In a surprise move, Dyson, the British technology company known for its innovative and eco-friendly products, has announced that its new OnTrac headphones will be going in a new direction. The OnTrac headphones, which were initially announced as a part of the company’s Zone line, will no longer include the built-in air purifier feature, instead, they will be marketed as an “audio-only” product.

The Zone line, which debuted last year, was designed to offer a unique blend of noise-cancelling headphones and air purification technology. The idea was to create a product that not only provided high-quality sound, but also improved the air quality around the user. The OnTrac headphones, which were part of this line, were designed to be a more portable and compact version of the original Zone headphones, with the same air purifying technology embedded in the ear cups.

However, it seems that Dyson has decided to pivot and focus on the audio-only aspect of the product. In a statement, the company said that it has made the decision to “refocus the product’s design and development” to “deliver the best possible audio experience for our customers.”

The OnTrac headphones are expected to still feature advanced noise-cancelling technology and high-quality audio drivers, but they will no longer include the air purifying feature. The company has not provided a reason for this decision, but it is likely that the company believes that the air purifying technology was not as integral to the product’s overall value proposition as initially thought.

The move to an “audio-only” product could be a strategic decision to compete more directly with other high-end audio brands, such as Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser. By focusing on the audio quality, Dyson can potentially attract a wider range of customers who are looking for a premium listening experience.

The OnTrac headphones are expected to be available in the coming months, although a specific release date and pricing have not been announced. The company has also not yet confirmed whether the air purifying technology will be reintegrated into the product in the future.

In the meantime, fans of the Zone line will be disappointed by the decision to ditch the air purifying feature, but audio enthusiasts will be excited to get their hands on the new and improved OnTrac headphones.