While many are looking towards virtual, augmented, and mixed
realities as the next big wave in computing, there is already
one that is also silently making waves in our modern lives.Some
have nicknamed it the “Fourth Platform”, the contextual
computing that permeates virtual personal assistants like Siri,
Cortana, or Google Assistant. Despite being controlled by
voice, these assistants are usually inconveniently found in
smartphones that we have to take out or speakers that we can’t
take with us. That is why Bragi, a leading wireless headphone
maker, and Starkey, a leader in the hearing aid business, have
banded together to bring the Dash Pro tailored by Starkey, as
well as the plain Dash Pro, offering a truly hands-free
wireless ear computing experience that can also be personalized
to fit your ear.
In essence, Bragi and Starkey are announcing three new
products: the Dash Pro, the Dash Pro tailored by Starkey, and
the Bragi OS 3. All three aim to deliver not just the finest
music listening experience but also the most intelligent
earbuds you can get. And, for very little additional cost, you
can have one made that has been custom molded to your ear for
the perfect fit.
Both custom-made and plain Dash Pro models share many of the
same powerful features that has made Bragi more than just a
successful Kickstarter name. A key feature is the audio
transparency popularized by the Bragi Dash. This allows users
to decide whether they want to block out th rest of the world
or let only important sound, like warnings and conversations,
through. Together with Knowles Versant technology, the Dash Pro
delivers crisp and clear voice audio, whether you’re talking
with someone on the phone or issuing a command.
To this audio prowess, the Dash Pro tailored by Starkey adds
comfort as well as a personal touch. Utilizing years of
experience in the hearing aid business, Starkey creates an
exact impression of a user’s ear canal that is then 3D printed
into the actual earpieces. The perfect, custom fit offers
excellent audio isolation and clarity.
All of those benefits, however, would be lost without the
software that gives the Dash Pro and Dash Pro tailored by
Starkey its soul. Bragi OS 3 enhances the user experience not
only through ease of use but also through intelligent features
that make you really feel like you have a computer in your ear.
Ever seen sci-fi videos where foreign (or even alien) languages
are translated instantly? Through integration with iTranslate,
the little earbuds can translate between 40 different languages
in real-time. Each new Dash Pro and Dash Pro tailored by
Starkey gets a free month iTranslate trial with their purchase.
Although Bragi OS 3, or BOS3, is intended to be controlled by
voice, there are times when that’s not just inconvenient but
also impossible. And sometimes, you can’t even reach the touch
control surface with your finger. The new Virtual 4D Menu gives
you another option, using head gestures like nodding to control
the Dash Pro.
More than just an audio accessory, the Dash Pro is also a
workout partner. It automatically detects the type of activity
you’re doing, be it running, cycling, or even swimming, and
switches to track that activity. Yes, swimming, because both
the Dash Pro as well as the personalized Dash Pro tailored by
Starkey are waterproof up to 3 feet of fresh water. With 4 GB
of built-in storage, you can also opt to just download your
music and leave your phone where it will be safe and dry.
While the Bragi OS 3 will be available out of the box on the
new Dash Pro, owners of the original Dash will also be able to
update to this latest version of the platform. The Dash Pro
itself is now available directly from the Bragi Shop for $329,
with retail stores like Best Buy stocking up in the coming
weeks.
But for those who want a more personalized product, getting a
Dash Pro tailored by Starkey isn’t as difficult as it may
sound. One simply has to setup an appointment, via their
website or a phone call, in one of 2,500 locations across the
country. Creating an ear impression only takes 10 to 15
minutes, after which it is sent to Starkey’s Eden Prairie
office. After 3 days or so, your carefully crafted,
laser-engraved Dash Pro tailored by Starkey will be yours. And
at $499, it is perhaps the most affordable custom-made
earpieces in the market as well.
