't a fit for everyone, particularly occasional swimmers.
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The SwiMP3 player is a waterproof MP3 player with 256MB internal memory. That's approximately 60 songs, and the player has a 10-hour lithium ion battery. The device charges via USB and can be synced with both Windows (98SE, 2000, ME, XP, Vista) and Mac-based PCs (OS 9, OS X, or higher), and it even works with iTunes. Supported audio formats include MP3 and WMA files. Here's a full list of technical information including iTunes and Windows Media setup.
(Credit:
FINIS)
According to FINIS, the SwiMP3 "attaches easily to any swim goggle or snorkeling mask. For audio playback it relies on bone conduction of sound. When the device is placed on any bones of the skull (the cheekbones or the mastoid tip), it leads to vibration of the fluid in the inner ear. Thus swimmers can enjoy clarity of sound with the SwiMP3 device that was never before possible. Bone conduction is a safe, well-established hearing mechanism in humans that the SwiMP3 player leverages to enhance aquatic activity. FINIS' application of the technology brings an entirely new level of experience to swimmers of all abilities."
To be able to listen to the Jaws theme or any music underwater would be pretty cool. But at $149.99, I think they may take a bite out of you before you get wet.
(Credit:
Finis)
It still sends chills up our spine, literally and figuratively, but the skull-as-speaker concept continues to make inroads in audio technology. And not content to take over our bodies on land, companies have been refining their products under water as well.
Two years after Finis' "SwiMP3" seized the aquatic world by the cheekbones, the company has updated its swimmers' headphones with a new pair dubbed simply the "v2." Aside from a slightly different design, however, Electronista says the most significant difference is more storage capacity (256MB vs. 128MB), as well as adding support for the WMA format. Call us old-fashioned, but we still like our music through the ear, not the bone.
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