7
Verge Score
There’s nothing really wrong with the QuietComfort Headphones 2nd Gen, but there’s nothing exciting about them, either.
Snyder on the company’s move into luxury audio, licensing the Bose brand, and what happens to great sound in the AI era.
Leaker OnLeaks has shared renders of the second generation QuietComfort headphones, which appear to be launching in six colors with contrasting ear cups and more synthetic leather detailing. More worrying: I can’t spot a headphone jack anywhere on these, suggesting that wired audio might be limited to USB-C.
In addition to the new Lifestyle Collection speakers announced today, users of existing Bose speakers and soundbars can opt in to add generative AI-powered Alexa Plus functionality starting on May 15th.
You can use Alexa Plus to play songs, add reminders to your schedule, or ask questions, and it will respond more conversationally like other AI chatbots.
[Amazon News]
The Lifestyle Ultra speakers have big sound, can group with non-Bose speakers, and don’t need the Bose app to stream.
Epson has already tip-toed into the all-in-one projector market with its EpiqVision Mini, but the company is looking to expand its consumer-friendly offerings. Yesterday Epson announced a new partnership and a new lineup of all-in-one projectors featuring “Sound by Bose technology” that will launch in the US and China in September 2025.
There are no other details, but the Bose partnership could help Epson compete with companies like Xgimi and Anker who already offer affordable all-in-one solutions.
7
Verge Score
This Bluetooth speaker’s design is a breath of fresh air, but Bose skimped on some features that are usually standard at this price.
The second-gen QC Earbuds have wireless charging and multipoint right out of the box, which hasn’t been the case for Bose’s pricier buds.
