Blab Tech
H2O Audio and Florence Launch Waterproof Bone-Conduction Headphones for Multi-Sport Use
H2O Audio, a San Diego‑based company known for waterproof audio accessories, and Florence, a brand that designs gear for outdoor athletes, have released a new pair of headphones called the Florence x TRI 2. The device is marketed as a lightweight, open‑ear, bone‑conduction headphone that can be used for swimming, surfing, running, cycling, paddling, and other sports.
The Florence x TRI 2 is priced at $150 and carries an IPX8 waterproof rating, meaning it can be submerged continuously in water up to 12 feet (3.6 m) without damage. The headphones use bone‑conduction technology to transmit sound through the skull, allowing the user to hear music while still being able to hear ambient sounds such as traffic, water, or wildlife.
Design and Comfort
The headphones sit on the head rather than in the ears, using a silicone coating that feels like skin. The open‑ear design keeps the ears free, providing situational awareness while the user is active. The unit is lightweight and has a simple interface with only three buttons for volume control and playback.
Connectivity and Storage
The device connects via Bluetooth to a phone or other Bluetooth‑enabled source. It also includes an 8 GB internal memory that can store up to 2,000 songs, roughly 130 hours of audio. Users can load playlists directly onto the headphones, eliminating the need to carry a phone while swimming or paddling.
The built‑in microphone is waterproof, allowing voice calls or voice commands while the user is in the water.
Battery Life
The headphones provide approximately eight hours of playback on a single charge. In a user review, the battery level was reported as “medium” after a week of daily use, indicating that the device can sustain a full day of activity without frequent recharging.
Range and Limitations
Bluetooth connectivity is limited to a relatively short range. The headphones lose audio when the phone is placed far away, such as in a sock, which may be a consideration for users who want to keep their phone in a separate waterproof case.
Use Cases
Because the headphones are waterproof and have a robust build, they are suitable for a wide range of activities. The open‑ear design is especially useful for runners who need to remain aware of their surroundings, and for swimmers who want to listen to music without blocking the ear canal. The device can also be used for surfing, paddleboarding, cycling, and even winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding.
Market Context
H2O Audio has a history of developing waterproof audio products, and the company holds patents related to waterproofing and audio control. Florence, founded in 2003, has a reputation for producing durable outdoor gear. The collaboration between the two brands combines H2O Audio’s waterproof technology with Florence’s focus on performance in the elements.
The headphones have been reviewed by several consumer‑tech outlets, including The Inertia and Road Trail Run. Those reviews highlight the device’s durability, sound quality, and the convenience of the built‑in storage.
Availability
The Florence x TRI 2 is available for purchase through H2O Audio’s website, Amazon, and other retailers that carry the product. The price point of $150 places it in the mid‑range for sports headphones, offering a balance of features and affordability.
Conclusion
The Florence x TRI 2 represents a focused effort to deliver a waterproof, bone‑conduction headphone that supports a variety of sports and outdoor activities. With its IPX8 rating, open‑ear design, and built‑in storage, the device aims to provide users with audio enjoyment without compromising safety or convenience. The limited Bluetooth range and the need for close proximity to a phone are noted drawbacks, but the overall feature set positions the headphones as a viable option for athletes who demand reliable audio in wet or active environments.
The Florence x TRI 2 is priced at $150 and carries an IPX8 waterproof rating, meaning it can be submerged continuously in water up to 12 feet (3.6 m) without damage. The headphones use bone‑conduction technology to transmit sound through the skull, allowing the user to hear music while still being able to hear ambient sounds such as traffic, water, or wildlife.
Design and Comfort
The headphones sit on the head rather than in the ears, using a silicone coating that feels like skin. The open‑ear design keeps the ears free, providing situational awareness while the user is active. The unit is lightweight and has a simple interface with only three buttons for volume control and playback.
Connectivity and Storage
The device connects via Bluetooth to a phone or other Bluetooth‑enabled source. It also includes an 8 GB internal memory that can store up to 2,000 songs, roughly 130 hours of audio. Users can load playlists directly onto the headphones, eliminating the need to carry a phone while swimming or paddling.
The built‑in microphone is waterproof, allowing voice calls or voice commands while the user is in the water.
Battery Life
The headphones provide approximately eight hours of playback on a single charge. In a user review, the battery level was reported as “medium” after a week of daily use, indicating that the device can sustain a full day of activity without frequent recharging.
Range and Limitations
Bluetooth connectivity is limited to a relatively short range. The headphones lose audio when the phone is placed far away, such as in a sock, which may be a consideration for users who want to keep their phone in a separate waterproof case.
Use Cases
Because the headphones are waterproof and have a robust build, they are suitable for a wide range of activities. The open‑ear design is especially useful for runners who need to remain aware of their surroundings, and for swimmers who want to listen to music without blocking the ear canal. The device can also be used for surfing, paddleboarding, cycling, and even winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding.
Market Context
H2O Audio has a history of developing waterproof audio products, and the company holds patents related to waterproofing and audio control. Florence, founded in 2003, has a reputation for producing durable outdoor gear. The collaboration between the two brands combines H2O Audio’s waterproof technology with Florence’s focus on performance in the elements.
The headphones have been reviewed by several consumer‑tech outlets, including The Inertia and Road Trail Run. Those reviews highlight the device’s durability, sound quality, and the convenience of the built‑in storage.
Availability
The Florence x TRI 2 is available for purchase through H2O Audio’s website, Amazon, and other retailers that carry the product. The price point of $150 places it in the mid‑range for sports headphones, offering a balance of features and affordability.
Conclusion
The Florence x TRI 2 represents a focused effort to deliver a waterproof, bone‑conduction headphone that supports a variety of sports and outdoor activities. With its IPX8 rating, open‑ear design, and built‑in storage, the device aims to provide users with audio enjoyment without compromising safety or convenience. The limited Bluetooth range and the need for close proximity to a phone are noted drawbacks, but the overall feature set positions the headphones as a viable option for athletes who demand reliable audio in wet or active environments.
