Bose reveals the new QuietComfort lineup of headphones and earbuds
Bose is introducing three new products that include the $429 QuietComfort Ultra Headphones alongside the $299 QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and $349 QuietComfort Headphones. That's meant that the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, QuietComfort 45 headphones, and QuietComfort Earbuds II are all being replaced!
Bose & Spatial Audio
Immersive Audio or spatial audio? Call it how you want but Bose says that his custom Immersive Audio "goes beyond special effects and creates a wider, more spacious soundstage so your content becomes multi-dimensional and layered, regardless of the audio platform or device."
The company is using its own proprietary audio processing to range over stereo tracks with optional head tracking. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Earbuds will contain a sensor, probably an accelerometer, that will detect your head movements to guarantee that the sweet spot will remain in the center. The entry-level QuietComfort Headphones will not offer this feature.
In a press release, Bose describes its new audio tech in this way:
"Traditionally, when listening to recorded content through headphones, the soundstage is collapsed into your head between your ears. Bose Immersive Audio reveals its true depth, spatializing what you’re hearing by virtually placing it in front of you. This effect is enabled by an onboard IMU and newly developed, proprietary Bose digital signal processing software in the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Earbuds."
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones $429, available early October 2023
Will replace the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and along with immersive audio, the new BOSE flagship over-ear headphones will also feature some design upgrades that make them more comfortable to wear like signature QuietComfort line.
Battery life around 24 hours on a charge that drops to 18 hours with Immersive Audio enable. The physical controls have also been improved; Bose added a volume slider in addition to the usual multifunction and power / Bluetooth buttons. Unfortunately no wired USB-C audio support, but 2.5mm jack if you want to plug in.
QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds $299, available early October.
Will replace the QuietComfort Earbuds II with a more powerful ANC, voice call and better sound quality.
Android listeners can now stream music with the AptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec at a higher bitrate than the other AAC or SBC codecs. Snapdragon Sound is included on both Ultra models.
The design has also been refreshed, and the fit wing, to wrap around the underside of each earbud, improved. Immersive Audio affects battery life as the QC Ultra Earbuds will last up to four hours with it on. The company says you can expect two more hours of use with that spatial sound disabled. Bose will also offer an optional wireless charging case cover with these new earbuds, but it will cost you can extra $49.
QuietComfort Headphones $349, available September 21st
Will replace QuietComfort45 Headphone maintaining a classic QC design, Bose's powerful ANC, up to 24 hours of battery life and Bluetooth multi-point connectivity. Interesting to find also a new green finish in addition to black and white.
All three new models are available for pre-order. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are $429 and the QuietComort Ultra Earbuds are $299. Both will ship in early October. The QuietComfort Headphones will be available on September 21 for $349.
