Verfloger, a group of startup hopefuls in the Netherlands, has pioneered a first-of-its-kind bone conduction headset for glasses wearers. In the prototype phase at the time of writing, the Bluetooth-connected product has clean aesthetics and plausible functionality. So why did its Kickstarter funding stall out?
We’re used to seeing good ideas take off on Kickstarter, not sputter and die. So we moved in for a closer look.
Verfloger Bone Conduction Headset Concept
Verfloger proposed its project after identifying a consumer need. Most bone conduction headsets don’t work with glasses wearers. The majority have arms or earpieces that disagree structurally with most eyewear. Verfloger generates a prototype bone conduction headphone that will mount onto the glasses’ temples. The startup says the headset is compatible with any pair of glasses; it styles the technology in a simple satin-and-black jacket that recalls high-end ’80s audio equipment.
So far, so good. The headphones also come with a capsule-like hard case for wireless charging. Verfloger claims that it facilitates a full charge of the bone conduction headset in 2 hours and can do so up to four times before needing a recharge, too. The case itself charges with a USB-C port.
Again, all signs point to yes. Unfortunately, it looks like Verfloger’s problem is specificity.
Vague Verfloger: What Else Do We Know?
The biggest problem I can see with Verfloger’s campaign is that we don’t really know many specifics about its product. For the build, Verfloger says it “chose a selected superior quality material that is extremely comfortable against your cheeks and will adjust to your head.” What material is that?
It also identifies that consumer electronics are often viewed as disposable when obsolete and sets up bone conduction headset as being built to endure. But it doesn’t specify how.
Specificity gaps like this seem to set up a screen between Verfloger and potential project backers. At best, everyone’s wary of investing in a product they don’t know enough about. At worst, Verfloger’s approach looks like a smoke-and-mirrors act to deflect buyers’ attention from a product that may be marginal.
Verdict and Funding Details
I’m giving Verfloger the benefit of the doubt: I don’t sense that it’s malicious, but I’m definitely not convinced it has a quality product.
It does have a good idea that fills a niche — if the execution were more convincing, maybe we would see a successful project. Instead, it’s DOA on Kickstarter as of today.
Learn more at Kickstarter.com.
