Nothing Technologies Ltd., the consumer electronics startup known for its distinctive designs, introduced a high-end pair of wireless headphones priced at $399, its latest effort to peel market share away from Sony Group Corp., Apple Inc., Bose Corp. and other companies competing in the premium segment.
The Headphone (1) Pro will be available September 29 on the company’s website, through Amazon.com Inc. and at Best Buy Co. stores in North America.
Offered in black or white, the new headphones carry forward some avant-garde design traits from the London-based company’s earlier models while moving to an aluminum-and-titanium structure with glass accents on both ear cups.
“That’s in revenue. Switching from steel arms to titanium has also reduced the headphones’ heft, leading to more balanced weight distribution. In terms of units, it’s about 110%. Earlier this year, the company began selling its smartphone portfolio at over 500 Best Buy locations, and Nothing has surpassed $2 billion in hardware sales to date, he said. The company has worked to improve comfort by developing softer ear cushions and widening the headband, which contains 12% thicker padding.
“Last year, we grew about 175% on our audio business here in the US,” Pei said. Pei views Nothing as a “mid-size” company that’s still small enough to be nimble and take more risks than Big Tech rivals but established enough to have robust engineering and supply chain capabilities. The transparent glass “window” on each ear cup is meant to give the headphones a unique sense of topology and depth. It’s hardened against scratches, but if the glass panel should somehow crack or shatter, it can be replaced from the outside without requiring an in-depth repair process, the company said during a media briefing ahead of Monday’s announcement.
