Bose doesn’t want Apple to dominate today. Bose QuietComfort Earphones II are $299.99 wireless earbuds that promise to provide the “world’s greatest noise cancelling” Preorders start now in black (white in October) and delivery on September 15th.
It showed out two new features at the launch event: CustomTune sound tuning and Aware Mode with ActiveSense. ANC always makes a major difference, but the jump sounded tremendous. “Quiet” setting made it difficult to hear background sounds.
CustomTune recalibrates each earbud when removed from the casing. It sounds a starter chime and then assesses how your ear canal warps sound. Instead of a one-size-fits-all ANC filter, this one uses an algorithm. We’ve both heard firms claim they tune sound to ear anatomy, but this was believable.
CustomTune optimises audio performance according to the unique qualities of each ear, so if the shape of your ears changes the sound, the earbuds will compensate.
CustomTune targets the frequencies most resistant to noise-canceling algorithms and adapts to the wearer’s environment to ensure optimal performance.
Bose’s ANC technology counters extraneous sounds in a millisecond using one internal and three external microphones per earphone. Bose’s method is proprietary.
‘CutomTune’ intelligently customises the Quietcomfort Earbuds II’s transparency mode. It’s now named ‘Aware Mode with ActiveSense’ – a transparency mode that responds instantly to loud and/or unexpected external sounds by turning on noise-cancelation. It helps you hear better and protects your hearing.
Bose fans won’t have overflowing pockets with the new QuietComfort Earbuds II case. (Bose)
Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II are a third smaller and 6g lighter than their predecessor. Sound is produced using 9.3mm drivers.
The Bose ‘FitKit’ includes three sizes of eartips and stability bands for added comfort. This means there are a total of nine fitting options for each earbud, which should be ample.
The QuietComfort Earbuds II use Bluetooth 5.3 and are compatible with SBC and AAC. No lossless audio support (aptX).
They’re IPX4-rated for moisture-resistance, making them sweatproof like the Beats Fit Pro. Moreover the earbuds’ charging case holds three full charges. 20 minutes plugged into USB-C adds hours of playback.
Bose earbuds have capacitive touch-controls and are voice assistant compatible. They also work with the company’s Music control app, meaning EQ adjustment, access to noise-cancellation modes and other customization options are available.
With AirPods Pro 2 debuting at the same moment, we’re in for a noise-canceling earbuds titans clash.