Bose unveils the second generation of its QuietComfort Headphones, incorporating some features from the Ultra model.

      Bose has officially unveiled the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), confirming many of the features that were leaked recently. This new version boasts a sleeker design, enhanced noise cancellation, lossless USB-C audio, and Bose Immersive Audio modes that were previously only available on the more premium QuietComfort Ultra series.

      Preorders will begin on August 8 through Bose and select retailers, priced at $359, just $10 above the launch price of the 2023 model. Shipping is set to start on August 13, with colors including Black and White Smoke returning, alongside three limited-edition finishes: Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint, and Rosewood Mauve.

      The new QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) come equipped with Bose TrueSpatial Technology (featuring Still, Motion, and Cinema Immersive Audio), refined active noise cancellation (QuietControl) with an adaptive seal, lossless wired USB-C audio (up to 24-bit/48 kHz), and two-way USB-C calling capabilities.

      One of the main enhancements is the introduction of TrueSpatial Technology, allowing the standard QuietComfort headphones access to Bose’s Still, Motion, and Cinema audio modes. Still Mode utilizes head tracking to keep audio stationary as the user moves their head. Motion Mode maintains a wider soundstage while adapting as the listener moves, making it ideal for activities like walking or commuting. Cinema Mode is designed for watching movies, shows, and podcasts, creating a broader space for background sounds while keeping dialogue easy to hear.

      The USB-C port now supports lossless wired audio up to 24-bit/48kHz and two-way communication, which also helps during Zoom or Microsoft Teams calls. The headphones are also upgraded with Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint connectivity, and Google Fast Pair.

      Bose's latest active noise cancellation system is called QuietControl. This six-microphone array features new adaptive controls that compensate for any gaps around the earcups caused by glasses, hair, or hats, where an imperfect fit could otherwise reduce noise cancellation. The ActiveSense feature for Aware Mode has been improved to smoothly adjust noise cancellation in response to sudden loud sounds, such as a passing train, rather than making abrupt changes. Users can also manually adjust ANC or create custom modes via the Bose app.

      The design includes a wider headband with more synthetic leather padding, and the new oval earcups offer a sleeker appearance. Bose has preserved physical controls on both sides, which includes a dedicated button for changing listening modes and activating shortcuts.

      Battery life remains at 24 hours, reducing to 18 hours with the Immersive Audio feature turned on. A 15-minute charge provides up to 2.5 hours of playback, and the headphones can charge while being worn.