Earbuds
Bose Launches the QuietComfort Earbuds II
Bose has announced its next generation of truly wireless noise cancelling earbuds — the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. With Bose CustomTune sound calibration technology, QC Earbuds II intelligently personalizes audio and noise cancellation performance to the unique shape of every ear — resulting in an unprecedented listening experience and the world’s best noise cancellation from any headphone — banded or in-ear.
The QuietComfort Earbuds II has an all-new design. Each bud is about one-third smaller than its predecessor, weighs just 6 grams, and they come in a pocketable charging case. And for further personalization, they also include an ear tip Fit Kit featuring a new two-piece system with interchangeable stability bands and ear tips — delivering the all-day comfort and wearability the QuietComfort name is known for.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II will be available in Triple Black starting on September 29th for AED 1,199, and pre-orders in the UAE begin from September 8th at Bose stores and select resellers in the UAE. A Soapstone color variant will also be available later this year. “Since we brought noise cancellation to market, we’ve remained passionate about pushing boundaries in engineering, technology, and design — and the QuietComfort Earbuds II are the latest result of that commitment,” said Raza Haider, chief product officer for Bose.
“We believe in the power of sound — it can transport you to your favorite concert, evoke a meaningful memory, or simply brighten your mood. QC Earbuds II do exactly that. They’re uniquely tuned to you — delivering immersive audio that brings you closer than ever to your content,” Haider added.
CustomTune sound calibration technology makes its debut in the QuietComfort Earbuds II. This pioneering innovation is triggered every time the buds are removed from their case and placed in your ears. A proprietary tone is played, and a microphone inside the earbud measures your ear canal’s acoustic response. That information is then used to precisely tailor both audio and noise cancellation performance especially for you — all within less than half a second.
For audio, CustomTune fully optimizes the sound frequency profile to the unique properties of every ear, so the sound that reaches the eardrum is just as the artist intended — lifelike, balanced audio with nuance, clarity, and depth. For more powerful noise cancellation, CustomTune also calibrates the noise reduction signal to your ears, enabling a significant performance improvement. It targets frequencies that were previously difficult to reduce — like voices of nearby coworkers, screaming babies on the bus or family distractions in your home office — so now they fade away without you ever knowing they were there.
And CustomTune continuously adapts to changing noise in your environment, ensuring the best level of noise cancellation is maintained. The intelligent personalization provided by CustomTune also enhances Aware Mode with ActiveSense. In Aware Mode, it delivers improved transparency allowing your surroundings to pass through the earbuds sounding as natural and lifelike as possible. And when loud disruptions happen nearby, ActiveSense responds with just the right level of noise cancellation — tuned specifically to your ear — to reduce noise as it happens, and only for as long as it lasts.
The QC Earbuds II uses four microphones in each bud — one on the inside and three on the outside — to sense, measure, and send unwanted noise to a proprietary electronic chip loaded with an exclusive algorithm. Together with tiny transducers, the system responds with a precise, equal, and opposite signal in less than a fraction of a millisecond. The result is dramatic and exclusive to Bose.
The revolutionary advancement in noise cancellation technology provided by the QuietComfort Earbuds II starts with ensuring an optimal fit for your ears. The QC Earbuds II separates the traditional single-piece ear tip into a two-piece system: a stability band that hugs the contour of your ear and an umbrella-shaped silicone ear tip to create a firm seal at your ear’s opening.
A Bose Fit Kit included with the QC Earbuds II supplies three sizes of ear tips and three sizes of stability bands — allowing for up to nine customization options for each bud. And, because no two ears are the same — even on the same person — all of the pieces are designed to be interchangeable, so you find a fit that feels comfortable and stays in place all day. Advanced materials and manufacturing techniques keep the stability bands and ear tips soft and compliant, yet durable and easy to change.
As a final step to ensure an ideal fit, a Fit Test available in the Bose Music app checks for an accurate seal by using the same tone employed by the CustomTune sound calibration to check for leaking sound, so the QC Earbuds II can deliver the best personalised audio and noise cancellation performance. The new Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are compatible with both Apple and Android devices.
They feature improved voice pickup enabled by an updated noise removal algorithm and include Bluetooth 5.3 capability, have an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance, and work with a mobile device’s built-in voice assistant. The buds offer up to six hours of battery life with three additional charges provided by the case. The case can fully charge the buds in one hour, while a quick 20-minute charge provides up to two hours of playback. The case itself fully recharges in three hours via USB-C.
They feature intuitive capacitive touch controls on both the left and right earbuds that provide access to common commands such as play and pause content, volume control, skip track, and answer and end calls. Additionally, the Bose Music app provides more functionality like shortcut settings, noise cancellation Modes, and adjustable EQ, and updates will be released over time to add new features and benefits.
Earbuds
Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro Review: The Perfect Companion for Outdoor Fitness Enthusiasts
The Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro is a unique addition to the world of wireless earbuds, designed with a specific audience in mind: outdoor fitness enthusiasts. These open-ear earbuds aim to balance situational awareness and audio quality, making them ideal for activities like running, cycling, and hiking.
Design and Comfort
The AeroFit Pro features an open-ear design, which means the earbuds sit over your ears rather than inside them. This design allows you to hear ambient sounds, which is crucial for safety during outdoor activities. The earbuds are lightweight and have a detachable neckband that ensures they stay in place during intense workouts. The neckband is adjustable, providing a secure fit without causing discomfort.
The earbuds are available in several colours, including Dynamic Black, Aqua Blue, Electric Purple, and Frost White, catering to different style preferences. The build quality is robust, with an IPX5 rating for water and sweat resistance, making them suitable for various weather conditions.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the AeroFit Pro offers a mixed experience. The open-ear design naturally limits the bass response, which might disappoint those who prefer a deep, immersive sound. However, the earbuds provide a wide stereo image and clear mids and highs. The sound is transparent and natural, allowing you to enjoy your music while staying aware of your surroundings.
The AeroFit Pro supports the LDAC codec, which enhances audio quality over Bluetooth. The Soundcore app offers customizable EQ settings, allowing you to tweak the sound profile to your liking. However, the preset EQs are not very powerful, and the custom EQ might not satisfy audiophiles looking for a rich, full-bodied sound.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the AeroFit Pro is its impressive battery life. The earbuds themselves offer up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, and the charging case provides an additional 38 hours, totalling up to 48 hours of use. This extended battery life ensures that you won’t have to worry about frequent recharging, even during long outdoor activities.
The charging case is compact and easy to carry, although it does not have an IPX rating, so you’ll need to be cautious about exposing it to water or sweat. The case charges via USB-C, which is a convenient feature.
Connectivity and Controls
The AeroFit Pro offers reliable connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring a stable connection with minimal dropouts. Pairing the earbuds with your device is straightforward, and they maintain a strong connection even in busy environments.
However, the control options on the earbuds are somewhat limited. There are no on-ear controls for adjusting the volume or skipping tracks, which means you’ll need to rely on your device or the Soundcore app for these functions. This can be inconvenient, especially during workouts when you might not want to reach for your phone.
Additional Features
The AeroFit Pro comes with a few additional features that enhance its usability. The detachable neckband is a thoughtful addition, providing extra security during vigorous activities. The earbuds also come with a magnetic clasp that helps keep them together when not in use, reducing the risk of losing them.
The Soundcore app is a valuable companion, offering firmware updates, customisable EQ settings, and other useful features. The app is user-friendly and adds to the overall experience of using the AeroFit Pro.
Performance in Different Scenarios
The AeroFit Pro is designed primarily for outdoor fitness activities, and it performs exceptionally well in this context. The open-ear design allows you to stay aware of your surroundings, which is crucial for safety. The secure fit and water-resistant build make them suitable for running, cycling, and other outdoor sports.
However, the earbuds might not be the best choice for indoor use or environments where you want to block out external noise. The open design means that ambient sounds will always be present, which can be distracting in certain situations.
Verdict
The Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro is a well-designed pair of open-ear earbuds that cater specifically to outdoor fitness enthusiasts. While they may not offer the deep bass and immersive sound that some users crave, they excel in providing situational awareness and comfort during workouts. The impressive battery life, customizable EQ, and reliable connectivity make them a solid choice for those who prioritize safety and convenience over audio fidelity.
If you’re looking for earbuds that allow you to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying your favourite tunes, the AeroFit Pro is worth considering.
Price: AED 418
Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro AED 418
Summary
The AeroFit Pro comes with a few additional features that enhance its usability. The detachable neckband is a thoughtful addition, providing extra security during vigorous activities.
User Review
( votes)Earbuds
Sony Launches the new WF-C510 Truly Wireless Earbuds
Sony Middle East and Africa have today announced the WF-C510 truly wireless earbuds offering Sony’s renowned quality sound in a compact design. The earbuds pack a powerful battery life and comfortable design along with enhanced features at an affordable price, making them ideal for listening your way all day.
Sporting a smaller and more compact design versus previous generations, the WF-C510 are all about comfort. The WF-C510 are Sony’s smallest ever closed type so even those with smaller ears can achieve a more stable fit. The WF-C510 headphones combine a shape that perfectly matches the human ear with an ergonomic surface design for a more stable fit. We’ve designed the WF-C510 utilising extensive ear shape data collated since introducing the world’s first in-ear headphones in 1982, as well as evaluation of the sensitivity of various types of ears, to ensure an ideal shape that is comfortable for many people. The earbuds also feature a rounded design and matte finish for additional comfort. Plus, a flat and wider surface button has been added to ensure effortless operation, meaning you can listen to your music with no interruptions.
With smaller earbuds comes a smaller charging case. The compact cylindrical charging case has a thinner design compared to the previous model making it even more convenient to carry in a pocket or bag, allowing you to take the earbuds wherever you go. With a long-lasting battery life of up to 11 hours, you can enjoy hours of uninterrupted playtime and 5 minutes of quick charging provides you with up to 60 minutes of listening time so you can listen all day. With a choice of blue, yellow, black or white, you can find the colour that suits you best. Combine texture, quality and colour to effortlessly create your style.
The WF-C510 are compatible with Sony’s Multipoint Connection which lets you connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. The earbuds also feature Ambient Sound Mode which allows you to hear the sound around you while listening to your music. In addition, by turning on the “Voice Focus” function, the WF-C510 captures human voices while suppressing noise. You can personalise the sound settings within the Sony | Headphones Connect app. No matter what genre you are into, listen to music how it’s meant to be listened to with the EQ customs, giving you the option to customise your sound for every music preference.
The WF-C510 doesn’t compromise on sound. Thanks to DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), the earbuds deliver high-quality sound and create an authentic listening experience. With well-balanced sound tuning from low to high frequencies, vocals are natural and clear. You can also experience immersive 360 Reality Audio for spatial listening. With ‘Quick Access’ you can easily operate Spotify Tap allowing you to get your tunes playing in just a few simple taps. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, the WF-C510 earbuds ensure that splashes, and sweat won’t prevent you from enjoying your music.
The WF-C510 can easily be paired with your device with Fast Pair and Swift Pair. You can also remove either the left or right earbud from the charging case and use it independently, ideal for multitasking. Sony has crafted the WF-C510 to be both stylish and environmentally conscious. Earbuds and cases are partially made of recycled plastic and feature packaging made entirely without plastic, highlighting Sony’s dedication to minimising the environmental impact of their products and practices. The WF-C510 will be available in blue, yellow, black and white in selected countries in the Middle East and Africa from the end of September 2024.
Audio Devices
SoundPEATS GoFree 2 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds Review: Worth the Investment?
The SoundPEATS GoFree 2 open-ear wireless earbuds offer a compelling combination of affordability, comfort, and decent sound quality, making them a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers. These earbuds have gained popularity for their ability to deliver a good audio experience without breaking the bank.
Design and Comfort
The GoFree 2 earbuds adopt an open-ear design with a compact charging case. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and fit comfortably outside the ear using ear hooks to keep them in place. The charging case is small enough to easily slip into your pocket or purse, making it convenient for on-the-go use.
The SoundPEATS GoFree2 boast a sleek design and comfortable fit, even during prolonged wear. While they offer IPX5 water resistance, they may not withstand complete submersion. However, they should be able to handle splashes, sweat, and light rain, making them suitable for outdoor activities.
Each earbud features touch-based controls for adjusting volume, skipping tracks, and managing calls. While they are quite responsive, the company also offers a companion app that comes with an option to completely disable touch controls.
The companion app also provides detailed information, including the battery level of each earbud. You can also customise your listening experience by adjusting volume, selecting a preset equaliser, or enabling Adaptive EQ. Adaptive EQ conducts a personalised hearing test to optimize sound quality based on your hearing profile.
To control playback and volume, simply tap the earbuds. A double tap pauses playback, while single taps on the right or left earbud increase or decrease volume. Long presses on the left or right earbud skip tracks backwards or forward. These gestures also apply to managing phone calls.
Sound Quality
Given their budget-friendly price point, the Soundpeats GoFree 2 earbuds offer surprisingly decent sound quality. The bass is punchy and satisfying, providing a solid foundation for various genres of music. The mids are clear and well-balanced, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through.
The highs are crisp and detailed, although they may occasionally sound slightly harsh at higher volumes. Overall, the sound quality is more than adequate for everyday listening and casual gaming. The SoundPEATS GoFree2 offer independent earbud functionality, allowing you to wear either bud individually or both together. Each bud connects to your phone or laptop separately, which is a value-add.
The SoundPEATS GoFree2’s open-ear design places the driver unit outside your ear, allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings. This means you can easily hear traffic, other cyclists, or noises around your home such as the doorbell, children, or pets.
Battery Life
The GoFree2 earbuds feature a 60mAh battery, providing up to 9 hours of continuous listening before requiring a charge. The included charging case offers an additional 35 hours of playback and features a USB-C charging port for convenient recharging. The compact charging case securely holds the earbuds and is easy to open.
A single LED indicator on the front of the case displays the charging status, while the USB-C port is located on the back. A full charge from zero takes approximately 90 minutes, and the GoFree2 does not support fast charging.
Verdict
The SoundPEATS GoFree 2 earbuds offer excellent value for money. Considering their affordable price, decent sound quality, comfortable fit, and respectable battery life, they are a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable pair of wireless open-ear wireless earbuds without spending a fortune.
Price: AED 215
Buy Now: https://amzn.to/4dLOu4G
SoundPEATS GoFree 2 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds AED 215
Summary
The GoFree 2 earbuds adopt a open-ear design with a compact charging case. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and fit comfortably outside the ear using ear hooks to keep them in place.