In addition to
the four new models highlighted above, JBL introduced its LIVE series of
headphones and earphones. Without a doubt, the JBL Live 650BTNC is the most
exciting member of the bunch, packing fancy features like active noise cancellation,
touch controls, and aluminum design accents. The inclusion of Google Assistant
and Amazon Alexa support is another major selling point. Battery life is rated
at up to 20 hours – or up to 30 hours if you keep ANC off – which is on par
with the competition. This particular set of around-the-ear wireless headphones
will set you back US$ 200.
The JBL Live
500BT (around-the-ear design) and Live 400BT (on-ear) offer much of the same at
lower price points – US$ 150 and US$ 100, respectively. While they lack active noise
cancellation, they let you take advantage of JBL's Ambient Aware and TalkThru
tech, amplifying or letting through ambient sound to keep you aware of your
surroundings. Virtual assistant support is also present. The 500BT lasts up to
30 hours, while the smaller 400BT gets through 24 hours per charge.
The smaller,
lighter JBL Live 200BT is a set of neckbuds with nothing fancy going on. Priced
at the reasonable US$ 70, they come in various colors and last up to 10 hours per
charge. And lastly, the JBL Live 100 is the only
set of wired earphones in the lineup. Priced at US$ 40, they plug into your
phone's 3.5mm headphone jack if it has one.
All of JBL's new
earphones and headphones are currently on display at CES 2019 in Las Vegas.
