[yjftsjthsd-h]

If the microphone can do what they say (only listen in that immediate area) then that's really cool. (Big if - I believe you can filter by angle, but my understanding of physics precludes filtering by distance; someone please correct me if I'm ignorant)

The mute button is a good idea - I strongly prefer having a nice dedicated button, though in my case it's on the headset - but that placement seems guaranteed to put force on the USB port in a way that risks damage.

[solardev]

Apparently it uses some special directional mic from Soundskrit. Product page for the chip: https://soundskrit.ca/technology/

The patent: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/94/2b/ff/984fa6f...

PR about the partnership: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opal-launches-tadpo...

> A first on any consumer device, Tadpole's trademarked directional VisiMic™ microphone only captures audio that the camera can see. VisiMic is made in partnership with Soundskrit, the Quebec-based audio firm that specializes in cutting-edge directional microphone technology.

[_joel]

> If the microphone can do what they say (only listen in that immediate area) then that's really cool.

Isn't that just some EQing for the vocal presense range and a level activated gate to turn it on when it's only above a certain threshold?

[solardev]

I don't think it is: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38266165

Something something tiny ribbon mic that only responds to sound waves perpendicular to its axis, something something, shielded from the sides something something. (Sorry, it's all a bit over my head, but it's more than using smart EQ and volume monitoring)

[Obscurity4340]

I love this place just for comments like this

[_joel]

Yea, I know, I know, but really is it that hard to implement?

It's not an rsync, ssh, backup etc. ;)

[Obscurity4340]

Life is hard to implement :(

[_joel]

Fair comment

[Obscurity4340]

That underscore before your name is very off-throwing ;)