So, when Bose announces the new QuietComfort Earbuds in 2024, one needs to see this in a context of all the previous efforts, meanwhile rewarded with the huge success of the Ultra Open Earbuds, proving that Bose doesn't need its ANC to compete in this vibrant consumer segment.
The first thing to note is that the new 2024 QuietComfort Earbuds boast a rounder, smaller design, that is not only original, it's much more elegant in the ears compared to its earlier efforts. And being an extension to its acclaimed QuietComfort line, seating below the existing QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ($299, discounted to $249), the feature set is extremely interesting given the competitive launch price of $179.
The new QuietComfort Earbuds design fits everyday use cases, featuring proven, powerful audio with renowned noise cancellation, customizable tap controls, voice commands to take calls or selfies in the moment, a wireless and USB-C charging case and up to 8.5 hours of playtime. Delivering a high-quality listening experience featuring the best-in-class noise cancellation the Bose brand is known for, these new QC Earbuds become extremely competitive. The platform is an updated Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connection, which might eventually be upgradable to LE Audio (our speculation, nothing is said by Bose regarding this). Bose does promise an upcoming immersive mode with an update, so that's a good sign.
Three microphones in each earbud enable an optimal noise cancellation and voice pickup, while powering the awareness mode (transparency). This is important since Bose also promotes this model for active, fitness applications, besides everyday lifestyle needs, from the daily commute to walks in the park. The earbuds are water and sweat-resistant with an IPX4 rating, and are designed to feel comfortable, snug, and secure. A trio of eartips and stability band sizes allows users to customize the buds to the shape of their ears, providing an improved fit.
As stated, the earbuds offer up to 8.5 hours of play time on a single charge - a great selling point for everyday users - and come with a wireless charging case that holds 2.5 charges. It only takes 1.5 hours to reach full strength, and a quick 20-minute charge provides up to three hours of additional battery life.
With the new QuietComfort Earbuds, Bose also introduced an updated QCE app, designed to enable personalization, and customize touch controls on either the right or left earbud, configuring a single, double, or triple tap. The Bose QCE app recovers all the same standard features of the Bose App: EQ adjustment, adjustable ANC, Voice Assistant, Custom Product Naming, Update Notifications; plus, additional features including: Listening & Call Battery Prediction, Remote Selfie, and Voice Command.
Users can also press and hold the earbuds to seamlessly access the rich set of features. With these customizable touch controls, users can switch between ANC settings to go from Quiet to Aware, or toggle off for a passive listening experience. A five-band adjustable EQ setting lets users dial in the sound and control bass, mid-range, and treble levels. And Voice ID allows users to calibrate the earbuds for improve voice recognition performance and accuracy.
In fact, Bose has made an effort to improve voice control features. Users can answer calls, play media, control volume, tap into their favorite voice assistant, and more by simply saying “Hey headphones.” The Remote Selfie feature turns the earbuds into a remote camera trigger, while Low Latency Audio mode delivers games and movies with synchronized audio.
Overall, there are no groundbreaking differentiating features in the new QuietComfort Earbuds. There's no "adaptive" features, no AI, just a well-balanced set of features, The new design offerg precisely what anyone would expect to get from a high-quality Bose ANC product, this being their more competitive offering ever in the TWS category. The new QC Earbuds are available for $179 in three color options: Black, White Smoke, or Chilled Lilac.
www.bose.com
