UPDATE: Aug. 13, 2024, 9:55 a.m. EDT The Dyson OnTrac headphones are now available to purchase from Dyson direct and third-party retailers including Amazon and Best Buy.
When Dyson tells you it’s debuting a top-secret new product, you pay attention. So, when Mashable was invited to preview and test a mysterious new Dyson product a few weeks ago, I was genuinely excited. And as of July 18, the British brand officially revealed the new product to the world — the Dyson OnTrac headphones with active noise cancellation, which are now available to purchase directly from Dyson and third-party retailers including Amazon and Best Buy.
Also on July 18, I got my very own pair of OnTrac headphones for testing and review. Check back for Mashable’s full, in-depth review of these noise-cancellers. We’re very eager to see how they compare to our favorite headphones, particularly other flagship noise-cancelling headphones.
So, what do we know, and what do we like, about these headphones so far?
Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable
Dyson’s testing the headphones market
Dyson certainly has some competition in the premium audio space. The elite headphone class already includes the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Sony WH-1000XM5, and Apple AirPods Max (a rumored AirPods Max 2 could also be coming in Fall 2024). And that’s without getting into $1,600 studio-style wired headphones from brands Focal and Sennheiser.
Previously, Dyson released the futuristic (and slightly dystopian) Dyson Zone Noise-Cancelling Headphones and Air Purifier. We’ll give Dyson a pass on these headphones, released in the wake of Covid-19, when we were all a little off our game. Fortunately, the OnTrac headphones are a fresh start — and they come with a big step down in price. As such, they mark Dyson’s first big foray into the consumer audio space.
Everything we know about the Dyson OnTrac headphones
When can you get your hands (and ears) on these headphones? As of Aug. 13, Dyson OnTrac headphones are available to purchase from Dyson’s website and third-party retailers. The OnTrac Headphones retail for $499.99.
The headphones connect to a MyDyson app, where EQ presets are available. Customization is limited, but there are presets for bass-heavy and high-range listening. Touch controls on the bottom of the earcups allow you to control the headphones. One of the controls is a mini joystick, which can be used to play, pause, skip, fast forward, rewind, and activate voice commands.
Dyson OnTrac headphones: The specs to know
These headphones have some unique features, including a ridiculous battery life. We’re still in the process of testing the battery and sound quality, but Dyson promises these headphones will offer 55 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation engaged. That’s enough to give other headphones an inferiority complex.
To pull this off, Dyson did what it does best — it made improvements to a universal design. At first glance, you’ll notice that the headphones have three cushions on the headband, as is typical. However, while the top cushion is made from cushy foam, the side pieces aren’t cushions at all — they’re extra battery packs.
Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable
In terms of audio, Dyson uses 40mm neodymium drivers with a range of -6Hz to 21kHz, letting you appreciate details at the lowest lows and highest highs. And for noise cancellation, Dyson uses eight microphones that sample the environment 384,000 times per second. In total, the headphones provide up to 40dB of noise reduction. The Sony XM5s — our current top pick for noise cancellation — also have eight internal mics for ANC.
Finally, with microfiber and foam earcups and a headband designed to adapt to all head sizes, they promise comfort too. In a perfect world, they’ll offer the comfort of the Bose QuietComfort line with the audio quality of Sony — but we’re not rendering a verdict yet.
Swappable ear plates
Our tech products are becoming part of our personal style. Your phone case, phone holder, headphones, and earbuds can all affect the impression you make as you move through the world. For listeners who like to show off their personal style, Dyson has added a pop of color and personality to these cans.
Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable
Credit: Some of the accessories available for the OnTrac headphones.
The ear plates are made from CNC-machined aluminum (some also have a ceramic matte finish), and they can be swapped out. The ear cushions can be changed and the top band comes in a few different colors, letting you truly customize your headphones. Of course, you will have to purchase additional accessories to change the color. The headphones come in four colorways at launch (copper, aluminum, cinnabar, and black nickel), with more colors for sale from Dyson and other retailers.
A Dyson rep told us they hope to have more color options available in the future. Between all the accessories, Dyson says more than 2,000 unique color combinations are already possible.
Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable
Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable
How do they sound?
You’ll have to wait for our full review, unfortunately.
When testing headphones, I like to listen to particular Radiohead and Florence & the Machine songs (“National Anthem” and “Between Two Lungs,” if you’re curious about this millennial’s musical tastes). My initial listening sessions have been impressive, as is the noise cancellation. That said, I’m reserving judgment until I’ve had a few weeks to listen and compare.
I do have one spoiler alert for my upcoming review: The noise cancellation seems top-notch to me so far. I love slipping on noise-cancelling earbuds and headphones to drown out street noise, my partner’s work calls, or the sound of Below Deck on the TV in the other room. These headphones instantly put me into a cone of silence.
Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable
When I first saw the new Dyson OnTrac headphones, I immediately spotted one feature that I didn’t love. Personally, I’m not a big fan of products that include the brand name in prominent text. That’s true for my clothing, and it’s true for my tech. If these headphones didn’t boldly say “Dyson” on the headband, I’d like the design a lot more. We’ll see if I can get used to this detail as I test them out more.
In the meantime, you can head to Dyson to check out these headphones for yourself. And if you’re a ride-or-die Dyson fan who isn’t afraid to rep the brand (besides Apple, it’s hard to think of a tech brand with more loyalists), you can check them out on the Dyson website, Amazon, or Best Buy.
On July 18, 2024, Dyson officially revealed its newest product — OnTrac Headphones, premium noise-cancelling headphones. Here are my first impressions.
The Amazon Marketplace: Empowering Sellers and Shaping Consumer Behavior
The Amazon Marketplace has emerged as a powerful force in the global economy, redefining how businesses operate and how consumers shop. Since its launch in 2000, Amazon Marketplace has grown into one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, with millions of sellers and an even larger base of customers. This platform has not only democratized e-commerce, providing opportunities for businesses of all sizes, but it has also significantly influenced consumer behavior. This article explores how the Amazon Marketplace empowers sellers and shapes consumer behavior.
Empowering Sellers: Opportunities and Challenges
The Amazon Marketplace has opened up unprecedented opportunities for sellers, from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations. One of the most significant benefits for sellers is the access to Amazon’s vast customer base. With over 300 million active users globally, Amazon provides a ready-made audience for sellers, eliminating the need for extensive marketing efforts to drive traffic to their products.
Lower Barriers to Entry
One of the most profound ways Amazon empowers sellers is by lowering the barriers to entry into the e-commerce space. Traditionally, setting up an online store required significant investment in website development, payment processing systems, and logistics. Amazon Marketplace simplifies this process by providing a platform where sellers can list their products, handle transactions, and even manage shipping through Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service.
FBA, in particular, has been a game-changer for many small and medium-sized businesses. It allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s warehouses, where Amazon takes care of packing, shipping, and even customer service. This service not only reduces the logistical burden on sellers but also ensures that their products are eligible for Amazon Prime, which can significantly boost sales.
Global Reach
The global reach of Amazon Marketplace is another significant advantage for sellers. With Amazon’s presence in numerous countries, sellers can tap into international markets with relative ease. Amazon’s Global Selling program enables sellers to list their products in multiple countries, allowing them to expand their customer base far beyond their home market. This global reach is particularly beneficial for small businesses that may not have the resources to enter international markets independently.
Data and Analytics
Amazon provides sellers with valuable data and analytics tools that can help them optimize their listings and marketing strategies. Through the Seller Central dashboard, sellers have access to detailed reports on sales, customer behavior, and advertising performance. This data-driven approach allows sellers to make informed decisions about pricing, inventory management, and advertising, ultimately leading to better business outcomes.
Challenges for Sellers
However, selling on Amazon is not without its challenges. The competition on the platform is fierce, with millions of sellers vying for the attention of customers. To stand out, sellers must invest in optimizing their product listings, managing reviews, and running targeted advertising campaigns. Additionally, Amazon’s fee structure, which includes referral fees, FBA fees, and other charges, can eat into sellers’ profit margins, especially for those selling low-margin products.
Moreover, Amazon’s control over the marketplace means that sellers are subject to its policies and regulations. This can be a double-edged sword; while Amazon’s strict guidelines help maintain a level of quality and trust on the platform, they can also be restrictive for sellers. Policy changes, such as adjustments to fee structures or new regulations regarding product listings, can have a significant impact on sellers’ businesses.
Shaping Consumer Behavior: Convenience and Choice
The Amazon Marketplace has not only empowered sellers but also transformed consumer behavior in profound ways. The platform has become synonymous with convenience, choice, and competitive pricing, which are key drivers of consumer decisions.
Convenience and Speed
One of the most significant impacts of Amazon on consumer behavior is the expectation of convenience and speed. Amazon’s streamlined shopping experience, coupled with services like Amazon Prime, has set a new standard for online shopping. Consumers now expect fast, often same-day, delivery, easy returns, and a seamless shopping experience across devices. This has raised the bar for other e-commerce platforms and even brick-and-mortar stores, which have had to adapt to meet these heightened expectations.
The convenience offered by Amazon extends beyond just delivery speed. Features like one-click purchasing, personalized recommendations, and a user-friendly mobile app have made shopping on Amazon almost effortless. This ease of use has contributed to the platform becoming the go-to destination for many consumers, particularly for everyday purchases.
Broad Product Selection
Amazon’s vast selection of products is another factor that has shaped consumer behavior. The marketplace offers a seemingly endless array of products across virtually every category, from electronics to groceries. This extensive selection is possible because of the millions of third-party sellers who list their products on the platform, alongside Amazon’s own offerings.
This breadth of choice has shifted consumer expectations, leading to a preference for platforms that offer a wide variety of options. Consumers are now less willing to visit multiple websites or stores to find what they need, preferring the convenience of one-stop shopping. This trend has also put pressure on traditional retailers to expand their product offerings and improve their online shopping experiences.
Price Sensitivity and Competitive Pricing
Amazon’s pricing strategies have also influenced consumer behavior, making customers more price-sensitive. The platform’s dynamic pricing model, where prices can change frequently based on factors like demand and competition, encourages consumers to compare prices and seek out the best deals. Additionally, features like Amazon’s price tracking tools and the ability to view historical prices have made consumers more aware of price fluctuations and more likely to wait for discounts before making a purchase.
This increased price sensitivity has impacted the broader retail landscape, forcing competitors to adopt more aggressive pricing strategies to stay competitive. It has also led to the rise of price comparison tools and apps, further empowering consumers to find the best deals.
The Role of Reviews and Ratings
Amazon’s review system is another key factor influencing consumer behavior. Customer reviews and ratings have become a critical component of the decision-making process for many shoppers. Positive reviews can significantly boost a product’s visibility and sales, while negative reviews can deter potential buyers. This has led to a culture where consumers rely heavily on the experiences of others to guide their purchasing decisions.
The importance of reviews has also created a new challenge for sellers, who must actively manage their reputation on the platform. This has given rise to practices like review solicitation and even, unfortunately, fake reviews. However, Amazon has taken steps to combat these practices, implementing stricter policies and algorithms to detect and remove fraudulent reviews.
Conclusion
The Amazon Marketplace has had a profound impact on both sellers and consumers, reshaping the e-commerce landscape in the process. By empowering sellers with access to a global customer base, powerful data tools, and logistical support, Amazon has lowered the barriers to entry for businesses of all sizes. At the same time, the platform has transformed consumer behavior, setting new standards for convenience, choice, and pricing.
As Amazon continues to evolve, its influence on the global economy and consumer culture will likely only grow. For sellers, the challenge will be to navigate the complexities of the platform and find ways to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. For consumers, the Amazon Marketplace will continue to be a driving force behind the expectations and behaviors that define the future of shopping.
