Bose has announced the QuietComfort 35 around-ear headphones and the QuietControl 30 in-ear headphones, both shattering the limitations of existing wireless noise cancelling headphones. The new QC35 and QC30 reproduce music with stunning clarity at any volume. The QC35 is available for Rs. 29,363 and the QC30 will be available beginning September 2016 for Rs. 26,438.
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| QuietComfort 35 |
Bose also announces the all-new SoundSport and SoundSport Pulse headphones. Designed exclusively for exercise, SoundSport wireless headphones present an unbeatable combination of benefits for training. For tracking personal performance, SoundSport Pulse wireless headphones come with a built-in heart rate monitor measured through the ear for a precise, accurate reading. The SoundSport headphones hit the market for Rs. 13,275 and the SoundSport Pulse is available beginning September 2016 for Rs.17,663.
All of Bose’s new wireless headphones include NFC for touch-to-pair convenience, super-intuitive controls for music and calls, voice prompts for key information including setup, caller ID and battery life, and the free Bose Connect app for even more functionality.
Bose, a name many love and hate. Bose has always marketed itself as a lifestyle brand rather than just an audio brand, and this shows in their products especially the Soundlink Bluetooth headphones II reviewed here.
The first thing you’ll notice is how polished and sturdy these headphones feel, and not to mention light. Compared to my Audio Technica ATH-M50s, these headphones almost don’t make their presence felt when worn.
The around-the-ear design with the soft plush membrane cushioning sits well on the ears especially for people like me who have large ears and a large head.
What’s in the package?
The Bose Soundlink Wireless Headphones II includes a carry pouch, a 3.5mm attachable corded wire and a micro USB cable for charging. Thankfully even if you have forgotten to carry this cable, your phone charger can easily work to charge the device. Very thoughtful indeed of Bose.
Using the wireless headphones
Being Bluetooth, all one needs to do is pair this with your phone or tablet. Now since Bluetooth being Bluetooth, you’ll come across the similar pairing headaches and occasional wireless connection drop issues.
Once paired you are set, all the buttons are on the right of the headphones. How do you know which is the right side? Bose has included discreet markings of L and R so as to as distinguish quickly even in the dark rather than fumble around for the little markings as most headphones put you through.
What does it sound like?
The first thing you’ll feel is that due to the closed design, you instantly get passive soundproofing. Excellent for immersion at home (when sitting) but don’t use this outside when walking, it can be dangerous. Also, these headphones aren't meant for jogging or at gym, as they won’t stay on for such rigorous activities and you’ll end up sweating far too much around the ear due to the plush membrane cushioning.
The sound spewed from headphones is enjoyable. It is clean and well balanced; those who’d like heavy or boomy bass should stay away from these. It does not deliver the crispness or sharpness you’d get from similarly priced wired headphones, but Bose does not claim nor aim towards that kind of audience. Bose sounds generally deliver, a smooth pleasant sound which most ears like, but for the discerning audiophile, stay far away.
The battery life is amazing at 15 hours and you can expect 2 hours of usage just by 15 mins of recharge. The call quality is good and clear via the dual microphones, though weirdly on my Nexus 5 it didn't work as advertised but on a Moto G phone we tested, the calls ran wonderfully well.
I also particularly liked how the headphones are vocal in telling you the battery percentage, there’s a female voice that talks to you to inform you of which phone you are paired with, the battery status, etc. You can feel the distinct buttons on the side to take a call, increase the volume, pause etc. without ever having to remove the headphones to look at, to perform these functions. All this certainly adds to a very thoughtful and gratifying experience.
So overall, I’d definitely recommend these Bluetooth headphones for their overall experience, except for the price point which pinches me particularly. However, in the wireless Bluetooth market, you will be hard pressed to find better solutions at a lower price point.
Bose Soundlink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II
Price – Rs. 21,150
By: Nikhil Rastogi
Bose has introduced its next-generation SoundTouch wireless music systems. The SoundTouch 10 system has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built right in. You can broadcast it to as many SoundTouch speakers you have, or use the intuitive SoundTouch app to explore integrated music services.
The SoundTouch 10 system joins the new one-piece SoundTouch 20 and 30 Series III systems, and new SoundTouch soundbars and home theater systems. The new SoundTouch 10 wireless music system is the smallest SoundTouch system and measures just 8.34" H x 5.56" W x 3.43" D. It combines with the new Unidome transducer, a 2.5" powerhouse.
The new SoundTouch 20 and 30 Series III systems are the updated big brothers to the SoundTouch 10 system. The SoundTouch 30 Series III system is Bose’s best-performing one-piece solution, and the SoundTouch 20 Series III system delivers rich, room-filling sound from a more compact system.
SoundTouch also has the world’s most popular music services built in- Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio and Deezer. Using the SoundTouch app, you can set six personalized presets to any music service playlist, artist or internet radio station.
The new Bose SoundTouch 10 wireless music system is Rs. 19,013 and the new SoundTouch 20 Series III system and SoundTouch 30 Series III system are available for Rs. 33,638 and Rs. 57,263 respectively. Bose SoundTouch home theater systems are available starting at Rs. 110,138. You can buy the new SoundTouch systems at select authorized Bose dealers and Bose retail stores.
