Bose has expanded its SoundLink mobile audio lineup with two new products: the SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker, their most budget-friendly SoundLink speaker yet, and the SoundLink Bluetooth on-ear headphones, Bose’s first foray into on-ear Bluetooth headphones.
The SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker features a brand new design. Weighing in at 1.25 pounds (567g), it measures 5 inches wide, 2.1 inches deep, and 5.3 inches high. Bose has engineered the speaker with dual-opposing passive radiators and two high-efficiency transducers to deliver powerful, full-range sound, including impressive bass performance. Basic controls are located on the speaker itself, and a 3.5mm stereo auxiliary input can be found on the back.
Connecting wirelessly to smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices, the SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker utilizes voice prompts in multiple languages for easy setup and source identification. When powered off, the speaker retains memory of the last eight paired devices. Upon powering back on, it automatically connects to the two most recently used devices, streamlining the pairing process for frequently used devices like iPhones, iPads, Android devices, or other Bluetooth-enabled gadgets.
Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker offers up to eight hours of playback. A full recharge takes approximately three hours using most USB power sources. The speaker’s robust housing, constructed from durable elastomer and plastic, is available in a range of colors: black, white, blue, red, and mint.
Bose highlights the lighter weight and enhanced comfort of their new SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones compared to traditional Bluetooth headphones, while promising audio quality on par with their wired counterparts. The headphones incorporate Bose Active Equalization and TriPort technology, working together to deliver a smoother, more balanced audio experience. This results in natural-sounding mid and high frequencies, complemented by rich and detailed low-frequency reproduction.
A dual-microphone system effectively minimizes background noise such as wind, ensuring clearer call quality by reducing ambient sounds and prioritizing the speaker’s voice. Adaptive Audio Adjustment technology automatically modifies the volume based on the user’s speech level and surrounding noise, seamlessly transitioning between quiet and loud environments without requiring manual adjustments.
Similar to the new speaker, the SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, allowing users to easily switch between them – for instance, watching a video on a tablet while remaining connected to a smartphone. Convenient voice prompts provide updates on caller ID, battery life, and source connection status. On-earcup controls provide easy management of power, calls, volume, playback, and track selection, all without needing to access a paired device.
The SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones weigh a mere 5.5 ounces (156g). Designed for extended wear, they feature plush ear cushions and a headband cushion crafted from a high-quality fabric typically used in luxury vehicles. When not in use, they fold down compactly for storage in an included carrying case. Available in black or white, the SoundLink Bluetooth headphones charge via an included USB cable and provide up to 15 hours of listening time. A quick 15-minute charge provides up to two hours of playback.
The SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker and SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones will retail for US$129.95 and US$249.95, respectively. The SoundLink Bluetooth headphones are currently available for purchase, while pre-orders for the SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker begin on September 25, 2014. All SoundLink products are sold through Bose retail stores, Bose.com, and authorized Bose dealers.
*Images from Bose. Prices and availability vary across countries.