Wooden Earbuds Combine Sustainability and Smart Design

In a bid to combat the ever-growing number of plastic ear buds that end up in landfills, Sudeshna Naik, a UC Berkeley Development Engineering graduate, decided to create an alternative. She recently launched a pair of sustainable, wireless earbuds called The PIN, which are handcrafted from real wood and packed with impressive AI-powered features.

Naik studied sustainable product development, discovering how to create products that are not only planet-friendly but also ones people genuinely want to buy. “At Berkeley, I learned a hard truth: Why so many sustainable products fail,” she says. “The lesson was clear: If people feel they’re compromising on performance, they won’t choose sustainability. The PIN was designed to change that.”

Each earbud is built with housings made from sustainably harvested walnut, cherry, and bamboo, along with recycled components. No two pairs are alike, as the natural wood grain gives each its own character, and a water-resistant seal ensures they withstand all weather conditions.

When connected to the free, subscription-free app, the earbuds unlock advanced features such as personalized EQ profiles, voice-activated AI assistance, location tracking, and even real-time translation in over 150 languages. The app also makes traveling easier, thanks to its text translation feature. Simply point your phone’s camera at a sign or menu in over 20 languages, and the earbuds will read the translation aloud.

The earbuds also deliver immersive, high-quality sound with AAC codec support and Dual-ENC for clear calls in any environment. A smart touch sensor provides seamless control over music, calls, and activation of the translation mode. Plus, you can enjoy up to eight hours of listening per charge, with the case extending playtime to 32 hours. A fast 15-minute recharge gives you up to three more hours instantly.

With their smart features and thoughtful design, it’s no surprise that The Pin earbuds were an instant hit on Kickstarter. The campaign was fully funded within two hours, and as of writing, it has over 900 backers. The makers also promise to plant a tree for every 10 units sold. Find out more and get your own pair on Kickstarter for $139.