Bose, the renowned audio company, has unveiled its latest innovation in personal audio: the Ultra Open Earbuds. These unique earbuds are designed for all-day wearability and offer a one-of-a-kind design that sets them apart from traditional earbuds. Priced at $299, the Ultra Open Earbuds feature a revolutionary design that wraps around and attaches to the outer ear, rather than extending into the ear canal.
One of the standout features of these earbuds is their fashion-forward design. Bose has intentionally omitted its logo from the outer earbuds, giving them a sleek and minimalist look. The Ultra Open Earbuds are available in black or smoke white, allowing users to choose a color that matches their personal style.
In terms of functionality, the Ultra Open Earbuds utilize Bose’s OpenAudio technology, which directs sound towards the ears while minimizing sound leakage to those nearby. This means that users can enjoy their music without disturbing others. Additionally, these earbuds offer approximately 7.5 hours of continuous playback, making them ideal for all-day use.
One of the key advantages of the Ultra Open Earbuds is their completely open design, which allows users to maintain full awareness of their surroundings. This is particularly important for activities such as cycling or running, where being aware of one’s surroundings is crucial for safety. Bose has previously attempted open-style earbuds with its Sport Open Earbuds, but this new design has been rethought to provide maximum comfort even during extended wear.
However, it’s worth noting that despite their premium price tag, the Ultra Open Earbuds do not include wireless charging or multipoint Bluetooth connectivity. These features have become increasingly common in high-end earbuds, and their absence may be a drawback for some consumers. On the positive side, the earbuds do support Qualcomm’s AptX Adaptive for higher-bitrate wireless audio and include Bose’s signature Immersive Audio mode, which offers a unique take on spatial audio.
Reviewer Chris Welch has had the opportunity to test the Ultra Open Earbuds for a couple of weeks and believes that they have the potential to appeal to a wide market. The unconventional design works surprisingly well in practice, offering a comfortable and immersive audio experience. However, the high price, lack of certain 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 are a bold and unique addition to the world of personal audio. With their innovative design, all-day wearability, and focus on maintaining awareness of one’s surroundings, these earbuds offer a compelling option for those seeking a different audio experience. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of some high-end earbuds, the Ultra Open Earbuds deliver on comfort and audio quality.