Bose today announced a wireless version of their best sounding around-ear noise-cancelling headphones, the QuietComfort 25. The new headphones are called the QuietComfort 35 (QC35), which Bose says offers the same unmatched combination of acclaimed noise reduction technology, audio performance and comfortable fit as QuietComfort 25 headphones. However, QuietComfort 35 headphones offer the convenience of wireless Bluetooth, as well as features like a dual-microphone system, voice prompts, intuitive controls and a 20-hour battery life from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. They also have the added benefit of volume-optimized EQ, which ensures Bose quality audio at all volume settings.
With microphones inside and outside the earcups, the QC35 senses, measures and sends unwanted sounds to two proprietary digital electronic chips — one for each ear — which respond with a precise, equal and opposite signal in less than a fraction of a millisecond. The result is dramatic and exclusive to Bose. In an instant, the rumble of a subway car, plane engine, or the commotion from rush hour all but disappear. Stay in silence, or hear your music more clearly with a new EQ that balances sound at every volume, for any genre.
The QC35 headphones include NFC for touch-to-pair convenience, super-intuitive controls for music and calls, voice prompts for key information including setup, caller ID and battery life, and the free Bose Connect app for even more functionality. Simple buttons are on the right earcup: on/off, music volume, play/pause, and answer/end calls.
For NFC-enabled phones, simply turn on the headphones by sliding the three-position power switch to the middle position. Then tap the back side of your phone on the front of the right earcup where you see the embossed NFC logo, and follow the prompt to accept a connection. If you don’t have an NFC-enabled phone, first, make sure the headphones are turned on by sliding the power switch to the middle position. Next, press the power switch to the Bluetooth icon until the Bluetooth LED flashes blue or the voice-enhanced user interface gives you additional directions. Now, follow the directions within the smartphone’s Bluetooth menu to connect the headphones.
Multi-point technology allows QC35 headphones to maintain a connection to two devices at the same time—for example, an iPad and a smartphone. So while you’re watching video on the connected iPad, the headphones will automatically pause the video to answer a call from the connected smartphone. When the call is finished, the headphones switch back to the video on the iPad. However, audio can only be streamed from one device at a time.
These headphones will still allow you to listen even if the battery is dead via wired mode, except both active noise cancellation and active EQ will be disabled. Full recharge takes 2 hours 15 minutes, and the battery indicator light will turn green when done. You’ll pay a $50 premium for the convenience of wireless functionality.
Price and Availability
The Bose QC35 are available today (June 5, 2016) for $349.95.