Woojer’s name is a play on the term woofer. Woojer is a wearable accessory the size of a matchbox that is designed to make listeners feel the bass. Angel funding raised $600,000 for Woojer early in 2013, which enabled Woojer to create a prototype from that funding. It is planning another round of fundraising on Kickstarter to pay for a production run. If that is achieved, Woojer will start shipping out to consumers by the middle of 2014. Woojer is working on both wired and wireless versions of the device. It hasn’t partnered with gaming or hardware OEM, so the marketing potential is infinite.

Woojer’s Technology The device uses haptic feedback to create polyphonic vibration to help users feel the rhythm instead of simply hearing the music. Woojer uses a tactile transducer to create the vibrations. When the device is clipped to clothing at specific points, perceptual interference creates a 3D effect. Woojer is supposed to be able to create subsonic signals as well as audible ones. This would enhance simulations of earthquakes and other players walking up behind you. 

Markets for Woojer Woojer is not just intended for those who want to blow the speakers off their mobile device. Woojer has features designed to enhance gaming on mobile devices. The haptic feedback generates 3D surround sound in devices known for their 2D audio. Advantages Woojer is touted as having benefits for the hearing impaired. It is more energy efficient than rival devices, with more than four hours of play time, and is expected to have better latency so the subsonic sensations are in sync with the video or audio feed. Eliminating the delay will enhance game play. Woojer considers itself more advanced than rivals in this niche like subpac and BassAware holster. Users will be able to plug a Woojer into their tablet or phone and go, instead of wearing a special headset or backpack.

Woojer has not yet been offered to the public, but the device is expected to cost between $50 and $100. If it can deliver on a better, lighter, faster and cheaper product to improve listening, game play and simulations, Woojer will be a winner when it hits the market.