In just 12 months, we created an artificially intelligent conversational interface that lets users talk to the headphones to choose tracks, manage playlists, make phone calls, and more. The Muzik app connects to a range of APIs, enabling users to use the headphones to Tweet, post messages to Facebook, get the weather forecast, schedule calendar events, find the latest Knicks score, listen to news from NPR, or even control the lights and temperature in their apartment. To maximize Muzik’s impact on transforming the headphone industry with a premium product, our creative approach focused on the connectivity – both social and utility – that the Muzik headphones and app enabled for users. We partnered with Microsoft’s Cognitive Services team so anyone could create a connectivity function inside of the app. This also enabled integration with other digital products such as Spotify and If This Then That (IFTTT).

An engineering team of 20 built the native iOS and Android apps in a series of 2 week agile sprints over 6 months. This included a rapid response unit, which was established to enable prototyping outside of the product roadmap, to support investor meetings and partnership opportunities for Muzik. Each sprint was informed by hardware and software testing, and usability research; which ensured that users could seamlessly unbox the product, pair it to their cellphone, configure their first set of commands, and start using it.

Prior to launch, Muzik raised over $18 million, including investment from Twitter. This lead to a collaborative with Twitter at the 2016 CES conference. Following launch, Muzik headphones were sold in-store and online at all major big box retailers across the US. A strong Influencer strategy aimed at Millennials and Gen Z, saw the likes of music legend Drake and Clippers star Chris Paul promote the product and drive sales.