Comment by veidr | Hacker News Reader

Comment by veidr | Hacker News Reader

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I assume, barring some kind of cataclysm and reversion to barbarism (admittedly looking increasingly plausible of late), that there is no chance whatsoever that I am going to want to be using the same audio headphones in 2026 that I will be using in 2021.

Not because the old ones will SOUND horribly worse than the five year newer ones, but because tech is tech — the new ones will work with all my 2026 devices, connect using the 2026 wireless standard, work with the 2026 cable (if any, besides the 3.5mm analog).

The 2026 models will hopefully be able to download my voice profile and predefined commands and maybe will even unlock my front door when I approach, plus _____________ ????¿¿¿¿

Don't get me wrong — I love shit that will last a long time with finality, and I buy lots of things for that reason: knives and cookware and even furniture that I will hand down to my sons.

But headphones? Not in that category any more than smartphones or computers.

How much of that is natural evolution of technology vs planned obsolescence?

I don't dispute the concept of planned obsolescence — or even fraudulent sabotage. (Looking at you, Logitech, with the 7 mouse devices we bought which (while otherwise excellent) lasted between 14 and 17 months with a 12 month warranty!)

But my point is that it's not relevant to computer/smartphone oriented wireless headphones. Most of us are gonna want new ones within 3-4 years regardless of what Apple plans. (Wired headphones, different story.)

When it comes to wireless audio, there's always something better in five years. For the same reason these headphones are probably better than whatever you're using right now.

Though, in five years, a $60-80 battery replacement doesn't sound like a problem to me. This thread seems like roleplaying that it's a major life event.

When it comes to expensive audio equipment I'm a buy once and use it for a long long while type of person. Sure "better" comes out every so often but I see audio as an investment and I want to get my money's worth.

These airpods aren't an investment, they are expensive and disposable as I doubt these will be usable in 10 years time. To me, that is a bad investment.

I don't feel like the audio quality is actually any better than my headphones from years ago, it's just the bonus extra features.

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