Bose has sold aviation headsets since 1989 and consumer headphones since 2000.[1] The current range of headphones/headsets consists of over-ear, in-ear, aviation and military models.

Over-ear headphones

Development of the company's noise cancelling headphones (and first over-ear headphones) began in 1978 when the chairman, Amar Bose, tried a set of airline-supplied headphones during a flight and found that engine noise from the aircraft prevented the music from being enjoyed.[2]

In 1986, Bose and Sennheiser both presented active noise cancelling headsets for aircraft pilots, with the Sennheiser design appearing in a Funkschau paper and the Bose design appearing in an ASME paper.[3] A prototype Bose product was used to prevent hearing loss in pilots during the first non-stop around-the-world flight in the Rutan Voyager .[1] The company was the first to release active noise cancelling headphones as a consumer product.[4]

Wireless

QuietComfort 35 II

In 2017, Bose released an updated model known as the QuietComfort 35 II, which adds a customizable "action" button on the left ear cap. By default, it is mapped to activate the Google Assistant, making it the first headphones to integrate with the service.[5][6]

The QC35 II was reviewed favourably for their noise cancellation, audio quality and comfort.[7][8][9][10]

In July 2019, users began to report that a firmware update to the QC35 II had inhibited the performance of the noise cancellation features. Bose stated that it had not made any changes to noise cancellation functions in their firmware. Some users performed firmware downgrades, but Bose later prevented this for security reasons. In October 2019, as part of an investigation, Bose began to allow owners within a "reasonable" proximity to the company's headquarters in Framingham, Massachusetts, to request a visit by a technician.[11][12]

In 2020, Bose released the Bose QC35 II Gaming, which adds a gaming mic.

Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

In 2019, Bose released the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, also known as the NCH 700, a new high-end product positioned above the QC 35.[13][14]

The headphones have a stainless steel band and are controlled using a mix of buttons and touch-sensitive areas on the cups. Unlike the QC 35, they do not fold in half, but their ear cups can rotate for storage. The embedded rechargeable battery is not replaceable which limits the lifespan of the headphones to the life of the battery. Bose promoted improvements to sound quality, noise cancellation and voice call quality over the QC 35. The NCH 700 can also connect to two devices simultaneously, and integrate with Amazon Alexa and Siri in addition to the Google Assistant.[15][16][17]

QuietComfort 45

In 2021, Bose released the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones. In addition to adding USB-C support to the QuietComfort model, Bose also added a fourth external microphone to improve call quality and Bluetooth 5.1 to improve wireless range.[18] The rechargeable battery is not replaceable.

Audio sunglasses Bluetooth headphones

The Bluetooth sunglasses were released in 2019 and come in two styles – Alto and Rondo. The sunglasses have open-ear audio, UVA/UVB protection, an integrated microphone, a Bluetooth range of 9 meters, and are also AR enabled. The battery can sustain up to 3.5 hours of streaming music playback and takes up to 2 hours to charge.[19]

In-ear headphones

Wired

QuietComfort 20

The "QuietComfort 20" (QC20) and QC20i in-ear headphones were released in 2015 and are the company's first in-ear noise cancelling headphones.[20]

It received a 2014 Red Dot Design Award.[21] Also, it received a CNET's Editors' Choice Award of 4.5/5 points for its active noise-cancelling.[22]

The QC20 model is for Android, Windows and Blackberry devices, while the QC20i is designed for Apple devices and includes volume controls on the remote.[23]

The noise cancelling hardware and micro-USB supported rechargeable battery is contained with a box located near the headphone jack, similar to the QuietComfort 1. The earbuds are similar to the IE2 headphones. A button on the remote labelled "Aware Mode" reduces noise cancellation to let in ambient noise.

True wireless

True wireless headphones have no cord to keep each bud connected to each other.

Noise-cancelling headphones

QuietComfort Earbuds

The QuietComfort Earbuds (QC Earbuds) were released on 5 October 2020.[24] The headset features improved noise-cancellation compared to the predecessor QuietComfort (QC) 20, coupled with a noise canceling microphone in the right headphone.

It received CNET's Editors' Choice Award or 8.4/10 points for its active noise-cancelling.[25] It also received a PCMag Editors' Choice award in 2020 for the best in-ear active noise-cancellation.[26]

Specifications:

  • Earbuds
  • USB-C and Qi wireless charging supported carry case with inbuilt lithium iodine battery that can charge the earbuds two times.
  • Ear tips: Included ear tip sizes: Small, medium, and large. The intermediate sizes extra-small, medium-small, and medium-large, may be bought separately.

With the proprietary Bose Music app, the QC Earbuds can be customized with touch control to increase/decrease volume by swiping the right in-ear headphone and battery status by double tapping the left in-ear headphone, and default noise cancelling mode when only one headphone is plugged into the ear. The settings are stored in the firmware of the headphones, so the app can be uninstalled once they have been configured. In September 2022, Bose has revealed its new QuietComfort Earbuds II.[27]

QuietComfort Earbuds II

QuietComfort Earbuds II were launched on 15 September 2022. 7 The QuietComfort Earbuds II headphones and ear tips are smaller and lighter than the original QuietComfort Earbuds counterparts that they replace.

Specifications:[28]

  • Earbuds
  • USB-C supported carry case. The battery life is 6 hours and the USB-C supported carry case has an inbuilt lithium iodine battery can charge them three times.
Awards
  • What Hi-Fi? Award 2022 as the 'Best wireless earbuds over £200'.[29]
  • CNET's Best Wireless Earbuds for 2022,[30] as well as a CNET's Editors' Choice Award of 8.8/10 points.[31]
  • PCMag Editors' Choice award in 2022 for the best in-ear active noise-cancellation.[32]

Noise masking

Sleepbuds

The Sleepbuds were released in June 2018.[33] They were discontinued in October 2019 due to battery issues.[34]

Sleepbuds II

The Sleepbuds II were released in October 2020.[35] They are designed to help wearers fall asleep faster by combining passive noise cancelling with silicone ear-tips, along with streamed audio in the form of soundscapess, ambient music, and white noise. The battery life is 16 hours and the USB-C supported carry case has a built-in lithium iodine battery that allows for three recharges.

The Sleepbuds II are dependent on the proprietary Bose Sleep app for Android or iOS, which provides ambient sounds and an alarm clock. However, some users might find it inconvenient that it is required to manually synchronize the Bose Sleep app with events from other apps to not miss them, as the smartphone speaker will be masked by the headphones that only allow audio permission from the Bose Sleep.

Sleepbuds II can be used as a tinnitus masker.[36] Despite the very small size of the headphones, they may cause pressure pain on the ear for side-sleepers.[37]

Aviation headsets

A30 Aviation Headset

The "A30 Aviation Headset" was released in 2023 as the successor to the "A20 Aviation Headset" with extended noise cancellation and less clamping force than its predecessor. It has a claimed battery life of 45 hours (using two AA batteries) or can be powered by the airplane's electrical system. However, if continuously using Bluetooth functionality, the battery-life will only last 25-plus hours.[38] It has three selectable modes of active noise cancellation.[39]

A20 Aviation Headset

The "A20 Aviation Headset" was released in 2010 as the successor to the "Aviation Headset X" (aka A10).[40][41] It has a claimed battery life of 45 hours (using two AA batteries) or can be powered by the airplane's electrical system. There are two versions, one with Bluetooth and one without.[42]

An updated version of the A20 was released in 2015.[43]

Combat Vehicle Crewman Headset

A "Combat Vehicle Crewman Headset" was released in 1998, for use in armoured vehicles.[44]

Triport Tactical Headset

A "Triport Tactical Headset" (TTH) was released in 2004. It is designed for use in armoured vehicles and can fit under an infantry ballistic helmet.[45][46] An updated version was released in 2012.[47]

Required software

Bose music

Bose Music[48] is a proprietary mobile app that is required by products including the QuietComfort Earbuds-series (QuietComfort Earbuds II, QuietComfort Earbuds).

Android

The Bose Music app in Android requires:

  • Registration (email and password) and login.
  • Bluetooth Low Energy (LBE), which requires Location Permission in Android 6 and above.

References

  1. 1 2 "Escape the Noise". www.bose.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 March 2012.
  2. ↑ "BOSE Learning Centre - Noise Reduction". Archived from the original on 2012-03-04. Retrieved 2016-11-06.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  3. ↑ Tokhi, Osman; Sandor Veres (2002). Active Sound and Vibration Control. Institution of Electrical Engineers. ISBN 0-85296-038-7. p. 13
  4. ↑ "Noise-canceling Headphones". www.howstuffworks.com. 15 February 2007.
  5. ↑ Pocket-lint (2019-07-02). "Best Google Assistant headphones: Top smart earphones to buy". Pocket-lint. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  6. ↑ Carnoy, David. "Our favorite headphones get Google Assistant: Bose QC35 II, reviewed". CNET. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  7. ↑ "Our favorite headphones get Google Assistant: Bose QC35 II, reviewed". CNET. Retrieved 2017-12-26.
  8. ↑ "Review: Bose's QC35 Headphones Get Injected With Google's AI". WIRED. Retrieved 2017-12-26.
  9. ↑ "Bose QuietComfort 35 II review". TechRadar. Retrieved 2017-12-26.
  10. ↑ "Bose QuietComfort 35 II review". iFans. Archived from the original on 2017-12-28. Retrieved 2017-12-26.
  11. ↑ Welch, Chris (2019-10-16). "Bose is now visiting customers at home to figure out QC35II noise cancellation problems". The Verge. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  12. ↑ Welch, Chris (2019-07-16). "Bose QC35 II owners complain of degraded noise cancellation after recent updates". The Verge. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  13. ↑ "An Engineer Explains the Magic of Bose's New Headphones". Gear Patrol. Retrieved 2019-06-28.
  14. ↑ "Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2020". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2020-01-27.
  15. ↑ Welch, Chris (2019-07-19). "Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 review: taking back the crown". The Verge. Retrieved 2019-11-27.
  16. ↑ Lucas, Simon (7 August 2019). "The new Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 reviewed". Wired UK. ISSN 1357-0978. Retrieved 2019-09-16.
  17. ↑ Tambini, Olivia. "Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 review". TechRadar. Retrieved 2019-09-16.
  18. ↑ "QuietComfort 45 Noise Cancelling Smart Headphones". Bose.
  19. ↑ "Wearables by Bose – Classic Bluetooth® audio sunglasses". www.bose.co.uk. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  20. ↑ "QuietComfort® 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones - Bose Product Support". www.bose.com. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
  21. ↑ https://www.red-dot.org/project/quietcomfortr-20-and-20i-acoustic-noise-cancellingr-headphones-32255. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  22. ↑ "Bose QuietComfort 20 Review". PCMAG.
  23. ↑ "QuietComfort® 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones". www.bose.co.uk. Archived from the original on 19 January 2014.
  24. ↑ Martin, Chris. "Bose finally takes on Apple and Sony with noise-cancelling QC Earbuds". Tech Advisor.
  25. ↑ Carnoy, David. "Bose QuietComfort Earbuds beat AirPods Pro on sound, noise canceling -- not design". CNET.
  26. ↑ "Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Review". PCMAG.
  27. ↑ Fenech, Stephen (2022-09-08). "New Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II can personalise audio quality to suit your ears". Tech Guide. Retrieved 2022-09-09.
  28. ↑ "Bose Global Press Room - Bose Introduces QuietComfort Earbuds II".
  29. ↑ Becky Roberts (16 November 2022). "Award-winning Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II will sound even better in 2023". whathifi.
  30. ↑ "Best Wireless Earbuds for 2022: Top Picks for Every Listener - CNET". 15 December 2022. Archived from the original on 2022-12-15.
  31. ↑ Carnoy, David. "Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 Review: Best Noise Canceling, Bar None". CNET.
  32. ↑ "Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Review". PCMAG.
  33. ↑ "Bose Launches 'Noise-Masking Sleepbuds,' Earphones Aimed To Help You Sleep Better". Forbes. 20 June 2018.
  34. ↑ "Bose discontinues its Sleepbuds due to battery issues". Engadget. 3 October 2019.
  35. ↑ "Bose Sleepbuds II review". TechRadar. 27 January 2021.
  36. ↑ Painter, Lewis. "Bose SleepBuds II Review: Premium price, serious limitations". Tech Advisor.
  37. ↑ "Bose Sleep Buds 2 review". Engadget.
  38. ↑ Gutauskas, Lukas. "What is the battery life of the Bose A30 Aviation Headset? - Mendelssohn Pilot Supplies". Retrieved 2023-07-08.
  39. ↑ "Bose A30 Aviation Headset: Unmatched Comfort, Noise Reduction, and Clarity". www.bose.com. Retrieved 2023-07-08.
  40. ↑ "AVweb, New Bose A20 Headset". Youtube. 2010-07-26. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2012-02-14.
  41. ↑ "Bose A20 Aviation Headset Product Review". www.flyhpa.com. 9 August 2010. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
  42. ↑ Marsh, Alton K. "Bose upgrades to A20 headset". AOPA. Archived from the original on 2012-03-19. Retrieved 2012-02-14.
  43. ↑ "A20 Aviation Headset – Bose Product Support". www.bose.com. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
  44. ↑ "Combat Vehicle Crewman Headset – Bose Product Support". www.bose.com. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
  45. ↑ "Army Technology • Bose Corporation". Army-technology.com. 2011-06-15. Retrieved 2012-02-14.
  46. ↑ "Bose - TriPort tactical headset". Worldwide.bose.com. Archived from the original on 2012-03-14. Retrieved 2012-02-14.
  47. ↑ "Triport Tactical Headset Series 2 – Bose Product Support". www.bose.com. Retrieved 29 June 2019.
  48. ↑ "Bose Music App | Bose". www.bose.com.
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