H2O Audio

H2O Audio is a company based in San Diego, California, which develops accessories for portable media players. During 2008 it was notable for being one of the top 500 fastest growing companies in the United States.[1] H2O Audio has international distribution system covering over 30 countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico and Japan.

They hold various US patents, including the patent for the Commander Scroll Wheel Technology[2] which allows for control of a touch sensitive rotatable wheel (like is found on the larger iPods) in conjunction with a fully waterproof hard case. They also make the only housing with attached speakers that allows iPods and iPhones to function and be controlled underwater up to depths of 300 feet.[3]

H2O Audio's motto is "Your Sport, Your Music", and their sponsored athletes include Michael Phelps, Natalie Coughlin, Laird Hamilton, and triathletes Greg and Laura Bennett.

History

H2O Audio was started as a graduate student project at San Diego State University by a SCUBA diver who wanted to take music with him while diving; hence the company was originally named Diver Entertainment. In 2002, the first patents were approved, followed by the development of waterproof technologies in 2003. By 2004, the first underwater SCUBA product was shipped. In 2005, the company moved into developing waterproof headphones and cases for MP3 players, including iPods. 2007 was the year Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin was brought on as the first official H2O Audio Ambassador, and in 2008, big wave surfer Laird Hamilton was also named an official H2O Audio Ambassador. Currently, Laird Hamilton has his own signature version of Surge Headphones. In 2009, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps also became an official ambassador of the brand, along with triathletes Greg and Laura Bennett.

Products
  • The Capture - A waterproof hard case for the iPod Nano 5th generation with video (launched December 2009)
  • Interval 3G - A headphone system with integrated case designed for swimmers to use the 3rd generation iPod shuffle in the pool (launched September 2009)
  • Surge Sportwrap Headphones - A version of the Surge waterproof headphones integrated into a light behind the head headband with coiled cord management system (launched September 2009)
  • Surge Pro Headphones - In-ear balanced armature waterproof headphones (launched 2009)
  • Interval - A headphone system with integrated case designed for swimmers to use the 2nd generation iPod shuffle in the pool (launched January 2009)
  • Amphibx Armband - An armband with an integrated waterproof pouch. Comes in three sizes to accommodate many sizes of MP3 players including iPhones and iPod touches. (launched July 2008)
  • Surge Headphones - In-ear waterproof headphones (launched July 2008)

References
  1. "H2O Audio". Inc. Magazine. Archived from the original on 2008-08-27.
  2. "Waterproof enclosure for audio device". US Patent Office. Filed August 6, 2008.
  3. "Waterproof cover for personal music player". US Patent Office. Filed April 12, 2007.

Further reading
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