Improvement Idea: Sound Isolating in-ear canal earset/silicone piece

[cognetic]

I want to share a tip and major improvement suggestion for the ERA.

For some time, I've been using a Jabra Eargel as a replacement for the original earpieces to improve the sound quality, the sound volume, decrease ambient noise interference, and to improve stability of fit in the ear.  This is something I learned from using studio earsets for performance, air travel, and just making all the background noise "go-away" as professional and consumer. 

The problem is the production quality of the Jabra eargels is poor and the overall design is not optimum.  One has to try several china knock-offs branded as Jabra to find one that fits the ERA well.. and.. well, an offset in-ear silicone projection decreases the sound a bit as opposed to central design placement that fits in middle of the ERA speaker...  though it is still a MAJOR improvement over the stock options.

My suggestion to Jawbone:  Design a better silicone earset to use with the ERA that gives true in-ear canal fit with improved sound isolation, and centric location over the speaker.  This will dramatically improve the user experience, make it easier to hear in loud environments, and improve the stability of the fit. 

I find it ironic and inconvenient that I have to go to another manufacturer to find a simple solution that is not very high quality in terms of manufacturer but still makes a huge difference in  the ERA experience.

The difference the sound isolating in-ear canal earset is very significant and brings out the best of the ERA.  Other users I know are amazed at the difference a 1-3$ item makes (because you have to buy a whole set); that you have to buy from another manufacturer....Road warriors, sound quality freaks, convertible drivers, concert goers, etc. all find this simple tweak to be the best!

[JawboneJaimie]

Hi cognetic,

Thanks for your suggestion! I wanted to see if you knew about our Type-C earbuds for ICON-HD and ERA. They are our new earbuds that are the most comfortable and secure-fitting headset earbud available on our e-store for $9.99. You can learn more about the Type-C earbud here.

JawboneJaimie

[cognetic]

Thanks for your reply, Jaime! 

I am aware of those and I want to make sure you know that in no way are those comparable to an in-ear, sound-isolating solution that I am suggesting and am having to source from another manufacturer.

I'm now concerned from your response that maybe someone at Jawbone does not know the difference and hope we can resolve the gap in design expectation to make Jawbone headsets a further hit!!

This is such a simple improvement that can mean a HUGE upgrade in fit, volume, sound quality, and overall user experience.

[JawboneJaimie]

I appreciate your idea, cognetic. I will be sure to let our team know.

JawboneJaimie

[Billytex]

I applaud cognetic for their effort. It is a masterful stroke in a world where customer service has truly lost its way.

While I am attracted to buying the new Type C style ear gels, it is simply because they're the newest jawbone has to offer and may be an improvement in any way from the current lacking style offered from factory. How can a company that does so well at engineering sound fail so badly in the ergonomics department?

I am now truly considering cognetics solution. The company that makes an earpiece that doesnt fall out and is comfortable and sounds good will dominate the market no matter the cost. Transfer some of the budget for 'Noise Assassin 4' to hiring a more expensive/knowlegdable ergonomics design team. Type C looks to Bose for their design, but still fail because its only 1/2 done. More to come.

[PainTrain]

So, where can we find these magical earbuds?

[joshuahilbig]

PainTrain wrote:

So, where can we find these magical earbuds?

---

I bought mine on ebay, and I love them! Search for "Jabra Eargel EargelsEar bud for Jawbone ERA Midnight Icon Thinker" and you'll see what I bought.

[Boheler1]

I agree totally with Cognetic, I have two Jawbones and I bought one for my daughter. I have  to use the Jabra earpieces for both. I love the sound quality but it's ridiculous to have to buy these from a "lesser quality manufacturer". In addition, they're not even that good, they dry out and loose their adhesiveness after a short while and also dis color. I recently bought a Bose after the Verizon salesman let me try the earpiece, he was so sure that I would buy it after hearing me complain about the ones I'm using now he gambled that I would purchase the Bose. While it doesn't have all the functionality (doesn't announce the number of incoming calls for one) of the Jawbone but the sound quality is excellent. But the ear piece ..... AAAAHHHHHH, it's fantastic! I can do the elliptical Running Machine or hit golf balls without it falling out. I think Jawbone has missed the ball in not addressing this because it's been going on for a few years now. Bose has certainly found the wedge to convert Jawbone users. BTW, I have essentially quite using my Jawbones now unless I'm in a power out situation with my Bose. Just thought you would want to know!

[cognetic]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Bose! I've been eyeing that earpiece myself and am very happy with all of my current home and marine Bose products including their Bluetooth speaker.... Sound quality is just so much better in comparison in terms of sound dimension and enjoyment. As to the Era... I broke down and spent some $$ on custom formed ear inset. Wow... Talk about significant improvement! I actually shelled out and bought an extra 2 custom sets as back up in case I lose another Era... Honestly, the Era is already a very good product; de facto standard in my humble opinion. However, add a custom formed earpiece inset to it and there is no other product I've found that can come close to the performance... The Bose is the only one I have not tried yet and your feedback is enticing me to try it out... Is the ear inset connection similar to the Era?

[Boheler1]

I'm not sure if it is or not, its a different material than the Jawbone or Jabra units .... very soft and pliable. However, I must admit that you piqued my interest when you mentioned a custom formed Era ear piece. Where would I get one of these (I'll google it now) but any help would be appreciated, are they made by Jabra? I did order a pack of the new Jawbone type C units but I don't have very high expectations.