Israeli research and development company Noveto have created a sound system with invisible headphones. However, since pledging to begin production earlier this year the company has reportedly declared bankruptcy and is searching for a buyer.

The system utilises face recognition and beamforming technology to broadcast audio towards ‘pockets’ outside of the users ears. The sound emitted should be audible only to the person using the device.

Beamforming technology involves the control of transmitted and/or received audio according to the desired application and channel environments. This phenomenon itself has been known of for years, and utilised in some everyday devices such as laptops or smart speakers. 

However, it has previously been incorporated primarily in public audio environments as movement disrupts the audio signals. To apply this technology to single-person use and allow for movement Noveto includes motion sensing technology to ‘move’ the audio with the listener.

By silently transmitting ultrasound waves towards the user, pockets are created near the ear where the waves converge and become audible for the listener. According to the company others in the room should only hear a whisper. Its intended use is a variety of applications from work to leisure.