{Gadget watch: Ear 1} True wireless earbuds coming in June, First product from London consumer tech co. Nothing

Nothing, a new London-based consumer tech company, co-founded by Carl Pei, who is also the founder of OnePlus, have revealed their very first product, Ear 1, true wireless earbuds.

The design is still being kept secret till the product comes out in June. Pei says in a blog post that “Ear 1 combines notes of transparency, iconic form, and refined functionality. It is the starting point that will define the artistry, confidence and craftsmanship that will carry our products and services for years to come.”

Nothing was announced in January 2021 with a mission to remove barriers between people and technology to create a seamless digital future. The forward-thinking consumer tech brand plans to lead the way for a new era of personal technology, launching an ecosystem of smart devices that are uniquely designed, quality engineered and simple to use.

“Ear 1 is only the beginning, the first step in a long and exciting journey ahead” says Pei.

Rise in Earphone Demand

Wireless earphones are seeing a higher demand as a result of COVID-19. The market is expected to grow by US$ 8.23 billion during 2020-2024, according to Technavio, which came out with a report in December 2020.

Pei feels confident that Ear 1 will be a differentiating addition to the earphone market.

“We believe the earphones market was begging for differentiation, a space where we can elevate design and deliver value from day one,” he says.

“The earphones market will provide a fertile backdrop as we strengthen our capabilities and prepare to enter new product categories,” he adds.

Explaining the simple name chosen for the product, Pei says the simplicity of the name is deliberate.

“Mirroring the product’s stripped-down aesthetic, the name Ear 1 echoes our raw ambition — to let things be what they are. We don’t try to dress it up with a fancy name. Nor do we want to sit around debating said names. We let Ear 1 speak for itself,” he says.