In 2004 Finis, Inc., the leading innovator of competitive aquatic
training products, released the groundbreaking waterproof SwiMP3 player
for swimmers, triathletes, surfers, synchronized swimmers and anyone
involved in water activities. More recently, in the spring of 2007 Finis
introduced the SwiMP3 V2. This next generation SwiMP3 has been
revamped with a new style and better functionality. Since the launch of
the original SwiMP3, over 35,000 users have been rocking out to their
favorite tunes while they swim. The unique player has been recognized in
a number of publications including the New York Times, Time Magazine,
and Rolling Stone, as well as, on popular entertainment networks such as
MTV, the Discovery Channel, MSNBC and ESPN. In the midst of a
technology crazed holiday season, the Finis v2 stands alone. The
SwiMP3 V2 has been featured in numerous holiday gift guides and is
becoming a must-have on many consumers' shopping lists.
Unlike other waterproof players that rely on traditional air
conduction technologies, the SwiMP3 player uses bone conduction - the
direct transfer of sound vibrations from the cheek bone to the inner ear -
to provide the swimmer with exceptional sound clarity. The SwiMP3 player
(pronounced "Swim-P-3") allows athletes to hear the same high quality
music while they're in the water that they're accustomed to hearing while
running, biking or at the gym. While other waterproof players rely on the
transmission of sound through water or air, often producing a muffled
sound, the SwiMP3 player directly stimulates the inner ear, resulting in
exceptional sound quality for the listener.
Today, Finis has released a new and improved SwiMP3, the
SwiMP3 V2. The new, fully waterproof player attaches easily to any swim
goggle or snorkeling mask, and can be used with all competitive swim
strokes. It holds approximately 60 songs, or 256 MB, for four hours of
continuous music. The v2 has a new slim, non-bulky design and a built in
rechargeable battery. The SwiMP3 V2 now plays both MP3 and WMA
files and includes other new features such as volume, shuffle, and
resume.
As Finis has been awarded a USA Patent for Bone Conduction
MP3 players for use while swimming, there truly is no comparable product
on the market. "This is a revolutionary step forward for aquatic athletes,"
said John Mix, President, Finis. "Swimming while listening to their favorite
music is a dream many swimmers have long shared. While others have
tried to produce waterproof players, results have been less than
satisfactory. As the technical leader in the aquatics industry, Finis is proud
to be the first to master the technology and bring high-fidelity sound to
aquatic sports."
Bone conduction hearing is a safe, well-established hearing
mechanism in humans that the SwiMP3 player leverages to enhance
aquatic activity. Finis' application of the technology brings an entirely new
level of experience to swimmers, either while working out or taking a
leisurely swim.
-- Click here for details for buying the SwiMP3 V2 online
Sound Transmission: Air vs. Bone Conduction
By Janice D. Janas, MD
The human ear is a complex and fascinating organ that over the course of
evolution has allowed us to hear in an air-filled world, rather than the fluid filled oceans
of our ancestors. To understand how sound transmission works, the anatomy of the ear
can be divided into three portions: the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. The
outer ear is composed of the auricle and ear canal. The tympanic membrane (ear drum)
separates the outer ear from the middle ear. Within the middle ear are the tiny ossicles or
bones of hearing: the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil) and stapes (stirrup).* The inner
ear, within the bones of the skull, contains a complex array of fluid filled spaces in part
separated by the basilar membrane. The organ of Corti rests on the basilar membrane and
contains the sensory cells which transmit nerve impulses to the auditory portion of the
brain via the cochlear nerve.
The human ear functions on the principal of air conduction. Sound waves
produced by an external source travel down the ear canal and cause vibrations of the
tympanic membrane. These vibrations set in motion the tiny ossicles. The footplate of
the stapes rests on a tiny membrane (the oval window) which vibrates in response to the
motion of the stapes. A traveling wave is established in the fluid surrounding the basilar
membrane and organ of Corti. The resultant vibration of the basilar membrane then
stimulates the sensory cells to transmit nerve impulses that are translated into the
perception of sound within the brain. Though complex, this system is extremely efficient
and allows our human ear to perceive the faintest of sounds in our air-filled environment.
Athletes have long enjoyed music during their arduous workouts. Portable radios,
CD players and now MP3 players use air conduction to transmit sound. Unfortunately,
anything that blocks the ear canal interferes with the air conduction of sound waves. As
such, swimmers whose ears are underwater most of the time have been prevented from
enjoying music during their workouts.
The new SwiMP3 is revolutionary in that it relies on bone conduction of sound.
When the SwiMP3 is placed on the cheek bones, the device causes direct vibration of the
skull. This vibration then triggers the onset of the traveling wave of the fluid within the
inner ear, either via a direct effect or by triggering movement of the stapes footplate (a
point that is debated by auditory physiologists). In either case, the air conduction
mechanism is bypassed, and "normal" hearing is still achieved. Swimmers and other
aquatic athletes can now enjoy clarity of sound with the SwiMP3 device that was never
before possible.
Bone conduction is a safe, well-established hearing mechanism in humans. The
medical interest in bone conduction rests both in its diagnostic usefulness in testing the
integrity of the air conduction pathway and in amplifying sound for the hearing impaired.
Audiologists have used bone conduction studies since the 1920's as part of a complete
assessment of hearing. Bone conduction hearing aids have historically been the treatment
of choice for patients with congenital absence of the normal air conduction pathway.
Typically these have been body aid devices** or eyeglass mounted hearing aids. Since
the 1970's a technique for implanting an osseo-integrated bone conduction hearing aid has been performed by ear surgeons, and over 15,000 patients have benefited from this
technology around the world.
Bone conduction hearing is essentially an ancient sensory capability that the new
SwiMP3 leverages to enhance the experience of swimmers, scuba divers, surfers and the
like. It is a safe, proven technology that the SwiMP3 offers to the wide audience of
aquatic athletes.
* Hammer, anvil and stirrup are the lay terms for the bones of the middle ear.
** External battery pack attached to a vibrating receiver secured by a headband to the tip
of the mastoid bone.
Sources:
-- Katz, Jack. Handbook of Clinical Audiology. Williams & Wilkins. Baltimore, MD. 1985
-- Priwin, C., Stenfelt, S. Granstrom, G. Tjellstrom, A. and Hakansson, B. Bilateral bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHAs): an audiometric evaluation. Laryngoscope. January 2004;114(1):77-84.
Copyright © FINIS, Inc. All rights reserved. 4647 Las Positas Road, Suite B, Livermore, CA 94551
This document is protected by copyright. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form by any
means without prior written authorization of FINIS, Inc. The information described in this document may
be protected by one or more U.S. patents, foreign patents, or pending applications.
About FINIS, Inc
Founded in 1993 by John Mix and Olympic Gold
Medalist, Pablo Morales, FINIS, Inc. develops the most technologically
advanced training equipment for the swimming community. Finis is the
proud sponsor of Australian Olympic Swimmer and World Record Holder
Jade Edmistone and USA Waterpolo captain, 2 time Olympian Tony
Azevedo. From competitive swimwear and technical training equipment to
high-end swim goggles and children's water confidence, FINIS offers
something for swimmers of all abilities to improve their technique and add
to their enjoyment of being in the water. Brands owned and operated by
Finis include: FINIS, SwiMP3, Zoomers, Lane 4, and Water Pals.
SwiMP3 v.2™ Specs
Specific Features
• Transmits high-fidelity sound utilizing Bone Conduction Technology
• Sleek design has MP3 control panel built into side paddle
• Includes, Volume, Shuffle, and Resume controls
• Plays both MP3 and WMA files with 256MB of memory
• 8 hour rechargeable battery
• Holds approximately 60 songs
U.S.A. Patented and International Patent Pending General SwiMP3 System Requirements
• Windows 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, VISTA, Mac OS 9, OS X
• Intel Pentium II 233 Mhz or equivalent
• 256 MB Ram
• 35 MB available hard drive space
• USB port
• CD-ROM drive
• Internet connection recommended
Comment by Christian, Editor of blog
I shall be receiving the SwiMP3 player and will try it out for one week. I shall then write a follow-up article on it.