The Documentary Podcast Living in a bubble: The headphone revolution
Apr 2, 2025
Per Sennström, co-founder of Earin and an electronics engineer from Malmö, dives into the headphone revolution. He discusses the rapid rise of wireless earbuds, their transformation into fashionable accessories, and their impact on our daily lives. Sennström highlights the duality of this trend—while offering high-quality sound, it poses challenges like social isolation and safety concerns in public spaces. He emphasizes the importance of carving out moments of silence amidst our audio-filled world, urging a balance between technology and personal reflection.
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Earin's Inspiration and Launch
- Per Sandström, co-founder of Earin, was inspired by the movie Definitely Maybe to create wireless earbuds.
- Despite challenges, Earin beat Bragi to market, launching a successful Kickstarter in 2014.
Market Growth
- The global headphone/earbud market grew from $10 billion in 2015 to an estimated $54.4 billion in 2025.
- Earbuds now dominate sales, driven by innovations, smartphones, fitness trends, and remote work.
South Korean Individualism
- South Korea's shift towards individualism, fueled by technology, led to increased headphone/earbud use.
- This allows people to tune out societal expectations and focus on personal interests.