Bose upgraded the adaptive ANC on its new QuietComfort Ultra earbuds

Bose has announced upgraded QuietComfort Ultra wireless earbuds with better adaptive ANC that can more smoothly adapt to sudden spikes in noise. The QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) are expected to be available through Bose’s online store starting later this summer for $299 in black, white smoke, and deep plum color options.

The new earbuds carry over the original version’s calibration technology, which personalizes the audio and ANC to the shape of your ear, but enhances it with an updated AI algorithm that makes changes in ANC levels subtler while using the awareness mode. The ANC will more gradually increase in response to the sounds of a passing siren, for example, so it doesn’t drown out what you’re listening to.

Bose says the upgraded QuietComfort Ultra earbuds leverage technology originally developed for hearing aids to improve call quality by reducing background noises like wind or the murmur of a busy office. Battery life remains the same at up to 24 hours when paired with the charging case, which can now be topped up with a  wireless charger. The earbuds also introduce a new guard that reduces wax build up and makes them easier to clean, and you now have the option to disable capacitive touch controls to prevent accidental inputs.

The company is also upgrading its SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker with a 2nd gen model that’s expected to be available later this summer for $129 in black and blue dusk color options. Its most welcome upgrade is a USB-C charging port, but existing users could be tempted by a big bump in battery life from six to 12 hours, clearer sound at higher frequencies, and compatibility with Bose’s mobile app for customizing the function of its shortcuts buttons and adjusting its sound profile using an EQ. 

Additionally, Bose is announcing an entirely new portable Bluetooth speaker called the SoundLink Plus that will be a more premium offering when it launches on June 26th. It’s already available for preorder for $269 in black and blue dusk color options, while a new citrus yellow color can be preordered starting on June 18th. The speaker features a single subwoofer and tweeter paired with four passive radiators that can be enjoyed for up to 20 hours between charges. It has an IP67 waterproof rating which means it can be submerged a few feet for up to 30 minutes but can float so it will survive indefinitely if it ends up in the drink.