Bose launched wired earbuds with active noise cancellation that connect via USB-C for $99, marking a shift back to wired listening. The earbuds feature dual microphones per bud for ANC, with Quiet Mode and Aware Mode options, and will ship starting October 15.
Nothing's new Headphone 1 Pro flagship over-ear headphones cost $399 and feature a triple-driver design, active noise cancellation, and a unique Flat EQ switch developed with Metropolis Studios to let studio professionals hear uncolored audio without processing. The headphones also support high-resolution audio via LDAC and USB-C, Auracast connectivity, and multiple sound profiles through the Nothing X app.
Bose has relaunched wired earbuds after an 11-year hiatus, capitalizing on a resurgent trend driven by Gen Z and younger consumers. The new $99 Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds offer strong sound quality and active noise canceling, though the control panel adds weight to the cable. The product launched in under nine months as part of Bose's push for faster production cycles.
Bose has started adding Auracast support to its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 via firmware update, making them the first Bose headphones to support the Bluetooth LE Audio technology. Auracast allows devices to broadcast audio to multiple supported headphones simultaneously for applications like airport announcements, venue performances, and lectures. The update also improves wired USB audio and web conferencing compatibility.
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 offer superior integration with Apple devices but cost $249. The article reviews affordable alternatives including Bose QuietComfort Earbuds at $149, Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro at $170, and Beats Powerbeats Fit, all featuring active noise cancellation and competitive features at lower prices.
Bose has released its first wired earbuds in 11 years, featuring active noise canceling with multiple modes, USB-C connectivity, and a $99 price point. The earbuds eliminate battery concerns and are available in three colors, with preorders beginning today and shipping expected mid-October.
Amar Bose was an American electrical engineer and MIT professor who founded Bose Corporation, developing innovative speaker and audio technology. Born in Philadelphia in 1929 to a Bengali father and American mother, he built the company into a major employer and donated majority ownership to MIT in 2011 to support education and research.
Qualcomm's new Snapdragon Sound Elite Gen 2 chip integrates Wi-Fi 6E directly to enable wireless earbuds to stream high-quality lossless audio via home Wi-Fi networks. Unlike the previous 2023 S7 Pro platform that required a separate Wi-Fi chip, the Elite is more compact and power-efficient, potentially making adoption easier for device makers like HP, Bose, and Cleer.