The FreeBit Design Story

After the mobile and internet revolution of the 90es, it became very clear that mobile communication equipment was not just devices for businessmen, but indispensable everyday tools for all members of mankind; regardless of social status, age, occupation or nationality.

Rapid miniaturisation of electronics allowed the mobile telephone to become smaller and more functional, to the extent that it has begun to absorb most other public needs for digital devices, like cameras, organizers, entertainment, navigation, computers etc., and become the one gadget for all purposes.

At the end of the millennium it was the epiphany of the original FreeBit inventors, that users would stop wanting to lift this all-in-one-gadget up towards the head at all times, for instance when talking and e-mailing at the same time, not to mention when driving. The natural progression would be the removal of audio functions from the handset to the ear itself. The solution would need to be a wireless hands-free device.

Engineering a solution required a total study of the human hearing since, the anatomical and ergonomical sensitivities of the ear, as well as the overall aesthetics and discretion issues. Structures requiring the use of a hook around the outer ear, or a plug inserted into the ear canal were quickly eliminated for creating various discomforts.

The FreeBit solution, after a year of research & development with the assistance of everything from hearing aid labs to industrial designers, resulted in the generation of a unique set of features that balanced all needs and was finally awarded with a patent for its breakthrough in November 2000. The structure allows the FreeBit to fit snugly within the inner part of the outer ear, without clamping the ear or blocking the passage between the ear canal and the user’s surroundings. At the same time it houses ample space for electronics without adding extra volume to the side of the head, balancing discretion, function and comfort of wearing – testers have been known to fall asleep without removing the FreeBit.

In fact, at a quick glance, the outer and lower end may be perceived as just another cosmetic pendant!

Having established the engineered solution for the device’s ear interface, the engineering task shifted to the challenge of exterior design. The objective was to maintain the discretion and harmony of the physical form already achieved. FreeBit must be able to be worn without interfering with a person’s natural radiance of personality. A dominating finish could cause the same distraction in the perception of a persons face as the obvious effect of the first kind of bulky Bluetooth headsets that have come to the marketplace.

Prototype models of FreeBit were presented with a strong presence at the IFA Exhibition in Berlin in august 2001. The market reaction to these models was extremely encouraging, potential users and distributors both appreciating the aesthetic value of the product in relation to other prototypes being presented to the market. User testing with a range of users in various situations confirmed the soundness of the design and the efficiency of its functionality. Again results were extremely encouraging, even before Bluetooth could be adapted to FreeBit.

As we all know, the end of 2001 was not the perfect time for a take off, regardless of type of business or vehicle. Events forced the FreeBit team to dig in deeper for a long haul process.

The emergence of the Bluetooth standard was on the horizon, but the first hardware available was far off the compression needed for FreeBit. The team had to start the development with much more specialized technology. The high tech experience and know how that came to the benefit of FreeBit in the race that followed are invaluable.

In the wake of the breakthrough in analogue circuit design in CMOS semi-conductor technology by the scientific community of Trondheim in Norway, made the home country of FreeBit also the home of single chip transceivers, which for curiosity’s sake, is the hardware that in turn made the Blue tooth standard possible through cooperation between Norwegian and Swedish companies in the early 90es... Several manufacturers of personal short range wireless networks (Pico-Nets) emerged in Norway – long before Bluetooth – allowing us to evaluate various Pico-Net solutions.

The delay in development may have been a blessing in disguise. It coincided with the maturing of the industry and market for wireless hands-free devices. With the coming of 2002, the Bluetooth standard became clearly defined and signs came from manufacturers that developed circuits of sufficient miniaturisation and affordable price for the requirement of FreeBit.

Taken from the sign of balancing the basic forces of the universe, the Yin & the Yang eureka for aesthetical solution to the outside of FreeBit became a reflection of that same kind of hand shake expression, with use of the graphical language of the very symbol of harmony itself.

In this way, the FreeBit could meet the ultimate challenge of taking part in the unique expression of any person by saying; “I want to adapt neutrally to your identity by offering you the sign of harmony”

A group of designers and engineers has since the start of the FreeBit story, been inspired by FreeBit’s patented ergo-mechanics. By 2003 the stage was set for the final development of the FreeBit Bluetooth Earpiece.

With a sense of victory over the challenges, all efforts where now concentrated on transforming the FreeBit into the product that now is available to you. Having established the form, various prototypes were generated to realise and demonstrate FreeBit. Different combinations of electronic circuitry and components were investigated. This process constantly balanced the public’s growing need for this ideal device against the sound principles of industry and the availability of standard components for compressed radio function. Mass production was the main concern, so that FreeBit could be affordable for everyone.
Through the whole story of FreeBit it is little short of remarkable, the way that the patented ergo-mechanics and harmonious exterior finish have prevailed virtually untouched in the passing of these years, maintaining that the balance of Yin & Yang is a key to the product.

Metafax AS with partners from Norway and South Korea eventually arrived at compromises that satisfied the requirements of both processes, enabling the release of a product that is balanced, attractive without being distractive and will be affordable for the majority of the user market.

By the fall of 2006 FreeBit was released to the markets of Scandinavia.