The buzz around solar-powered technology is met with skepticism, as many consumers are eager for sustainable devices without the recurring need to charge, but often the technology falls short of expectations. However, at the upcoming CES event, the Swedish company Exeger aims to challenge this skepticism. Exeger will showcase several collaborations utilizing its Powerfoyle flexible solar cell technology.
Urbanista, known for crafting headphones, stands as one of Exeger’s initial partners. Just before CES in Las Vegas kicks off, Urbanista has unveiled headphones that incorporate Powerfoyle technology. The over-ear Urbanista Los Angeles promises “virtually infinite playtime,” while their new version of the Phoenix earbuds is also part of this eco-friendly initiative.
The Los Angeles model boasts a notable 60-hour rated playback time. Though it may not exactly be “virtually infinite,” it’s undeniably remarkable. Thanks to the integration of the Powerfoyle cell in the headband, the headphones can continuously charge in both sunlight and indoor lighting. And when the power does eventually deplete, they can be charged using a USB-C connection. This latest Los Angeles headphone is an upgrade from their initial 2021 release, which also featured Exeger’s innovative tech. Notably, the product is made with recycled plastic and comes with on-ear detection, along with adaptive noise cancellation and a transparency mode enabled through built-in microphones.
Urbanista’s Phoenix earbuds come with a slightly different approach to solar charging. The Powerfoyle technology is integrated into their charging case, while the earbuds themselves provide eight hours of playback—a figure that extends to a total of 40 hours with the charging case’s help. The day also brought news of a new product synergizing with Exeger’s tech, courtesy of 3M. The company unveiled a Peltor brand headset, now revamped to include a Powerfoyle cell in its headband, signifying another step forward for solar-powered consumer electronics.