Bose introduces advances in Bluetooth speaker, headphone technology

Bose has announced two additions to its SoundLink family of mobile audio solutions: the SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker, the most affordable SoundLink speaker from Bose, and SoundLink Bluetooth on-ear headphones, the first on-ear Bluetooth headphones from Bose. 

The SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker is a completely new SoundLink design. It weighs 1.25 pounds (567g), and measures 5” wide, 2.1” deep and 5.3” high. 
The SoundLink Bluetooth speaker connects wirelessly to a smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth enabled device, and uses voice prompts -- available in several languages -- to simplify setup, and identify which source is connected. 

If it is turned off, the speaker remembers the last eight devices it was paired with when powered back on. It then automatically connects to the two most recently used, such as the iPhone, iPad, Android, or other Bluetooth-enabled device. Essential controls are on the product, and a 3.5mm stereo auxiliary input is integrated on the back of the enclosure.

The SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker runs on a lithium-ion battery for up to eight hours, and fully recharges with most USB power sources in about three hours. 

The new SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones are lighter and more comfortable than conventional Bluetooth headphones, the company said, and deliver all the audio performance of a Bose wired headphone. Bose Active Equalization and TriPort technology combine for smoother, more balanced sound. 

A new two-microphone system rejects distractions like wind, so callers can hear what you’re saying more, and the sounds around you less. Adaptive Audio Adjustment technology automatically changes volume based on speech level and ambient noise.

Just like the new speakers, the SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones connect up to two devices at a time and lets wearers switch between them, so a user can watch a video from a tablet while staying connected to a smartphone. Simple voice prompts identify who’s calling, battery status and source connection, and commands on the earcup allow the user to stay in control without using the phone.

The SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones weigh 5.5 ounces (156g). To stow away, they fold smoothly for compact storage in a matching case. The SoundLink Bluetooth headphones come in black or white, and charge  with an included USB cable for up to 15 hours of listening.

The SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker and the SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones will be sold* for US$129.95 and US$249.95, respectively. The SoundLink Bluetooth headphones are already available*, while pre-orders for the SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker will be available* starting September 25, 2014. All SoundLink products are sold* at Bose retail stores, Bose.com, and at authorised Bose dealers.

*Images from Bose. Prices and availability varies across countries.