Nothing Headphone 1 to Launch Alongside Nothing Phone 3
July is going to be a big month for British tech company Nothing, which is not only launching its "first true flagship," the Nothing Phone 3, but will also unveil a new audio product, the Nothing Headphone 1.
Headphone 1 is due to launch on July 1, said Nothing Founder and CEO Carl Pei speaking on stage at SXSW London on Thursday. "It's our first over-the-head headphones," he said. "A lot of our users have been asking for it."
Audio is hardly a new category for Nothing. In fact the company's first foray into the hardware world was with the Nothing Ear 1, earbuds that captured out attention with their striking transparent design. The company's focus on design is "a necessity," said Pei as the company was late to market and needed a way to differentiate itself.
"We call it technical warmth," he said, describing Nothing's design language. "At first glance, these parts look really mechanical, [but] once you dig a little bit deeper, there's a lot of fun elements."
Pei also gave a hint into what we can expect for the company in the next five years. "The smartphone is the most important product today, but that doesn't mean it's going to be the most important product forever," he said. He's interested in seeing what new form factors tech companies are bringing to market, but would ideally like Nothing to be the company that finds the killer next tech product.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Vogue
31 minutes ago
- Vogue
Emma Watson Models Affordable Outerwear in Paris
Just weeks after she was spotted in Cannes wearing dainty lace and summery Chanel, Emma Watson is trading in her ladylike fashions for a tomboyish look. Today (June 6) in Paris, the actor and activist opted for a bohemian-meets-utilitarian look. She wore a sheer black long sleeve with a knitted diamond pattern, which she styled with a pair of light-wash barrel jeans. Watson elevated the black top and blue jeans formula with her styling, accessorizing with a pair of chunky black boots and dangling, shoulder-grazing earrings. Emma Watson in Paris, June 2025. Iammeysam / BACKGRIDUSA But what caught our eye was Watson's outerwear: A thigh-length, toffee-colored barn jacket with deep, pronounced pockets, and a brown faux-leather collar. The coat hails from Pixie Market and retails for $219. Not only is it a reasonably priced piece of outerwear, it's made of 100 per cent cotton. A longtime proponent of sustainability—from vintage to deadstock, and even the 2016 Met Gala where she walked the carpet in a deconstructed Calvin Klein dress made out of recycled plastic bottles—it's no surprise to see Emma Watson invest in a sturdy cotton coat that will last a lifetime. But the wallet-friendly price tag is an added boon.
Geek Vibes Nation
35 minutes ago
- Geek Vibes Nation
10 Most Difficult Arcade Games In History
If you think modern microtransactions are bad, try playing some classic arcade games sometime. Sure, the game might only cost a quarter or 50 cents, but that's just the starting price. Once you run out of lives, you'll have to refill the machine. In theory, you could complete an arcade game for just a quarter. In reality, it would take weeks or months of practice. It was not uncommon to spend £20, £50 or even more to see the ending of some old arcade games. And, of course, that was just for one playthrough. Yes, classic games were very different from what we have in the 21st century with its multitude of mods and options. But even considering that these games were designed to squeeze as much money out of you as possible, some of them. 10. Robotron: 2084 Smash TV is a notoriously tough game, and it becomes even more difficult when using two joysticks — a setup popularized by its spiritual predecessor Robotron: 2084, developed by the same Eugene Jarvis. From the moment you start, Robotron throws waves of enemies at you from all directions, filling the screen with chaos and projectiles. Combine that relentless action with 40-year-old visuals that can blur what's actually happening, and you've got a game that was punishing back then — and nearly impossible for modern players used to cleaner design. The controls are complex, and in many emulated versions or console ports, they become even trickier to handle. Still, for those who enjoy pure arcade challenges, it's a nostalgic masterpiece. And for gamers seeking instant thrills and fast-paced action, there are modern alternatives too — from twin-stick shooters to bonus-based online games like those found at Richard Casino app download, which deliver quick, rewarding gameplay in a very different (but equally addictive) form. 9. Defender Side-scrolling shooters have always been known for their high difficulty. This was true of the very first game in the genre, Defender. In theory, it should have been a simple mission. Shoot the alien invaders and save the astronauts. But the enemies attack quickly and become increasingly unpredictable. And the hyperspace function does not guarantee safety. It can move you to a more advantageous part of the screen or lead to instant death. But for the most part, Defender is at least honest. Your first few attempts will most likely result in a quick defeat, but practice can lead to pretty good results. And death is usually the result of your own stupid mistakes, not unfair AI—kind of like playing a kenku DnD, where creative limitations force you to think more carefully rather than rely on brute force. 8. Zaxxon As we've seen, when games start experimenting with new ideas, they tend to become much more difficult than the games that inspired them. Zaxxon is actually one of the first games with an isometric perspective. This gave it a truly unique look that helped it stand out in crowded arcades (and which is still relevant today), but it also meant that players now had to keep track of their height and position to avoid certain obstacles. Add to that the fact that your ship is constantly moving forward at a speed that is impossible for you to comprehend (and that you can run out of fuel), and it's easy to see why so many playthroughs quickly end in disaster. Nevertheless, it's still a very fun and unusual game. 7. Storm Storm remains one of the most unique games ever offered by arcade machines. At a time when most developers were trying to replicate the success of Pac-Man or Space Invaders, its joystick controller and vector graphics (an early attempt at first-person gameplay) stood out as something completely new for the era. 'Storm' is more like a psychedelic experience than a traditional arcade game. The unique gameplay is one source of difficulty, but there is also a lot of content here, and it's easy to get lost if you try to complete all 99 levels (and even more). Of course, you can choose which level to start with, but that won't help much if you don't have the skills to take on the game's ruthless enemies. 6. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 Fighting games have always been known for their short story modes. If you're good at them, you can get through most of them in 10-15 minutes. Therefore, early arcade fighting games had a solution that ensured most players would continue playing: absolutely brutal, blatantly unfair difficulty. Playing Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 is like playing a slot machine. You only win when the AI randomly decides it's time for you to win. To be honest, you'll probably defeat the first couple of opponents without much trouble, but around the third match, the computer will turn into Agent Smith from The Matrix and resist everything you throw at it as soon as you make a move. It's silly and manipulative. Fortunately, such tricks are much less common now that fighting games have left arcades. 5. Missile Command Missile Command remains one of the most intense games despite its apparent simplicity. You control three anti-missile batteries. But the incoming missiles are unstoppable, and your ammunition is limited. Of course, you can stop some of these missiles, but not all of them. You will never be able to stop them all. A devastating defeat is inevitable. The only question is how soon it will come. A handful of experienced players have completed all 256 levels of Missile Command; it takes hours (a lifetime in arcade game terms). Most players don't even come close. After all, the goal of Missile Command is not to win, but to resist the inevitable for as long as possible. 4. Stargate Stargate is a sequel to Defender, also known as Defender II in some versions, so that should give you some idea of the difficulty level. While the basic gameplay remains the same, everything now happens even faster, and new enemies have more chaotic attack patterns and even homing attacks. But what really makes Stargate such a challenging game is that no matter how much time you spend learning the game, pattern recognition will only help you so much. This is one of those games that tries its hardest to push your hand-eye coordination to the limit. If you lack skills in this area, you will always struggle to get a high score. 3. Ghosts 'n Goblins What list of difficult games would be complete without Ghosts 'n Goblins? The NES port may be more well-known these days, but the franchise actually began with arcade machines. The original arcade game is just as incredibly difficult as its console version. In fact, it may even be more difficult, as there were no cheats for this version of the game back in the day. You were either good enough to beat the game or you died. A lot. And you just kept paying to keep playing. Although this game is more 'fair' than other arcade games, it is still designed to make you spend as much money as possible. Two hits kill you. Enemies appear randomly from all sides. Projectiles can fill the entire screen, and you have to perform many difficult jumps. And you have to go through all of this twice to see the real ending of the game. Good luck. 2. Gravitar The lead developers of Gravitar have publicly admitted that they cannot complete even the most difficult levels and certainly did not expect players to be able to do so. That alone should tell you almost everything you need to know about the incredibly high level of difficulty. Everything in this game is designed to test your patience. First, there's the engine controls. Yes, Asteroids was a pioneer in this area, and many gamers were familiar with this type of control when Gravitar came out, but it's still considered very sensitive. Then you have to consider how important gravity is to the gameplay. Wherever you go, it always pulls you somewhere, so you have to take that into account. But then Gravitar starts to mock you by adding reverse gravity and, eventually, invisible landscapes. In the end, you will experience the joys of reverse gravity in invisible landscapes. If it had a controller that could be thrown across the room, most players would have done so by that point. 1. Sinister 'Beware, I am alive.' These iconic words from Sinister have meant almost instant death for countless gamers over the years. In terms of gameplay, Sinister is actually one of the most innovative games of its time, although these innovations are what make it so challenging. You find yourself in an open space arena and must start collecting 'Sinibombs' by shooting at planetoid-like objects. This is the only weapon that can defeat Sinister when he awakens. Oh, and if you don't destroy it quickly enough, its minions will be able to regenerate. Although Sinister isn't actually on the playing field at the start of each level, it quickly assembles itself. When he's ready, he charges at you with the fury of an enraged grizzly bear. One hit and your ship is destroyed. Basically, everything works against you from the start to keep your score low and you keep putting quarters into the game. Rarely does a game last more than a few minutes.
Car and Driver
36 minutes ago
- Car and Driver
2026 Volvo EX40: What We Know So Far
Overview Volvo has a knack for making boxy look chic, and the EX40 is a prime example. The brand's electric compact SUV is drenched in Scandinavian style from bumper to bumper, inside and out. Entry-level models are motivated by a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 248 horsepower, while a 402-hp all-wheel drive arrangement in the dual-motor variant makes the EX40 a mighty quick cube. With an estimated driving range of up to 293 miles on a full charge, the EX40 may provoke range anxiety more so than in competitors such as the Tesla Model Y and Cadillac Optiq, but the Volvo's appeal lies in its impressive cargo capacity and buttoned-up Swedish mien. What's New for 2026? After last year's updates brought an optional Performance software upgrade and a Black Edition appearance package to the EX40, the 2026 model carries on unchanged. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Volvo EX40 is expected to start around $54,000 and go up to $63,000 depending on the trim and options. Single Motor Core $54,000 (est) Twin Motor Core $56,000 (est) Single Motor Plus $57,000 (est) Twin Motor Plus $59,000 (est) Single Motor Ultra $61,000 (est) Twin Motor Ultra $63,000 (est) It's our feeling that the Ultra is the best choice of the bunch, as it adds unique 20-inch wheels, automatic high-beam headlamps, a Harman/Kardon stereo system, adaptive cruise control, and a semi-autonomous driving mode for not a lot of money. We'll leave the decision between the single and dual-motor powertrains to you since each offers different range and power outputs to suit specific needs. EV Motor, Power, and Performance Entry-level EX40 models are powered by a single, rear-mounted electric motor with 248 horsepower. Twin Motor models come with two electric motors, one at each axle, giving it full-time all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive powertrain puts out a stout 402 horsepower. During our test drive, we noted a compliant ride, a hushed cabin, and a refined cruising demeanor; aggressive drivers may find the Polestar 2 a better fit. Regenerative braking allows for one-pedal driving, which is a desirable and convenient EV feature that we appreciate. 0–60-MPH Times In our testing, a dual-motor EX40 got to 60 mph in a swift 4.1 seconds. We haven't yet tested the single-motor version, but when we tested that configuration previously in a comparable XC40 Recharge, it got to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. View Exterior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver Towing and Payload Capacity While Volvo's little electric SUV isn't the vehicle to choose if you foresee boat-hauling in your future, it still has the ability to tow up to 2000 pounds. Range, Charging, and Battery Life The EX40 uses a 79-kWh battery pack that Volvo says is good for up to 293 miles of driving per charge in the Single Motor and 260 miles in the Twin Motor variant. Those range estimates put the XC40 Recharge at a disadvantage against the many SUVs in this segment that are capable of more than 300 miles per charge. The EX40 is capable of charging at DC fast-charging terminals as well as at-home chargers via a 240-volt outlet. In our testing at a fast-charger, the EX40 got from a 10 percent to a 90 percent charge in 46 minutes. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 EX40 yet, but last year's single-motor model returned results of 118 MPGe city and 94 MPGe highway. The Twin Motor model's fuel economy estimates were lower at 103 MPGe city and 85 MPGe highway. The last time we tested an XC40 Single Motor, it returned 69 MPGe, and the driving range on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test was a disappointing 190 miles. Without any significant changes since then, the newest model should deliver similar results, but we'll update this section when we get our hands on a new EX40. For more information about the XC40's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The cabin of the EX40 offers everything we love about the gas-powered XC40, including thoughtful cubby storage, a comfortable driving position, and spacious first- and second-row seating. In the transition to an EV powertrain, the EX40 has lost none of its cargo space, so we expect it to hold the same number of carry-on suitcases as the XC40. In our testing, the XC40 held 23 carry-on suitcases with its rear seats folded. In addition, the lack of a four-cylinder engine under the hood frees up space for a front trunk (frunk), which is the ideal space to store the EX40's charging cables. View Interior Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity All EX40s come with Volvo's latest infotainment software developed in conjunction with Google's Android Automotive. The EX40's corporate cousin, the Polestar 2, also offers such an infotainment system, which we found to be intuitive and snappy in its functionality, but the Volvo version suffers from small onscreen buttons that are difficult to actuate while driving. A standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster provides several options for customization. Despite the collaboration with Google, the new infotainment system provides connectivity options for both Android and Apple iPhone devices; a wireless smartphone charging pad is also offered. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Volvo offers a host of high-tech driver-assistance features as standard, including automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. For more information about the EX40's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Volvo offers a well-rounded warranty package on its new cars, including a complimentary scheduled maintenance plan that spans four years or 40,000 miles. Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Battery components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 4 years or 40,000 miles Specifications Specifications 2025 Volvo EX40 Twin Motor Ultra Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $62,045/$62,045 POWERTRAIN Front Motor: induction AC, 147 hp, 184 lb-ft Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 255 hp, 310 lb-ft Combined Power: 402 hp Combined Torque: 494 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 79.0 kWh Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 205 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 13.6-in vented disc/13.4-in vented disc Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero Elect 235/45R-20 100H M+S VOL 255/40R-20 101H M+S VOL DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 106.4 in Length: 174.8 in Width: 73.3 in Height: 65.0 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 50/45 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 58/22 ft3 Curb Weight: 4755 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.1 sec 100 mph: 11.0 sec 1/4-Mile: 12.8 sec @ 106 mph Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.3 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.7 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.4 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 114 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 169 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 340 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.84 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING Observed: 93 MPGe Average DC Fast-Charge Rate, 10–90%: 86 kW DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 46 min EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 94/103/85 MPGe Range: 260 mi C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
