Bose, the renowned audio company, has recently unveiled its latest innovation in the world of earbuds: the Ultra Open Earbuds. These unique earbuds are designed to be worn all day and offer a one-of-a-kind experience by freeing up your ears to hear everything in the outside world. With a price tag of $299, they may not be the most affordable option on the market, but they certainly offer a distinctive design and impressive features.
Unlike traditional earbuds that extend into your ear canal, the Ultra Open Earbuds wrap around and attach to your outer ear. This unconventional design is both fashionable and comfortable, making it suitable for extended wear. Bose has even gone so far as to remove its logo from the outer earbuds, further emphasizing the sleek and minimalist aesthetic.
One of the standout features of the Ultra Open Earbuds is Bose’s OpenAudio technology. This innovative technology directs sound towards your ears while minimizing sound leakage to those nearby. This means that you can enjoy your music without disturbing others around you. Additionally, the earbuds are rated IPX4 for water resistance, making them suitable for outdoor activities.
The completely open design of the Ultra Open Earbuds ensures that you remain fully aware of your surroundings. This is particularly important for individuals engaged in activities such as cycling or running, where situational awareness is crucial for safety. Bose has previously attempted open-style earbuds with its Sport Open Earbuds, but they didn’t gain much traction in the market. With the Ultra Open Earbuds, Bose has rethought the design to prioritize comfort and longevity.
However, despite their premium price, the Ultra Open Earbuds do have some notable omissions. They lack wireless charging and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, features that are increasingly common in high-end earbuds. Nevertheless, they do support Qualcomm’s AptX Adaptive for higher-bitrate wireless audio, ensuring a high-quality listening experience. Bose has also included its signature Immersive Audio mode, which offers a unique take on spatial audio.
Having tested the Ultra Open Earbuds for a couple of weeks, it is clear that Bose has tapped into a potential market with this product. The unconventional design works surprisingly well in practice, providing a comfortable and immersive audio experience. However, the high price, missing software capabilities, and the fact that they allow outside noise to enter may limit their appeal to some consumers.
In conclusion, Bose’s Ultra Open Earbuds offer a unique and fashionable alternative to traditional earbuds. With their open design and emphasis on situational awareness, they are well-suited for individuals engaged in outdoor activities. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of other high-end earbuds, they deliver on comfort and audio quality. If you’re in the market for a distinctive pair of earbuds that prioritize style and functionality, the Ultra Open Earbuds may be worth considering.