Carl Pei's Nothing reveals the semi-transparent Concept 1

[midian182]

What just happened? Nothing—the company created by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei—recently announced that it would be releasing its first product this summer: true wireless earbuds. Now, the firm has released images of the Concept 1, a product that shows off its design philosophy and could resemble the upcoming buds.

There’s a lot of buzz around Nothing. The London-based tech company has already raised more than $22 million in funding from big tech names, including Reddit CEO Steve Huffman and Twitch co-founder Kevin Lin.

Pei was typically vague in the Concept 1 reveal post—it doesn’t even specify what the device is—but the design certainly brings to mind true wireless earbuds.

The Concept 1 features a semi-transparent outer case that shows off the inner workings, a look that Pei says “embodies our commitment to bringing technology closer to people.” It's pretty slick, with a metallic top and red highlight.

The Concept 1’s design is inspired by “grandmother’s tobacco pipe.” Nothing says its products draw inspiration from familiar objects as a way of making them feel fresh for years. The company in February announced it is working with Stockholm-based designers Teenage Engineering on its product roadmap.

“We distill technology to the essentials, embracing raw tech, where every gram and every byte live with purpose. We peel off everything superficial, like unnecessary branding on the surface, to focus solely on what adds true value to the user experience,” writes Pei. “We spend as much time thinking about what we can remove from a product, as what we can add to it.”

Despite Nothing acquiring the Essential IP, it doesn’t sound as if new smartphones are part of the plan. Pei envisions technology with “no screens, no dedicated devices, just barely noticeable technology that empowers us to be more human.”

The wireless earbud market is a crowded and highly competitive one, though Nothing’s first product could stand out from the crowd with its unique design. Let's hope it sounds as good as it looks.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/88867-carl-pei-nothing-reveals-semi-transparent-concept-1.html

 

[VitalyT]

First thing I thought before reading - portable bong.

I don't care what designers were smoking.

 

[BadThad]

All the marketing and hype for wireless ear buds? Sorry, I don't get it at all.

 

[Uncle Al]

More and more this is looking like a scheme just to fleece somebody out of their money ....

 

[OneSpeed]

You gotta love the hype that comes with MARKETING, very subdued.

 

[Farkinell]

Pretty disappointed that they've decided to focus on this category, with a product that hardly looks that disruptive.

Wireless earbuds are dime-a-dozen at multiple pricing tiers, from super cheap to super premium, so occupying a previously unheard of price point for a premium product (such as the original OnePlus) won't seem that innovative. Plenty of good quality earbuds are reasonably priced.

That only leaves sound quality to differentiate. Is that going to be enough, can the average user really tell the difference in sound quality between good and great headphones? From the popularity of Beats, we can conclude no, no they cannot.

So what else is there apart from price and sound that can bring innovation to this category? Answers on a postcard please.

 

[p51d007]

Wanna bet who makes these? The same PARENT company that owns Oppo, OnePlus...BBK.
Just "another new startup"...that's how OnePlus started. Inexpensive phones, good specs. 7
years later, now their phones command closer to "flagship" prices. Same will happen with these,
if they ever make it to market. And, you can bet the same line will show up. "Since we are a small
startup, with limited funds and manufacturing capacity, you'll have to wait for an invite, to purchase".
Great marketing, create a feeding frenzie.

 

[Watzupken]

I am not impressed with what I see. It looks like a mini shower head to me, and I am not even sure if it is going to sound good. And honestly, if looks of the earbuds is of great importance to the target market, then I am sure Apple's Airpods will not sell well at all. It looks as basic as basic gets, but it sells like hot cakes as compared to most other earbud makers.