Koss announced STRIVA TAP, an in-ear wireless headphone system that uses Wi-Fi technology to stream music into your ears over the Internet. The tiny in-ear monitor measures only 1.5 inches in length. Unlike other in-ear cordless solutions, each pair of stereo STRIVA TAPs does not require wires concealed in a headband to connect the left and right earpieces together. Instead, microprocessors in each earpiece continually synchronize the music to ensure quality stereo sound is recreated consistently in both ears.
STRIVA TAP allows users to control their listening experience using innovative capacitive touch controls on the face of the device. Its ultra-compact size and state-of-the-art design make it ideal for those on the go.
In addition to Internet streaming, the included STRIVA CAP (Content Access Point) plugs into any smartphone, tablet, or MP3 player stereo output, and it will transmit the audio right to the headphones — wirelessly. Essentially, the CAP enables wireless listening for non-networked audio devices, plus it can be used in conjunction with a wireless router for digital connections throughout the Internet. Or, it can be used to create a direct local wireless connection whenever a Wi-Fi router or hot spot is unavailable. STRIVA CAP creates an additional local music channel for those who prefer listening to their own personal music libraries or music apps like Pandora or Spotify.
The MyKOSS platform includes proprietary software designed to scan the Internet for thousands of free streams and radio stations that deliver music and audio content. The MyKOSS server acts as a switch to direct the STRIVA headphones to the proper stream based on “listener-customized” music channels. The STRIVA-enabled headphone receives these special address instructions from the MyKOSS server and links the headphone directly to music streams using available wireless access points.
The MyKOSS site can be accessed with any standard Internet browser like Explorer, Chrome or Safari using any smartphone, tablet, or computer that has access to the Internet. Once an account is created, the STRIVA products are mated to the user account and sent special instructions on preferred wireless access points nearby when away from home or the office.
Custom channels are created based on the listener’s preferences and continue to be updated and improved every time the listener tunes in. Koss has also developed a menu of options for the headphone slide and button controls that the user can remotely modify on the product itself through the MyKOSS website. Revised firmware for the new settings is transmitted through Wi-Fi to the STRIVA products.
Battery Life and Range
Koss claims just two hours of battery life for the STRIVA TAP in-ear headphones, and even less (1.2 hours) when utilizing CAP mode (not sure why). Wireless range is 300 feet.
Price and Availability
The Koss STRIVA TAP are available now for $500 at koss.com.
