Bose's noise-masking sleepbuds are designed to help us sleep better

Bose has launched noise-masking sleepbuds — wireless earbuds that combine an ultra-comfortable design with soothing sounds to block, cover, and replace the most common noises that interfere with sleep.

Source: Bose. Bose sleepbuds offer noise
masking, not noise cancellation.

Bose sleepbuds are the smallest Bose product ever made and come with 10 preloaded “sleeptracks” that mirror the frequencies of snoring, neighbors, dogs, traffic, and more — hiding them beneath a layer of relaxing audio. They feature new patented ear tips for a snug, barely-felt fit.

Bose also makes QuietComfort noise cancelling headphones, but says that noise-masking technology is different from active noise cancelling and do not stream music. “Noise-masking is a science,” said Daniel Lee, Systems Engineer for Bose sleepbuds. “It’s more than ambient sound or white noise. You can’t achieve it by simply turning up the volume on calming songs. And depending on the situation, it’s more effective than active noise cancelling — even ours. 

"During the day, QuietComfort headphones improve focus and productivity, or let you hear your playlists and calls clearly in loud places. But at night, you’re trying to shut down completely, and the world is naturally more quiet — and when it’s quiet, even the slightest sound seems loud. Bedside machines can’t cover it, earplugs can’t block it, and earbuds meant for sitting, standing, or moving can’t be worn for hours laying down — especially on your side. But Bose sleepbuds can. And if you’re someone who’s tried everything and nothing’s worked, or haven’t tried anything believing nothing will, we made them for you.”

“Sleep deprivation is a growing, global epidemic that impacts our lives and our health,” said Brian Mulcahey, Category Director of Wellness at Bose. “It hits close to home for us, too. For years, our customers, coworkers, friends, and family members have asked us to make a product that helps them fall asleep and stay asleep. 

"We took that seriously, and put together an incredible team of experts in noise management, acoustics, psychoacoustics, electronic miniaturisation, wireless in-ear headphones, and neurology. They represent some of the top talent in their fields, and their work inspired our entire company. Because behind the staggering statistics are real people, and this product can be a game changer for many of them.”

Bose sleepbuds come in a brushed aluminum charging case that provides up to 16 hours of battery life. Each bud weighs 1.4 g, and measures just over 1 cm wide and high. On their exterior is a laser-etched antenna for reliable connectivity to a phone or tablet. Inside, there is a rechargeable silver-zinc battery, a tiny transducer, and a microcircuit board with flash memory to store the preloaded noise-masking sound files. Both attach to a new noise-isolating StayHear+ Sleep tip — a physical barrier to unwanted sound. The soft, pliable StayHear+ Sleep tips are included in three sizes. 

Bose sleepbuds use low-energy Bluetooth, are iOS and Android compatible, and come with the Bose Sleep app that makes it easy to update, control, and select preferences. Users can set an alarm for the morning, choose the sleeptrack and decide on the volume that works best for them. 

Details:

Bose sleepbuds have a high-gloss white finish and will retail for S$379. They are available in Singapore from September 11 at authorised Bose dealers.

Look out for the new Bose SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II

Source: Atlas Sound & Vision for Bose.

Bose has introduced the SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II, combining what it says is the best sound quality of any wireless headphone available today with a new kind of wireless experience. 

“We believe when you give up wires, you shouldn’t have to compromise audio performance or convenience,” said Bernice Cramer, GM, Bose Wireless Headphones. “So, we did more than make the SoundLink II the best-sounding wireless headphones out there. We made them the most hassle-free wireless headphones, too. You’ll notice how great your music sounds first, and then you’ll notice that we solved all the little and big problems that no one else has. That’s the power of great engineering - it makes the entire streaming music experience that much better.”

The headphones feature 15 hours of battery life, multi-point for connecting two devices, quick pairing with NFC technology, seamless audio/video sync, easy switching between audio and calls, and intuitive controls and voice prompts. 

The SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II use proprietary technologies, including active equalisation and new volume-optimised equalisation, so audio is detailed and real at any volume. There are no manufactured boosts because they’re not needed. What you hear is as close as possible to what was recorded, rather than re-created or altered, Bose says.

“We’ve never adjusted how a piece of music will sound when it’s reproduced because it’s not our music - it’s the artist’s music and it’s your music, and our job is to make it sound as good as it can,” said Cramer.

For calls, the SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II use an advanced microphone system, HD voice and adaptive audio adjustment technology for wind or noise. Volume is changed automatically based on speech level and changing environments, so users can move from a quiet building to a busy street without missing a word or fumbling for controls.

The SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II offer true wireless freedom. It starts with up to 15 hours of battery life on a single charge - 25% more than the industry standard. If you’re in a rush or on the go, a 15-minute charge will provide up to two hours of play time through the included USB cable. 

With multi-point, users can stay simultaneously connected to two devices, making it possible to watch a movie or sports on your tablet, and take or make a call on your phone. And while conventional wireless headphones can have delays synching audio and video, the SoundLink headphones offer a seamless connection. 

Pairing is easy, too. Tap the right earcup to pair for NFC-enabled devices, or just connect your Bluetooth device. To switch between music and calls, use the intuitive controls on the headphone’s earcup. The SoundLink headphones II also feature voice prompts (available in 11 different languages) to tell you who is calling, what device you’re connected to, and how much battery life you have left.

SoundLink headphones, based on glass-filled nylon and stainless steel, are tested in Bose labs to survive drops, bumps and grabs. They weigh about 198g, and are built for comfort with soft ear cushions and a contoured headband. They also fold flat for easy storage in a matching case.

Interested?

The new Bose SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II come in two colours: black or white. They’re available for pre-order from mid-September for S$399. Bose fans can now register to stay updated.

In Singapore, Bose SoundLink around-ear wireless headphones II will be sold through Atlas e-store, Atlas showrooms and selected resellers islandwide.

Read the Suroor Asia blog post about the first Bose SoundLink headphones

Bluetooth speakers, headphones from Bose make connections easier

Bose has announced two additions to its SoundLink family of mobile audio solutions: the SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker, the most affordable SoundLink speaker from Bose, and SoundLink Bluetooth on-ear headphones, the first on-ear Bluetooth headphones from Bose. 

The SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker is a completely new SoundLink design. It weighs 1.25 pounds (567g), and measures 5” wide, 2.1” deep and 5.3” high. Bose combined exclusive dual-opposing passive radiators with two high-efficiency transducers for full-range sound, including deep, low-note performance. Essential controls are on the product, and a 3.5mm stereo auxiliary input is integrated on the back of the enclosure.

The SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker connects wirelessly to a smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth enabled device, and uses voice prompts - available in several languages - to simplify setup, and identify which source is connected. If it is turned off, the speaker remembers the last eight devices it was paired with when powered back on. It then automatically connects to the two most recently used, such as the iPhone, iPad, Android, or other Bluetooth-enabled device. 

The SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker runs on a lithium-ion battery for up to eight hours, and fully recharges with most USB power sources in about three hours. Its exhaustively-tested housing is made of elastomer and plastic and comes in black, white, blue, red and mint.

The new SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones are lighter and more comfortable than conventional Bluetooth headphones, the company said, and deliver all the audio performance of a Bose wired headphone. Bose Active Equalization and TriPort technology combine for smoother, more balanced sound. Mid-high frequencies are natural, and low-frequencies are detailed and full. 

A new two-microphone system rejects distractions like wind, so callers can hear what you’re saying more, and the sounds around you less. Adaptive Audio Adjustment technology automatically changes volume based on speech level and ambient noise, letting wearers move from a quiet environment to a noisier one without missing a word.

Just like the new speakers, the SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones connect up to two devices at a time and lets the wearer switch between them. Users can for example watch a video from a tablet while staying connected to A smartphone. Simple voice prompts identify who’s calling, battery status and source connection. With commands on the earcup, wearers are in control: turn it on and off, answer and end a call, adjust volume, play/pause, or control tracks, without using your phone.

The SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones weigh only 5.5 ounces (156g). Designed to be worn comfortably for hours, they feature soft ear cushions and a headband pad made of fabric used in high-end automotive applications. To stow away, they fold smoothly for compact storage in a matching case. The SoundLink Bluetooth headphones come in black or white, and charge easily with an included USB cable for up to 15 hours of listening, or up to two hours after a 15-minute charge.

The SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker and the SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones will be sold* for US$129.95 and US$249.95, respectively. The SoundLink Bluetooth headphones are already available*, while pre-orders for the SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker will be available* starting September 25, 2014. All SoundLink products are sold* at Bose retail stores, Bose.com, and at authorised Bose dealers.


*Images from Bose. Prices and availability varies across countries.