Bose is one of the premier headphone makers these days, and its QuietComfort 35 headphones were fan favorites for quite some time. And now the company is ready to move forward with those headphones’ replacement. Today, the company has introduced the QuietComfort 45, bringing in new features to the mix for good measure.
The QuietComfort 45’s leading feature is its two distinct listening modes, both of which are powered by a new, proprietary digital chip that leads to an improved noise cancellation as well. The two new modes are “Aware” and “Quiet,” each of which doing what you’d probably guess based on the names. The former of the two, Aware, is actually similar to how Apple’s Transparency Mode for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max work, allowing wearers to hear the outside world while still listening to their media.
And in Quiet Mode, the improved noise cancellation kicks in. Bose says the famous “whoosh” heard when Bose’s noise cancellation feature switches on now happens even faster, and the internal and external microphones go to work “to sense, measure, and respond to more unwanted sounds in mid-range frequencies.” The company says this should help folks wearing the headphones during their commute, or while sitting in a cafe, block out more of the world around them when they want to.
From today’s announcement:
The QuietComfort 45 headphones feature just two settings, both achieved using a new active noise cancellation system and new electronics package. In QUIET Mode, microphones inside and outside the earcups combine with a proprietary digital chip to sense, measure, and respond to more unwanted sounds in mid-range frequencies — those typically found in commuter trains, busy office spaces, and cafés. The now famous “whoosh” associated with Bose noise cancelling technology happens in a fraction of a millisecond to tune out entirely, or enjoy music, podcasts, or movies with lifelike clarity, detail, and no distractions. In AWARE Mode, QC45 headphones switch to full transparency, where everything is heard again – just as naturally, clearly, and quickly — without ever taking them off.
The new headphones also feature an improved voice isolation feature:
For phone calls and commands, QC45 owners can share their noise cancellation. A beam-form array isolates their voice, while a rejection array dampens and blocks the audible distractions around them — like a coffee grinder or barking dog — from being picked up and transmitted to whomever they’re talking to. That means friends, family, coworkers, and personal assistants can hear what’s being said, paving the way for more productive Zoom meetings, happier video chats, and more accurate VPA responses on everything from text dictation to getting directions to controlling a smart home.
The QuietComfort 45 fold flat for easy travel, but they retain the iconic design that Bose has made so eye-catching over the years. The new headphones also add the oft-requested USB-C for charging. And the company says the headphones cast last up to 24 hours. With just 15 minutes of charging you can get up to 3 hours of listening time, and Bose says the QC 45 will charge to the max with just two hours of charge time.
The QC 45 will be available to order in black and light gray color options beginning September 23, 2021. You’ll need to fork over $329.95 to make them yours.
Will you be picking these up when you can?