Going deaf and blind? That is unfortunate, but there is a solution to both of those problems with the Varibel "hearing glasses" that are being developed by scholars at the Delft University of Technology and Philips. The arms of the eyeglasses come loaded up with microphones that can enhance noises from the front and block out other ambient noises from the background. Doing this causes a directional hearing effect, so whatever you focus your eyes on is amplified audibly. This could be a double-edged sword when people are yelling at you from afar or behind.

The Varibel glasses will also include a convenient case and charger. It is currently a conceptual design and will be on display at SICEX 2008 next year in Singapore. Maybe those Thumps aren't so ridiculous after all. — Travis Hudson

Via Crave