Stockholm-based YEVO Labs is present at the latest iteration of the Consumer Electronics Show where it’s demoing the YEVO x Humanium Metal, a pair of ultra-premium earbuds that it claims is the world’s first product made from illegal firearms. The Humanium Metal used for the creation of the gadget was sourced by IM Swedish Development Partner and is described as a “commodity for peace,” with portion of the sales proceeds being meant to be donated to IM’s program designed to support victims of armed violence around the world. Among other things, YEVO’s partner participates in various weapon destruction initiatives and produces what it deems is the most valuable metal in the world manufactured from illegal firearms.
The YEVO Humanium Metal is set to go on sale in the coming weeks, priced at $499, half of which will be donated to IM’s humanitarian initiative. The Swedish consumer electronics manufacturer will be selling the device directly and has also agreed to retail partnerships with a number of distributors, though no specific names have yet been given. While it’s unlikely the product will ever hit brick-and-mortar stores on a global level, YEVO should be offering international shipping to anyone interested in acquiring the unconventional gadget while simultaneously supporting a noble cause. IM’s program covers five regions and 12 countries around the world, being aimed at ultimately reducing gun violence. The Humanium Metal is hence both a commercial product and an effective way to promote IM’s humanitarian initaitive.
The headphones themselves are of the wireless variety and come with a charging case featuring a silver finish. In essence, the YEVO x Humanium Metal is a redesigned version of the YEVO 1, the Swedish startup’s first product. The device comes with support for Bluetooth 4.1, whereas each earbud has a 60mAh battery rated for up to four hours of music playback on a single charge. The case packs a 600mAh cell, allowing for up to five charging cycles. The gadget is a high-end offering usually priced at $249 and promises to deliver an ultra-premium listening experience. Touch controls are also part of the package, as is a dedicated companion app for Android and iOS devices that’s entirely optional to use.
The Humanium Metal Initiative