Binaural beats were first discovered by German physicist Heinrich Dove over a century ago. As the name suggests, it involves presenting two tones of slightly different frequencies separately to each ear affecting. It has been seen that this procedure stimulates the brain waves, creating arousal and enhancing relaxation, giving a feeling of deep meditation. The Nike FeelFree uses the same technology in their concept stereo headphone so you can relax yourself anytime, anywhere.

The effect of the binaural tones is dependent upon the frequencies at which the tones are emitted, so the user has to be careful while choosing whether meditation, focus, learning or sleep is desired. The frequencies for concentration are between 13 and 40Hz, which is also linked to arousal, and those between 7 and 13Hz will make the user drowsy. Waves between 4 and 7Hz will send the user into dream-filled sleep and those below 4Hz will involve dreamless sleep.
The gadget also includes devices to measure the user’s brainwaves, because the process works best if it is begun near the current dominant frequency of the user. The tones are presented through bone conduction so it does not affect the individual from listening to the external world. The headset was designed by Hannes Seeberg in 2006 as a project for his semester Brand Identity and Strategic Design paper. The uses of the this concept would be sensational if it reached production stage, which it hasn’t due to difficulties involved with fitting the complex technology into a small and light headset.

Via: OhGizmo/ TechDigest