Oladance

Established in 2021, Oladance is a developer of open-ear audio technology co-founded by former Bose executive Li Haoqian and a team of ex-Bose engineers. The company's inception was driven by the founders' extensive experience in the audio industry, including early work on active noise cancellation, with a goal to create a new category of wearable audio. In March 2024, Oladance was acquired by ByteDance for a sum reported to be between 300 and 500 million yuan, a strategic move to bolster ByteDance's expansion into AI hardware and wearable devices.

Oladance operates in the consumer electronics market, specifically targeting the growing segment of open-ear headphones. Its business model revolves around the direct sale of its audio products to consumers. The company's key technological differentiator is its patented Open Wearable Stereo (OWS) concept, which it introduced globally in 2021. Unlike bone conduction headphones, OWS utilizes air conduction to deliver audio, a method designed to provide a more comfortable and natural listening experience without obstructing the ear canal. This approach allows users to remain aware of their surroundings, a significant safety benefit for activities like running and cycling.

The product line includes models such as the OWS 1, OWS 2, and OWS Pro. These headphones feature an open-ear design that rests on the ear, avoiding the in-ear placement that can cause fatigue. Key features across the product range include long battery life, with some models offering up to 16-19 hours of playtime per charge, water resistance, and environmental noise-canceling technology for clearer calls. The headphones are engineered with premium dynamic drivers and proprietary algorithms like Virtual Bass 2.0 to enhance sound quality. The ergonomic design, often incorporating a flexible titanium wire, ensures a secure fit during physical activity. The company also offers a companion app for users to customize audio settings and controls. Keywords: open-ear headphones, wearable stereo, OWS technology, Li Haoqian, ByteDance acquisition, consumer electronics, audio technology, air conduction, open wearable stereo, Oladance OWS, athletic headphones, safe listening, running headphones, cycling audio, Bose engineers, direct-to-consumer, audio hardware, smart headphones, environmental noise canceling, long battery life headphones