Bose Intros Wireless Headphones, One with Adjustable Noise Cancellation

Bose has introduced four wireless headphones: two featuring noise-cancellation, one with a noise control, and two designed for exercise workouts, one of which has a built-in heart-rate monitor.

The QuietComfort 35 around-ear noise-cancelling model ($350) and SoundSport in-ear model ($150) are available now and will be followed by the QuietControl 30 ($300) and SoundSport Pulse ($200) in-ear models in September.

The QC35 employs a “custom-engineered Bluetooth system for a strong and consistent connection anywhere” and has microphones inside and outside the earcups that sense, measure, and send unwanted noise to two digital processors—one for each ear—that produce a “precise, equal and opposite” noise-canceling signal almost instantly. The rated life for its rechargeable lithium-ion battery is 20 hours and buttons for on/off, volume, play/pause, and call answer/end are located on the right earcup.

With noise-cancellation electronics housed in its sleek neckband, the QC30 (shown above) uses six microphones to pick up unwanted sounds and gives the user control over how much external sound is blocked out. You can turn noise cancellation up or down, on or off and it adapts to the level set without changing music volume, according to Bose. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery is rated for 10 hours of play time and an in-line remote has buttons for controlling volume, play/pause, call answer/end, and noise control. Other features include custom equalization and small, medium, and large umbrella-shaped silicone ear tips designed to form a gentle seal with the ear and eliminate pressure and aches.

In addition to the microphones used for noise cancellation and control, the QC35 and QC30 have a dual-mic system said to reject annoying background sounds that interfere with talking and the text-to-speech accuracy of Siri and other voice systems. The QC 35 is available in black or silver and the QC30 in black.

The SoundSport and SoundSport Pulse, designed to provide stability and comfort during exercise, are sweat- and water-resistant and equipped with a sport version of the silicone ear tips described earlier with an extended wing that “locks” in the fit. An inline mic and remote has controls for skipping tracks, adjusting volume, and taking/making calls. Battery life is rated as 6 hours for SoundSport and 5 hours for SoundSport Pulse, which includes a built-in heart-rate monitor that takes measurements through the ear to ensure an accurate reading; the monitor is compatible with Runkeeper, Endomondo, and other fitness apps.

The SoundSport is available in black and aqua now and Citron in September; the SoundSport Pulse will be available in red.

All of Bose’s new wireless headphones include NFC for touch-to-pair functionality, voice prompts for setup, caller ID, battery life, and the Bose Connect app, which allows users to connect and switch between Bluetooth devices, update software, and personalize voice-prompt language. The free app will include noise control for the QC30 and a real-time heart-rate display for the SoundSport Pulse.

For more information, visit bose.com.

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