Headphone (1) is a mix of KEF’s acoustic engineering and Nothing’s distinct approach to industrial design and user interface. Jack Oclee‑Brown, vice president of technology at KEF, said that the tuning of Headphone (1) was done using KEF’s own tools and methods. The headphones feature custom-built 40mm dynamic drivers and support hi‑res audio over LDAC, USB‑C lossless, and 3.5mm analog connections.
Headphone (1) has active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and spatial audio with head tracking. Nothing’s Adam Bates, head of design, said that the tactile control system, which replaces touch inputs with physical parts, is the most important part of the product’s user experience. There are three mechanical parts that make up the controls: a Roller for volume, a Paddle for playing media, and a Button that can be used to switch between ANC modes or start features like voice assistants.
The headphones are made of molded aluminum, clear parts, and memory foam to make them comfortable and long‑lasting. With ANC on, the battery can last up to 35 hours. You can listen for over two hours after charging it for 5 minutes, and you can connect the Headphone (1) to two Bluetooth devices at once.
The Nothing X app lets you use ChatGPT with your voice to get help and information. The four‑microphone call system uses AI to cut down on background noise. The Button can also start other things, like Channel Hop, which goes through recent audio apps, and Essential Space, which lets you make voice notes and reminders. Users can change these controls and also make use of an eight‑band EQ with the app.
Headphone (1) will cost $299 and come in black or white. It will be available at nothing.tech, us.kef.com, KEF Music Gallery stores, and KEF Music Studio. Preorders start on July 4 in some markets, and everyone can buy them starting on July 15.
