At CES® 2023 (Jan. 5-8), Tokyo-based tech startup AFUR will showcase “Parso,” a highly directional speaker to be worn around one’s neck. Parso, which uses ultrasonic elements to direct sound, is battery-operable and substantially smaller than conventional unidirectional speakers, thanks to AFUR’s proprietary circuit and structural designs that reduce power consumption while allowing transducers to be densely stacked. Because the lanyard-style speaker enables wearers to hear with open ears, it is suitable for outdoor/physical activities, such as cycling and camping, as well as for online meetings.

“Most unidirectional speakers are bulky and need to be stationary, plugged into an outlet, because of the circuit size and energy required to produce and pump out ultrasonic waves to achieve desired performance. AFUR’s technology solves all these issues, making Parso a truly portable and ‘wearable’ device,” AFUR CEO Akihiro Furuhira said. “Parso makes directional speakers conducive to everyday portable use, possibly changing the way we conduct meetings and enjoy outdoor activities. We are very excited to introduce our innovative technology at CES 2023.”

‘PARSO’ EXHIBITS

Jan. 5-8 – CES 2023 (Japan Pavilion @Eureka Park) Press Kit: https://afur.biz/product-parso-en/#presskit Video: https://youtu.be/IDuXb3ezjrk

Parso is divided into two parts at the top, with each side angling out and downward from the middle, enabling two stereo channels to beam the sound effectively toward the wearer’s ears.

Features:

Parso achieves true portability without sacrificing its performance as a unidirectional speaker. Making this possible are the following features:

• Highly dense transducer array capable of producing desired volume without increasing the

array’s size

• Proprietary circuit design that reduces the speaker’s power consumption by 60%
• Use of a digital-analog integrated controller to reduce the circuit size
• Standard bottom ¼-inch tripod screw mount for easy securing of the speaker on a tripod or other types of structures
• Strap hook on both sides for use of lanyard
• Sturdy frame that protects the speaker in outdoor environments

About AFUR:

AFUR is a Tokyo-based electronics manufacturer providing one-stop solutions for IoT and wearable devices and circuit designing (display signals, high-speed signal processing of Type-C standard, etc.), among other products. It’s capable of handling both small-lot prototypes and mass production. For additional information: https://afur.biz/front-page-en/

About ‘Japan (J-Startup) Pavilion @Eureka Park’:

Presented by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the “Japan (J-Startup) Pavilion @Eureka Park” brings together the country’s innovative startups with proprietary leading-edge technologies. At CES 2023, the pavilion will feature 36 companies in industries ranging from AI to robotics, space to mobility, among others. For additional info about JETRO: https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/

About CES

CES® is one of the world’s largest technology trade shows held annually in Las Vegas. Bringing together 2,279 exhibitors and 84,500 attendees between Las Vegas and online venues at CES 2022, the event is billed as the “the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators.” At CES 2020 held prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 4,600 companies showcased 20,000 products and services.