At CES 2024, Harman presented the concept for several new true wireless earbuds, all of which had one thing in common - the smart charging case. Now, a few days before the official presentation at IFA 2024, Harman launched the $299.95 JBL Tour PRO 3, which is the brand's new flagship, featuring the second-generation Smart Charging Case.
The case not only provides full control of the earbud features, but also acts as a wireless audio transmitter, enabling 'Everywhere Entertainment’ from any USB-C or analog source such as inflight entertainment systems. Users simply have to plug in the charging case for an instant and automatic connection to their earbuds - effectively becoming a dongle. Better yet, the direct connection between case and earbuds is more stable, and lower latency, than Bluetooth, making it the perfect companion for gaming, calls, movies and music.
And as Harman has already demonstrated since the beginning of this year, all its products are shipping with Bluetooth LE Audio enabled (mainly speakers and microphones) or ready to be activated with an update (TWS earbuds). As for the new JBL Tour PRO 3, this is the first TWS model shipping with an Auracast transmitter functionality. In this case, combining both Auracast receivers (earbuds and case) and an Auracast Transmitter (the case). Users are able to easily share audio content with any Auracast-enabled device using the Auracast button on the Smart Charging Case display. Or join an existing broadcast by simply tapping in with the case and accompanying app.
The redesigned Smart Charging Case now features a 30% larger screen than its predecessor, all wrapped in a smaller, more pocketable package. The screen provides seamless control over music playback, call management, access to ID3 Tag, caller ID and media file information, and more without needing to access the connected smartphone. Users can also personalize the display lock screen and wallpaper with any photo and the case supports display commands in 13 languages.
In terms of other features, the JBL Tour PRO 3 has also been upgraded to include new JBL Spatial 360 and Head Tracking technology from any audio source. Whether watching a movie or playing video games, this technology transforms stereo sound into a fully immersive experience. It's a gimmicky implementation of upmixed "spatial" but it ticks a box for consumers who have no idea about immersive audio formats and how to get that type of content.
No matter what they are listening to, users will enjoy an improved audio reproduction thanks to a hybrid dual driver system in each earbud. As Harman explains, the JBL Tour PRO 3 earbuds combine a balanced armature driver for the mid and high frequencies, freeing the 11mm dynamic driver to provide powerful, cleaner bass. With a dedicated DAC and amplifier channel for each driver reproducing a specific part of the frequency range, the result is certain to impress anyone that was using a previous version of JBL earbuds.
Further enhancing audio quality, the JBL Tour PRO 3 earbuds are Hi-Res Wireless certified thanks to supporting the Sony audio codec LDAC, which streams three times more data than the standard Bluetooth codecs. The Bluetooth 5.3 platform enables stable connections with modern sources, with multipoint connections, and Google and Microsoft fast pairing.
"JBL Tour PRO 3 introduces a brand-new audio platform developed for sonic excellence as it sets new standards in customization, performance, and convenience. I am particularly excited by the new generation Smart Charging Case because the new audio transmitter technology is unique as it unlocks so many potential scenarios for improving audio quality and enhancing the listening experience," says Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at Harman.
Designed to deliver excellent audio quality no matter the setting, the JBL Tour PRO 3 earbuds come equipped with JBL's newest True Adaptive Noise Cancellation 2.0 technology. This advanced system measures noise levels at a rate of over 50,000 times per second and adapts to environmental changes while compensating for sound leakage. When needs to stay alert to the sounds of the world, the Smart Ambient feature raises and lowers the volume in real time, depending on how quiet or noisy the surroundings are. Smart Talk also recognizes the user's voice, automatically pausing the music and enabling a preferred ambient experience.
With six microphones and a hydrodynamic windproof design, the earbuds ensure clear and undistorted voice transmission during calls. The earbuds use a new, proprietary, JBL Crystal AI call algorithm to enhance clarity even in noisy environments, isolating the voice from low frequency stationary noises such as traffic and in a subway, but also from more sudden high frequency noises such as coffee shops. And users who make the calls through the earbuds will also benefit from a new smart call equalizer, Voice Call. This features a sound level optimizer that helps reduce the volume of loud talkers or amplify quiet talkers.
For a fully personalized sound, the Personi-fi 3.0 hearing test offers a customized sound profile. This JBL algorithm accurately measures and adjusts for individual hearing profiles using 12 bands for EQ compensation and 14 warble tones. The adjustments are now made separately for each ear, providing the most personalized listening experience to date.
Specifications in terms of battery playtime are also among the industry's best, with 8 hours with Bluetooth streaming and ANC On (seven with True Adaptive ANC On). For the best comfort and performance, JBL Tour PRO 3 ships with an extensive selection of ear tip options, with five different sized silicon and one additional set of foam ear tips. The JBL Tour PRO 3 earbuds will be available in Black and Latte colors starting September 22, 2024, retailing for $299.99.
www.jbl.com
www.harman.com
