Bose has recently introduced the second iteration of its Open Ultra Earbuds, sparking considerable interest regarding the advancements incorporated into this new model. While a full review of the second-generation earbuds is still pending, an initial comparison of specifications with the original model reveals several key distinctions and notable commonalities. This exploration aims to delineate the enhanced features and design choices that define the latest offering from Bose, providing a comprehensive overview for potential users.
The new Bose Open Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are set to become available on October 1st, carrying a retail price of $299 / £299.95. Prospective buyers can pre-order the earbuds through MyBose to ensure timely acquisition upon launch. These refreshed earbuds will be offered in an expanded color palette, featuring Cherry Chocolate, Olive Green, and Sky Pink, providing more aesthetic choices for consumers. Although the initial version of the Bose Open Ultra Earbuds currently matches the second generation's price, a price reduction for the older model is anticipated in the coming months. Furthermore, being an established product, the original earbuds have frequently been part of promotional deals, making them a more budget-friendly option for some.
A fundamental design principle shared by both generations is the open-ear acoustic delivery system, which channels sound into the auditory canal from close proximity, distinguishing them from bone-conduction headphones. This design philosophy emphasizes situational awareness, allowing users to remain cognizant of their surroundings while enjoying audio content. Consequently, neither model is engineered for superior noise cancellation, prioritizing the ability to hear environmental sounds, such as public transport announcements, for safety and convenience. The 2nd Gen model integrates Bose’s OpenAudio and SoundDesign technologies, aiming to deliver a richer, more personalized sound experience coupled with enhanced clarity. Moreover, through sophisticated transducer design and precise acoustic architecture, the new earbuds are designed to significantly minimize sound leakage. Given the original Open Ultra Earbuds' commendable performance in preventing sound leakage even at elevated volumes, there is an optimistic expectation that the second generation will uphold this standard of reliability.
A notable enhancement in the 2nd Gen model is its improved battery performance. While the original Open Ultra Earbuds offered a respectable 7.5 hours of playback from the buds and an additional 19.5 hours from the charging case, the new version extends the earbud battery life to nine hours on a single charge. The redesigned charging case, which now features wireless charging capabilities, maintains the same 19.5 hours of additional power. The introduction of Cinema Mode, powered by Bose's True Spatial technology, is another significant addition to the 2nd Gen earbuds. This feature is intended to create an expansive and deeply immersive soundscape, akin to a theatrical audio experience. The effectiveness of Cinema Mode in an open-ear design remains an intriguing aspect to be evaluated. Additionally, a future firmware update is planned to introduce Google Find Hub support, mirroring Apple's Find My functionality for locating misplaced earbuds, and compatibility with Alexa+, Amazon’s advanced voice assistant.
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) represent a substantial enhancement over their predecessors, featuring a refined aesthetic, an inclusive wireless charging case, and the innovative Cinema Mode. While the original Ultra Open Earbuds continue to be a commendable choice, particularly lauded for their open-headphone concept even two years post-launch, the second generation provides compelling upgrades. For those seeking the latest in audio technology and design, the 2nd Gen offers distinct advantages. However, for users content with the performance of the 2024 model or in pursuit of a more economical option, the original Bose Ultra Open Earbuds remain a highly viable and excellent choice.
