JVC launches waterproof and washable sports in-ear headphones

Source: JVC.

JVC has four new sports headphones that include waterproof and washable options, all designed to stay in place during sports or workout activities.

The four new models include two in the JVC Gumy Sport line and two in the Extreme Fitness line. The new Gumy Sport headphones – the HA-EN10 and HA-ENR15 – feature a Nozzle Fit earpiece made of soft silicone and a unique shape that provides a comfortable and secure fit so they won’t fall out during exercise. 

Both Gumy Sport models are sweatproof with IPX2 water ingress protection rating, which signifies that they can be used during light rainfall. The 3.3-ft (1m) cable has an iPhone compatible plug, and small and medium earpieces are included to ensure the best fit. The HA-ENR15 includes an in-line remote control and microphone for use with iPod, iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry devices. Both Gumy Sport models come in a choice of four color combinations – blue/black, black/red, pink/violet and white/orange.

The new JVC HA-ETX30 and HA-ETR40 Extreme Fitness headphones feature JVC’s new Pivot Motion Fit, a soft rubber rotating hook that fits within the part of the ear just above the ear canal to provide an ultra-secure yet very comfortable fit. To tailor the fit to each user, the hook rotates and its position can easily be adjusted while wearing the earpiece. 

The Extreme Fitness headphones are IPX5/IPX7 rated, so they can be safely washed, either by rinsing under running water or rinsed briefly in a basin of water. The 3.94-ft (1.2m) cord has a gold-plated iPhone compatible plug, and each headphone comes with small, medium and large earpieces and a cable clip to hold the cable in place. The HA-ETR40 includes additional open-type earpieces that allow ambient sounds to be heard, such as approaching traffic, for safety. It also features a splash-proof in-line remote control and microphone on a 1.97-ft (0.6m) cable plus a 1.97-ft extension cord.

The HA-ETX30 is available in four colour combinations – blue/yellow, black/green, pink/blue and white/orange. The HA-ETR40 comes in gun metallic/black and red/black.

The new JVC sports headphones will be available in late September* at the following prices*:

• HA-EN10 US$14.95
• HA-ENR15 US$19.95
• HA-ETX30 US$29.95
• HA-ETR40 US$39.95

*Availability and pricing varies across countries.

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.