Wikipedia

Draft:Shokz

Shokz Technology Inc
FormerlyAfterShokz
Company typePrivate
IndustryElectronics
Founded2011
HeadquartersAustin, Texas, U.S.
Area served
Worldwide
Products
ParentShenzhen Shokz Co., Ltd.
Divisions
  • North America
  • China
  • Europe
  • Hong Kong
  • Singapore
Websitehttps://shokz.com/


Shokz Technology INC, commonly known as Shokz, is an electronics company headquartered in Austin, Texas, with offices in Hong Kong and Singapore. It was formerly known as AfterShokz.[1] Its technology and products are researched, developed, and manufactured in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China through its affiliate, Shenzhen Shokz Co., Ltd.[2] Shokz specializes in bone conduction and air conduction headphones that are open-ear and wireless. They were recognized by Frost & Sullivan as the global best-selling open-ear and sports headphones in 2023.[3]

History

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Shenzhen Shokz Co., Ltd. was founded in 2004. In its first years, the company researched, developed, and manufactured traditional electro-acoustic products. Since 2007, the company has focused almost exclusively on bone conduction technology, designed to transmit vibrations through the listener’s cheekbones to the cochlea, bypassing the ear canal.[4]

In 2011, AfterShokz LLC was founded in Syracuse, New York as an affiliate of Shenzhen Shokz Co., Ltd. They began to manufacture and distribute bone conduction headphones later that year.[5] Its first wireless product line was released in 2013, called the Bluez model.[6]

AfterShokz's popularity skyrocketed between 2015 and 2018, as it experienced annual growth of roughly 200% year-over-year.[7]

In 2019, it released the first fully waterproof, bone-conduction MP3 player, called the Xtrainerz, designed specifically for swimming.[8]

In 2020, AfterShokz relocated its headquarters from Syracuse, New York to Austin, Texas.[9] That same year, it also introduced its first bone-conduction stereo Bluetooth headset, called the OpenComm.[10]

The company was renamed Shokz on December 28, 2021 and also changed its logo as well as its product names.[11]

In 2023, it launched its first open-ear true wireless earbuds, called the OpenFit.[12]

On June 19, 2024, it was announced that two-time Olympic marathon champion, Eliud Kipchoge, would be the global brand ambassador for Shokz.[13] Later that year, in August, they won the 2024 PCMag Readers' Choice Award for best overall headphones, with top ratings for comfort and ease of use.[14]

Products

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OpenRun Pro

Shokz offers a range of open-ear headphones, earbuds, and headsets that allow users to remain aware of their surroundings while listening to audio. They are particularly suited for athletes, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts.

 
OpenSwim Pro

Headphones

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OpenRun Pro 2

OpenRun Pro

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OpenFit

Released on January 4, 2022, the OpenRun Pro is a sports headphone. They feature 9th generation bone conduction technology, a 10-hour battery life, and a dual noise-canceling headphone.[15] They are also IP55 water-resistant.[16]

 
OpenFit Air

OpenSwim Pro

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OpenComm2

Released on June 5, 2024, the OpenSwim Pro is a waterproof sports headphone. They feature 32 GB of MP3 storage, Bluetooth capabilities, and up to 9 hours of battery life.[17] They are IP68 water-resistant, good for up to 2 meters of depth for 2 hours.[18]

OpenRun Pro 2

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Released on August 28, 2024, the OpenRun Pro 2 is a premium bone conduction sports headphone. They feature DualPitchTM Technology for more bass and power, dual microphones that can filter out 96.5% of ambient noise and withstand speeds of up to 15.5 mph, and 12 hours of battery life.[19] They are also fitted with a USB-C charging port.[20]

Earbuds

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OpenFit

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Released on June 28, 2023, these are the first true wireless earbuds from Shokz. They feature dual noise-canceling microphones with AI optimization. The battery life is 7 hours on a single full charge and up to 28 hours with the charging case.[21][22]

OpenFit Air

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Released on June 5, 2024, these are the latest true wireless earbuds from Shokz. They feature adaptable ear hooks with a pliable cut-out design and four built-in microphones with Adaptive Beamforming voice-capture technology. The battery life is 6 hours on a single full charge and up to 28 hours with the charging case.[23]

Headsets

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OpenComm2

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Released on March 30, 2023, the OpenComm2 is a bone-conduction stereo Bluetooth headset. They are wireless and feature a noise-canceling boom microphone and 16 hours of talk time. The headset is designed to be compatible with all video conferencing platforms and ideal for mobile devices while the OpenComm2 UC focuses on desk devices in the office and telecommuting.[24]

References

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  1. ^ "Meet Shokz and Celebrate a Decade of Bone Conduction Headphones". Business Wire. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
  2. ^ Scott, Levi. "From AfterShokz To Shokz: A Journey Through The Evolution And Behind The Scenes Of The Headphone Company". SmartNested. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  3. ^ "Shokz are world's best-selling open-ear and sports headphones in 2023". Running Insights.
  4. ^ "Shenzhen Shokz: Bone conduction technology for a new listening experience". World Intellectual Property Organization.
  5. ^ Scott, Levi. "From AfterShokz To Shokz: A Journey Through The Evolution And Behind The Scenes Of The Headphone Company". SmartNested. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  6. ^ Lee, Nicole. "AfterShokz to debut 'world's first' bone-conducting Bluez headphones at CES 2013". Engadget. Retrieved Dec 22, 2012.
  7. ^ Cantu, Tony. "New York-Based Sports Headphones Maker Moves HQ To Austin". Patch. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  8. ^ Beavis, Gareth. "Aftershokz Xtrainerz headphones will finally get you excited about swimming". Tech Radar. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  9. ^ Carlson, Kara. "Headphones maker Aftershokz moves HQ to Austin". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
  10. ^ Sparrow, Mark. "This Aftershokz Wireless Headset Uses Your Bones To Conduct Sound". Forbes. Retrieved Nov 16, 2020.
  11. ^ "Meet Shokz and Celebrate a Decade of Bone Conduction Headphones". Business Wire. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
  12. ^ "Shokz Wraps Ears in Comfort with OpenFit Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds". Business Wire. Retrieved June 28, 2023.
  13. ^ "Eliud Kipchoge Signs With Shokz as Global Brand Ambassador". Business Wire. Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  14. ^ Griffith, Eric. "Readers' Choice 2024: Your Favorite Headphone and Speaker Brands". PCMag. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  15. ^ Modlin, Daniel. "These Next Generation Headphones Don't Even Go in Your Ears". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved Nov 9, 2022.
  16. ^ Ellis, Cat. "Shokz OpenRun Pro review". Tech Radar. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  17. ^ Dragan, Lauren. "The Best Headphones for Running". The New York Times. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  18. ^ So, Adrienne. "The Best Headphones for Working Out". WIRED. Retrieved Jul 2, 2024.
  19. ^ Dragan, Lauren. "The Best Headphones for Running". Wirecutter. The New York Times. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  20. ^ Sawh, Michael. "Review: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2". Wired.
  21. ^ So, Adrienne. "Review: Shokz OpenFit". WIRED. Retrieved Jul 7, 2023.
  22. ^ Morrison, Geoffrey. "The 5 Best Workout Headphones". Buy Side from WSJ. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  23. ^ Scarrott, Becky. "Shokz' OpenFit Air earbuds are my favorite sports-focused open-ear buds yet". Tech Radar. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  24. ^ "Zoom Certified, Work Certified: Introducing the Shokz OpenComm2 UC Bone Conduction Stereo Bluetooth Headset for All Office Communication Needs". Business Wire. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
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