Prototype headphones detect which ear they are in

Prototype headphones which can tell which ear they are in have been developed by Japanese researchers.

The earphones use proximity sensors to detect if they are in the right or left ear in order to play the correct audio.

Researchers at the Igarashi Design Interface Project also found a way to tell if two people were sharing - and play a mono mix to each.

The team says it could help people enjoy games and movies which depend on users hearing the correct audio stream.