Technology company Dyson has unveiled OnTrac noise-canceling headphones, the brand’s first ever audio-only headphones.
The OnTrac, which launched today, was designed to make an impact on the headphone market in a similar way to how Dyson launched the DC01 vacuum cleaner in 1993.
“At Dyson, we’re driven by the opportunity to disrupt established categories,” Dyson chief industrial designer Phil Douglas told Dezeen.
“The Dyson OnTrac is our first standalone pair of headphones,” he continued. “So our main goal was to create technology that really serves its primary purpose well – to create headphones that people want to listen to.”
Dyson has tried to engineer every element of the headphones to provide the best possible sound quality while being comfortable for the user.
A strong head bridge, containing a pair of lithium-ion batteries, supports thickly padded earcups connected to multi-rotating gimbal arms.
“Take the earcups for example, we have surprisingly large, cushioned earcups wrapped in soft microfiber that creates an exceptionally comfortable and effective acoustic seal around the ear,” Douglas explained.
“Inside the large cavity of the auricle, the speaker housing is tilted 13 degrees towards the ear for a sound response that can really be felt,” he continued.
“The headband is also particularly unique. Two high-capacity lithium-ion cells are suspended on either side of the head, inspired by the weight distribution of a horse’s saddle – to give you up to 55 hours of listening time without any uncomfortable pressure.” points.”
Unlike most products made by Dyson, the headphones are primarily used outside the home.
To reflect this, the company wanted the OnTrac to follow the component-based design language of its other products while being attractive and customizable.
“In typical Dyson style, the Dyson OnTrac design language focuses on component layout, creating an attractive visual balance while ensuring optimal acoustic performance,” said Douglas.
“Dyson OnTrac is a particularly exciting launch for us as it’s one of the first times you’ll see Dyson technology worn outside the home,” he added.
“In this way, it can be seen as more than a functional piece of technology, but an extension of self-expression.”
The earcups and earcups are removable and available in a range of colors and finishes. According to the brand, there are 2000 possible color combinations.
“Obviously customization was also a key design consideration,” Douglas said. “Each cap and pad combination has been designed to look beautiful, feel great in the hand and to wear.”
Overall, Dyson hopes the headphones combine acoustic quality, comfort and aesthetics.
“Comfort and acoustics go hand in hand in a pair of headphones,” said Douglas.
“Ultimately, our goal was to produce headphones that not only deliver superior sound quality, but also create a sense of pride of ownership, reflecting our commitment to excellence in design and owner experience,” he continued.
“So we’ve developed a variety of high-quality aluminum finishes that deliver a sense of craftsmanship, durability and a premium feel – the CNC aluminium, copper and nickel finishes are inspired by the CNC manufacturing process, while the ceramic vermilion variant has a tactile ceramic finish.”
The creation of the headphones follows the launch of the Dyson Zone two years ago, which combined an air filter with headphones.
“The first step in our journey from aeroacoustics to audio really came two years ago with the launch of the Dyson Zone air-purifying headphones,” explained Douglas.
“When designing a product with two high-speed motors in each earcup, we needed to develop a highly effective active noise cancellation system.”
Founded by inventor James Dyson, Dyson is known as the inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner and has created the modern concept of hair dryers, air purifiers and bladeless fans. Recently, the company revealed that it is developing home robots.
Photo courtesy of Dyson.