The best consumer tech always sweats the small stuff
The difference between perfection and irritation is smaller than you’d think
Small stuff with a big impact
Let’s return to the headphone example from earlier. These are a technology that has been around for years now, and is filled with reputable companies.
Imagine you’re after a good pair of noise-canceling cans. You’re inundated with options. There are theSennheiser Momentum 3,Bose 700, or theSony WH-1000XM4— and that’s just to name a few of the most popular models. There are many other brilliant companies making fantastic headphones, from Jabra to Master and Dynamic and beyond.
But, for the sake of this argument, let’s focus on that original trio I mentioned. What separates them? Technically, small stuff.
If we’re being brutal,the headphones I listed are the same thing: a quality pair of small drivers encased in an attractive blend of plastic and metal designed to make music sound great.
All of them are totally different though — and it’s because of the small stuff.The Sennheiser, Bose, and Sony models all display fine examples of fit, sound reproduction, noise-canceling, and aesthetics, yet you could potentially despise a pair of them. And your mate might adore the exact same model. The line between perfection and irritation is smaller than you’d think, especially with mature technology.
What I’m saying is this:small stuff don’t matter all the time, but when it does, itreallydoes. In other words, sometimes you’ve gotta sweat the small stuff. (Ugh, I really am a jerky boy, aren’t I?)
Are there any seemingly insubstantial things you love or hate about your favorite gadgets or apps?My Twitter is right here for you to vent.
Story byCallum Booth
Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting(show all)Callum Booth is a freelance journalist with over a decade of experience. Previously, he was the Managing Editor of TNW, where his reporting was cited widely, including in VICE, the FT, and the BBC.
Callum’s writing has appeared in The Verge, The Daily Telegraph, Time Out, and many more. He covers the full spectrum of technology, with a particular focus on how it shapes our daily lives. And a lot of regulation stuff too.
Outside of work, Callum’s an avid bookworm, a Fisherman’s Friends addict, and resolutely unshaven. Follow him on Twitter @CallumBooth or visit www.callumbooth.net.
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