Sony, through Future Lab, its newly created R&D group, has recently launched its first concept prototype of headphones that is worn on the neck and direct audio signals upward where only the wearer hears them.

It is a Bluetooth device with a codename Project N, which Sony has demonstrated at the SXSW affair currently being held in Austin, Texas.

This pair of headphones is a wacky-looking audio gear worn on the neck and not on the head. It comes with multi-directional speakers allowing the user to hear audio without wearing over-the-ear buds.

With its FLP, Sony aims to share its concept prototypes with consumers while the products are still at their development stage. The company hopes that their customers will be inspired by the products and get their feedback so that they can improve and evolve their prototypes.

According to Sony, the first FLP project is Project N which is a hands-free interface that creates a new way of listening to audio and music enabling the user to enjoy the experience without the trouble of inserting a device into his ear.

The tech company hopes that its booth in the SXSW Interactive Festival in Austin will attract more attendees who will try out this futuristic device and help the company refine its design concepts.

This audio device also comes with a voice control and a camera. Sony also made it so that it can respond to the "Arc" commands. It is somehow similar to Google Glass, only as a toned-down version.

The prototype is so refined and polished that it can already be sold in the market. However, Sony emphasized that it is still a prototype; therefore it is not willing to divulge any details on whether this device will be sold as a consumer product in the future. Incidentally, LG already has a similar device in the market, the Tone Infinim.