Aside from countless new artist discovery and the next wave of cultured technology, Austin’s SXSW festival is also home to new developments and brand debuts.

Sony’s newly formed R&D outfit, Future Lab, has joined with SXSW to show off its first concept prototype: a pair of headphones worn around the neck that direct audio upwards so only you can hear it. In other words, hands-free and ear-less headphones. Code-named Concept N, the Bluetooth device takes the design of a call-center headset with a packed in multi-directional speaker, so you can listen to music without buds over-the-ear pads.

Sony, which is known as an industry giant in pioneering audio technology, is attempting to reimagine headphones for a world with too many sounds. The device also comes with an accompanying pair of cone-shaped earpieces that communicate with the neckband, just in case you opt for the traditional headphone-like experience.

Find the footage of a demo of the prototype headphones below.