JBL's Innovative Solar-Powered Reflect Eternal Headphones Shine In Crowdfunding Debut

At some point in our educational careers, we all used calculators that had solar panels. Those panels provided all the power that the calculator needed to run, be it light from the indoor fixtures or sunlight from a window. JBL has unveiled a new prototype product on Indigogo called the JBL Reflect with similar tech.

The headphones promise to get deliver all the power needed to operate just from light. Just like those calculators, it can get light from indoor lighting or natural light outside. JBL says the headphones will give you 68 hours of playtime for every 1.5 hours spent outside. The average wireless headphones need charging after 20-30 hours of playtime. Those who spend 2.5 hours or more outside per day will have "virtually unlimited playtime," according to JBL.

The fine print says that the estimated charge time depends on outside lux values of at least 50,000. If you live in Alaska and lack daylight half the year, there is a USB speed charge for backup that promises two hours of playtime for 12 minutes of charge. The headphones are offered in green or red colors and support hands-free calling. Tapping the headphones can activate Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

JBL Reflect also supports ambient aware and TalkThru technology to keep you in touch with your surroundings. A multi-point connection allows the use of the headphones between two devices. JBL fits the headphones with 40mm drivers for high-quality sound. Music playtime without solar charging is up to 24 hours, and they are IPX4 rated. The campaign lacks a dollar amount attached, but was seeking a 500 Perk Goal and has 681 so far. The best deal left right now is priced at $99 with the headphones shipping next October. The early bird price was $75, and the MSRP is $165 -- but those slots have all been taken.