Hitachi Maxell unveils Noise Canceling iPod headphones in Japan

Hitachi Maxell Japan has announced (Translated Link) its HP-NC20.IPs Noise Canceling Headphones for iPod. These unique in-ear headphones offer active noise canceling without external power by connecting to the iPod’s Dock Connector port, reducing noise by 20dB. The headphones, which come in black, feature a volume slider on the Dock Connector plug, and because they are powered by the iPod itself, cut the iPod’s playback time by about half to two-thirds. Hitachi Maxell’s HP-NC20.IPs Noise Canceling Headphones for iPod will be released on December 12; pricing has yet to be announced.