Pyshical Computing Final Project The MoPod: Featured in The NYU 2005 Winter Show Joshua, Dave, Anil, Susan and Yonatan
MoPod is the boombox for the 21st century: a wearable speaker and remote for the iPod.
MoPod is a fashionable strap which houses the iPod, the electronics necessary for remote control and audio amplification, and high-quality speakers. It creates a portable, personal listening space in environments where headphones are either too private, or too dangerous -- riding motorcycles, bicycles, or even just walking.
Background:
The initial idea for moPod sprang out of the frustration of not being able to listen to music while driving a Moped -- wearing headphones under a helmet was too dangerous, and often illegal. After debating many concepts for in-helmet speaker systems, we realized that a shoulder strap with built-in speakers would provide the perfect solution -- a durable, portable speaker system with simple controls in a convenient package..
Audience:
Our initial audience would have been moped or motorcycle riders who are looking to carry their music experience with them on the road. However, we realize that the actual implementation would appeal to users far beyond this initial audience. From bicyclists to pedestrians, the MoPod would let anyone hear their music and make a statement at the same time.
User Scenario:
The user slips a 3rd, 4th, or 5th generation iPod, iPod mini or iPod nano into the strap's built-in pouch, making a connection with the Dock connector. A flick of a switch and the MoPod's amplifier is powered on; the large, simple to use controls on the front of the strap allow control of volume, play/pause and previous/next track functions. After pressing play the user will hear their music through the built-in speakers which have been strategically placed at shoulder level to allow high-quality directional sound to their ear, while limiting ambient noise pollution.
Technical System Description:
The mopod consists of several parts. First is the strap itself, which is nylon covered with foam and water-resistant synthetic materials. The strap houses a small amplifier, which is powered by a 9volt battery. The remote control is a repurposed Apple in-line headphone remote; we have hacked it to allow use of our own buttons while keeping the small size of the mass-produced remote (as opposed to building our own circuit with microprocessor. Finally, there is a pair of compact speakers which are weather-resistant and designed for high quality sound in short-range applications.
Project References, Research and Literature:
There were many references and materials which provided our team with either inspiration or information; most have been cataloged at our
del.icio.us site.
To view more photos of the MoPod in action at the Winter Show please visit the Photo Collection section.
