Here One smart wireless earbuds block unwanted noise, let other sounds in

Noise-cancelling headphones are great when you just want to eliminate all outside noise, as you might on board a plane, but there are times when you want to be able to block most outside noise, but not all. Being able to hear car engines while cycling, or announcements while on a train, for example. That’s what the Here One wireless earbuds are designed to do.

The company says it uses smart noise filters to provide what it calls ‘layered listening.’

Control the volume of streamed audio and ambient sound simultaneously. Safely listen to music while riding your bike, or access live commentary at a game while still experiencing the cheering crowd. Unlike normal headphones, Here One doesn’t isolate you from the world […]

Selectively filter out an airplane engine, office chatter, a siren, and more. Amplify speech to tune into every word at a crowded restaurant or party … 

Doppler Labs first offered earplugs that aimed to offer greater effectiveness with the most damaging sound frequencies while still allowing in things you might want to hear, like conversation, before launching a previous version of its earbuds. It says the new ones not only filter in or out particular frequencies, but also specific types of noise – such as a baby crying. (Preferences for filtering that one in or out may vary…)

You can configure a personal Listening Profile, so you only have to configure the earbuds once, and the company says that Here One also learns your preferences and provides suggestions based on your environment.

Doppler is taking pre-orders now for shipping in November. As you might guess, they aren’t cheap, at $299, but with the lack of headphone socket on phones like the Moto Z, the company has picked a good time to launch. I’ve asked to try them out once available, so a review will follow at some stage.

If you don’t want to wait, and simply want some really effective wireless noise-cancelling headphones, check out the review over on 9to5Mac of the new Bose QuietComfort 35.