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Bose made a 360-degree audio AR experience for the new 'Star Wars'
Audio-based augmented reality has taken something of a backseat to the more visually-driven stuff, but that doesn't mean there's a shortage of cool things happening in the area. Today, Bose is launching a brand new audio AR experience through the official Star Wars app, to coincide with the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Bose 700 noise-cancelling headphones drop to $349 on Amazon
It's holiday travel time, and for many that means enduring the racket of an airliner to visit family. Mercifully, some of the best headphones for fighting that noise are now on sale. Bose's 700 noise-cancelling headphones are on sale at Amazon for $349, or $50 off the usual price -- not bad for audio gear that's mere months old. It might just hit the spot if you'd rather listen to a podcast than the outside world.
Spotify’s free streaming will work with Alexa and Bose speakers
You no longer need a Spotify Premium subscription to listen to your Spotify playlists on Alexa, Bose or Sonos speakers. Last week, Spotify announced that Free users could finally listen on Sonos speakers. Today, it's extending that capability to Alexa and Bose speakers, too.
Save over $100 on Bose's QC35 II noise-canceling headphones
If you have a long-haul flight coming up, a Rakuten merchant has discounted Bose's popular QC35 II noise-canceling headphones by $86.04. With the discount, the headphones now start at $263.95. You can get an additional 15 percent off after tax by using the "SAVE15" coupon code Rakuten is currently promoting. To put those savings in perspective, a $50 discount is typically the most you'll see on the QC35 II headphones.
Bose discontinues its Sleepbuds due to battery issues
Bose is discontinuing the Sleepbuds it designed to mask noise and help people get a better night's rest. In an email to customers, it cites various battery issues as the reason. While Bose is honoring the warranty on the $249 wearables, it's allowing everyone who bought Sleepbuds to return them by the end of the year for a full refund.
Amazon enlists 30 companies to improve how voice assistants work together
Just because you have an Amazon device doesn't mean you should be limited to interacting with Alexa -- or so Amazon believes. Today, the company announced a new Voice Interoperability Initiative. The goal is to work with other companies so that users can access multiple voice services -- from Alexa to Cortana and Salesforce's Einstein -- on a single device.
Bose's new portable speaker has Alexa, Google Assistant and 360 audio
Bose is expanding its smart speaker offerings with the aptly named Bose Portable Home Speaker, which includes Bluetooth connectivity, voice control and virtual assistant integration into a 7.5-inch by 4-inch package. The 2.3-pound speaker is made for on-the-go activities, with 12 hours of battery life, an IPX4 water-resistance rating and -- of course -- a handle.
Bose 700 headphones review: The pursuit of perfection
Bose once dominated the world of noise-canceling headphones. For years, the company's QuietComfort line was the industry standard, mostly due to it's best-in-class ANC (active noise cancellation). At the time, it was a game-changer for frequent fliers and people trying to block out noisy work environments. Enter Sony's WH-1000X line. Now in its third iteration, the WH-1000XM3 has taken over the top spot with a stellar blend of sound, features and the ability to block out the world. Bose is playing second fiddle, but its 700 headphones pack in a lot of features for $399 in a bid to retake the crown.
The audio gear we recommend to students
A life without music is a pretty dull one. Obviously, you need to make sure you're ready for the school year with some solid headphones, a decent pair of speakers and something good to listen to. There's an overwhelming number of choices out there when it comes to personal audio, but because we review this stuff year round, it was easy for us to just cull the list for you. Whether you need something with noise-cancelling to block out an annoying roommate, or headphones for the gym that shrug off sweat, we've got you covered. And, what you listen to on those speakers and headphones is just as important. You'll want to stay on top of the latest podcast sensation and you need a way to stream the new Bon Iver album for your crush. But remember, music isn't just a passive experience: We're also recommending a few tools for the budding songwriter and producer. It may sound cliché, but these are some of the most important years of your life, and how you soundtrack them will stay with you forever.
The best Amazon Prime Day 2019 deals: Best of the rest
This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commissions. that support its work. Read Wirecutter's continuously updated list of Amazon Prime Day deals here.
A closer look at the Bose 700 noise-cancelling headphones
As great as the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones sound, let's be real: they look like they were designed for dads on a business trip. And listen, as someone who's into the whole chunky, dad-shoe trend, I'm not here to judge if you're into their design. I'm just saying that I need something with a more modern style. Thankfully, Bose has introduced its latest flagship model, the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which features a newly designed stainless steel headband that gives them a more stylish and thinner look than the QuietComfort line. Bose says that the wireless 700s were designed from the ground up and, compared to the QC35 IIs, they also have all-new drivers, ear cushions and USB-C support.
The successor to Bose's QC35 noise-cancelling headphones arrives June 30th
Bose has a spiritual successor to its well-regarded QC35 wireless headphones... plus a little more. The company's newly unveiled Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 tout a serene listening environment like their ancestors, but now use a total of four microphones to isolate your voice and "dramatically improve" quality. You shouldn't have to raise your voice to be heard clearly over a loud city or chatty commuters. While that's useful for calls, Bose pitches it as particularly handy for voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant (both built-in like with the QC35 II) as well as Siri.
Bose adds Google Assistant to its smart speakers and soundbars
When Bose debuted its smart speakers and voice-controlled soundbars last year, the company promised support for other voice assistants besides Alexa was on the way. Today, it makes good on that promise. Bose says starting tomorrow in the US, an automatic software update will bring Google Assistant to all existing smart speakers and soundbars. That list of devices includes the Home Speaker 500, Soundbar 500 and Soundbar 700. The company also announced a new, smaller smart speaker today: the Home Speaker 300.
Bose Frames review: These might be smart sunglasses, one day
If a pair of shades had intercourse with a set of headphones, you'd get the Bose Frames. However, they're more like sunglasses that are pregnant with baby speakers rather than a proper blend of the two. The idea behind the Bose Frames is to offer wireless audio without completely obscuring your ears while providing your eyes some sun protection. Because these days, it's no longer enough for gadgets to just be one thing, I guess. The Bose Frames are already available for $200, but whether you should drop that money on them depends how badly you need to hear your surroundings and your music at the same time.
Bose wants to keep the sounds of the road out of your vehicle
If the sounds of the road are interrupting your road trip playlist, Bose might have the solution. The company announced its new QuietComfort Road Noise Control system designed to cancel out all of the sounds that seep in from outside of your vehicle. The technology, branded with the same name as Bose's noise-canceling headphones, is being made available to vehicle manufacturers around the world to provide a quieter cabin experience inside of cars, trucks and SUVs.
Bose's $199 audio AR sunglasses ship in January
Bose's unique, audio-only AR sunglasses are about to become a practical reality. The company has announced that Frames will be available in January for $199, with pre-orders starting now. The eyewear is available in squarish (Alto) and rounded (Rondo) styles to suit your fashion sensibilities. Don't expect the glasses to live up to their full potential right away, though.
Alexa is about to hit more Bluetooth headphones and wearables
Alexa connectivity looks set to arrive on a new wave of Bluetooth headphones, smartwatches and other devices after Amazon opened up its Alexa Mobile Accessory Kit. The software development kit was announced in January, and companies including Bose, Jabra and iHome have already committed to using the SDK in their devices.
FDA approves direct-to-consumer hearing aid from Bose
The US Food and Drug Administration has, for the first time, approved a hearing aid that can be fit, programmed and controlled by the user instead of a healthcare provider. The device comes from Bose and users can make adjustments to its settings in real time through a mobile app. "Hearing loss is a significant public health issue, especially as individuals age," said Malvina Eydelman, director of the Division of Ophthalmic, and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices at the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. "Today's marketing authorization provides certain patients with access to a new hearing aid that provides them with direct control over the fit and functionality of the device. The FDA is committed to ensuring that individuals with hearing loss have options for taking an active role in their health care."
Bose Sleepbuds review: Helpful but needs improvement
Bose, which is well-known for its quality (and pricey) audio equipment, went an interesting route with its latest piece of hardware. Two years ago, the company took to Indiegogo to gauge interest in a pair of noise-masking sleep earbuds. Essentially, customers paid to be part of the beta test and received hardware at up to a $100 discount. At the end of the campaign, the company had raised $450,320 -- more than 900 percent of its $50,000 goal -- so clearly there's a market for these. The Sleepbuds went on sale for $249.95 in June, and I was pretty much first in line to buy a pair at my local Bose store.
Bose's new smart speaker and soundbars offer Alexa control
Voice assistants don't seem to be going anywhere. If anything, they're becoming more and more ubiquitous. Case in point: Bose's new line of soundbars and speakers with Alexa and other smarts built in. Out of the box, the Home Speaker 500, Soundbar 500 and Soundbar 700 will react when you start shouting commands at Amazon's digital assistant this October. Bose promises that other voice assistants will follow at some ambiguous point, and early next year there will be an update that adds AirPlay 2 streaming.
