Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

You’re probably wondering what is wrong with the people in this photo.  Are they all just sad at the same time?  Perhaps they are being bombarded by a sonic attack. 

Believe it or not, these people are listening to the sound of a WWII air raid that took place on February 13, 1945. 

How is that possible? This is part of an exhibit at Bruhl’s Terrace that allows the visitors to experience what it would have been like on that historical day.  It operates using bone conduction technology, which allows for the transmission of sound through a body without the use of headphones. 

All a person has to do is rest his or her elbows on a metal rail and cover his or her ears.  The bone conduction or Touched Echo technology somehow transmits the sound through the visitor’s arms and to the user’s inner ear.  These sounds will not be heard by anyone who isn’t touching the rail. 

Oddly enough, this bone conduction rail is completely immune to the elements, so rain or snow won’t affect its performance.  I’m wondering if all museums will adapt this system, rather than giving out personal audio devices. 

I’m also wondering if bone conduction tech will be adapted into other devices.  Perhaps maybe they could make it so I wouldn’t have to cover my ears to get the sound.  If not, I suppose I could rig it on a brass bed and I could listen to some music before I sleep. 

Via [OhGizmo!]