Headphones have continuously made significant technological and design advancements. Therefore, the demand and interest for consumers to own multiple pairs to suit different types of activities has increased (Morrison, 2013). Though brands like Beats have come out with high quality ear bud designs, headphones are still where the technology continues to evolve the fastest (Futuresource, 2013). Ear buds will remain to be the chosen device for some people because of their cheaper cost, compact size and convenience. But there are far more advancements happening with headphones that will make every new version the latest accessory to own.
DESIGN/CELEBRITY INFLUENCE
Different headphone designs have allowed consumers to have many options to fit their lifestyles. The headphone market has seen tremendous growth in the past two years, and will continue to see the same increase into 2016. Futuresource estimates the market will top 330 million units in 2016, up from 228 million units in 2011 (Futuresource, 2013). The headphone market is being dominated by high-end brands like Beats and Skullcandy. These brands have become popular among teens and music-oriented consumers with their enhanced quality and design (Futuresource, 2013). As the headphone market becomes more competitive brands will need to focus on differentiating their products from other brands.
One of the things that allow a brand to stand out is the opportunity of collaborating with celebrities. Celebrity endorsed headphones are an effective marketing strategy to gain exposure to a specific audience. Celebrities are icons, trend setters, and role models that can influence a wide variety of people. Beats headphones has dominated the market since 2008 and has partnered with different celebrities to create their own line of headphones. The exposure and popularity of Beats headphones has inspired competitors to create “celebrity headphones” as well. In the years to come celebrity-endorsed headphones will dominate market (Jackson, 2013). It will then create a competition between celebrities on whose headphone is better.
MP3 PLAYER HEADPHONES
Headphones with embedded MP3 players have been introduced to the market in more recent years but have not gained much popularity. These headphones allow the user to wirelessly listen to their music without any additional devices. However, several glitches and kinks have disabled these headphones from becoming high in demand (France, 2009). It is quite possible to see MP3 embedded headphones improve in their technology if companies and manufactures begin to push the specific style again.
One way these headphones could become greatly successful in the market would be if artists embedded their own music into the headphones they endorse. It could be an entirely new campaign for how people listen to their favorite music. This would give artists another media tool to outsource their music and get people to listen to it exactly how they want them to hear it. Specific manufactures and brands of headphones could create automated playlists on their own too. This would be another way for artists to reach out to the headphone companies in order to promote their tracks by snagging a spot on their essential playlist, included with the purchase of a pair of headphones.
Beyond personalizing headphones with graphic designs and colors, the content inside the headphones would be specified towards certain audiences as well. Headphones would become more personalized than ever, because consumers have the ability to purchase exactly what they want. Whether they are drawn to the music loaded into a pair of headphones, the physical design, or the pride of owning their favorite artist’s endorsed product, a new realm of marketing and company competition would be created.
FINAL STATEMENTS
Headphones began as devices used to hear live shows and operas from afar. They evolved to become personal merchandise for people to enjoy their own music selection. Through the years design, technology and manufacturing have changed the look and quality of headphones. Headphones have become key equipment in the music industry, and primary accessories to the average consumer.
DESIGN/CELEBRITY INFLUENCE
Different headphone designs have allowed consumers to have many options to fit their lifestyles. The headphone market has seen tremendous growth in the past two years, and will continue to see the same increase into 2016. Futuresource estimates the market will top 330 million units in 2016, up from 228 million units in 2011 (Futuresource, 2013). The headphone market is being dominated by high-end brands like Beats and Skullcandy. These brands have become popular among teens and music-oriented consumers with their enhanced quality and design (Futuresource, 2013). As the headphone market becomes more competitive brands will need to focus on differentiating their products from other brands.
One of the things that allow a brand to stand out is the opportunity of collaborating with celebrities. Celebrity endorsed headphones are an effective marketing strategy to gain exposure to a specific audience. Celebrities are icons, trend setters, and role models that can influence a wide variety of people. Beats headphones has dominated the market since 2008 and has partnered with different celebrities to create their own line of headphones. The exposure and popularity of Beats headphones has inspired competitors to create “celebrity headphones” as well. In the years to come celebrity-endorsed headphones will dominate market (Jackson, 2013). It will then create a competition between celebrities on whose headphone is better.
MP3 PLAYER HEADPHONES
Headphones with embedded MP3 players have been introduced to the market in more recent years but have not gained much popularity. These headphones allow the user to wirelessly listen to their music without any additional devices. However, several glitches and kinks have disabled these headphones from becoming high in demand (France, 2009). It is quite possible to see MP3 embedded headphones improve in their technology if companies and manufactures begin to push the specific style again.
One way these headphones could become greatly successful in the market would be if artists embedded their own music into the headphones they endorse. It could be an entirely new campaign for how people listen to their favorite music. This would give artists another media tool to outsource their music and get people to listen to it exactly how they want them to hear it. Specific manufactures and brands of headphones could create automated playlists on their own too. This would be another way for artists to reach out to the headphone companies in order to promote their tracks by snagging a spot on their essential playlist, included with the purchase of a pair of headphones.
Beyond personalizing headphones with graphic designs and colors, the content inside the headphones would be specified towards certain audiences as well. Headphones would become more personalized than ever, because consumers have the ability to purchase exactly what they want. Whether they are drawn to the music loaded into a pair of headphones, the physical design, or the pride of owning their favorite artist’s endorsed product, a new realm of marketing and company competition would be created.
FINAL STATEMENTS
Headphones began as devices used to hear live shows and operas from afar. They evolved to become personal merchandise for people to enjoy their own music selection. Through the years design, technology and manufacturing have changed the look and quality of headphones. Headphones have become key equipment in the music industry, and primary accessories to the average consumer.