OPINION: Bose’s newest vary of headphones have been rumoured and leaked over the past a number of months, however now they’re a actuality with a brand new collection of QuietComfort headphones.
The launch does really feel considerably odd, although. I’ve been anticipating a follow-up to the Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700 (NCH700 for brief) since they went on sale in 2019 however had thought they’d retain an analogous mannequin designation (NCH900?), however it feels as if that well-liked collection, if it ever was a fully-fledged one, has been retired.
Then there was the shock launch of the QuietComfort Headphones, which substitute the QuietComfort 45 that launched in 2021. The brand new ones have a couple of upgrades, new colors, and some extra additions, however on the floor, they’re much like what got here earlier than earlier than.
Then there are the QuietComfort Extremely over-ears and true wi-fi. The Extremely Earbuds have been a good larger shock because the QuietComfort Earbuds II launched in 2022 – they’ve not even been on sale for a yr earlier than being changed – and the older mannequin was anticipated to be up to date to help aptX codecs and Snapdragon Sound, however the longer it went with out an replace, the extra it felt that one thing had modified.
I believe some (rightly) will really feel aggrieved that they’ve purchased a pair of wi-fi earphones anticipating a characteristic that doesn’t look like coming in any respect, however from Bose’s perspective, this might find yourself being a wise transfer. The corporate’s refreshed and unified its line-up in a single fell swoop, providing prospects a selection of choices; whereas presumably the earlier fashions will proceed to be bought (whereas shares final) at decrease costs for these searching for a less expensive possibility, however it additionally appears as if Bose has been enjoying catch-up with the remainder of the market
The Immersive Audio characteristic on the QuietComfort Extremely Headphones sounds attention-grabbing, however Sony’s been on the immersive audio practice with its 360 Actuality Audio format for years, whereas Apple welcomed Dolby Atmos with open arms a couple of years in the past, and the likes of Yamaha made inroads into spatial audio with its YH-L700A headphones. Bose isn’t the primary model to get into spatial audio – there’s some floor to make up in associating the Bose identify with 3D audio.
As I wrote again in 2021, 3D audio is trying like the subsequent battleground for headphones. Jabra jumped into it lately with its newest true wi-fi headphones and there’s extra music being conceived in codecs resembling Dolby Atmos, so it’s catching on when it comes to reputation. As I wrote in that article nonetheless, 3D audio can nonetheless be one thing of a poisoned chalice. Upconverting stereo into 3D remains to be moderately tough, and even native spatial audio mixes may be uninteresting if there’s not sufficient within the music to benefit from the format.
Tthen there’s the addition of aptX and Snapdragon Sound to think about. Qualcomm’s aptX is one thing I’ve been anticipating in Bose headphones for some time now. We’ve reached a degree the place even price range true wi-fi just like the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC are providing LDAC streaming. Increased high quality music streaming over Bluetooth has been pushed persistently by manufacturers, and once more it feels as if Bose has waited a little bit too lengthy to wade into these waters.
I’m not fully certain why it’s taken so lengthy or what’s ended up taking place behind the scenes; Bose has at all times made high quality headphones, however a constant grievance has been they’ve by no means included the type of options and choices to compete in opposition to the likes of Sony, JBL, Apple and others. Now they’re boasting extra firepower and I’m intrigued as to how this new strategy for Bose fares in a fearsomely aggressive market.
