Bose already sells a number of different true wireless alternatives to Apple's industry-leading AirPods, the most impressive of which are priced at a whopping US$ 280, but while the newest such product comes without state-of-the-art noise cancellation technology, its main claim to fame is pretty original.
The aptly named Bose Sport Open Earbuds
rock a decidedly unconventional workout-friendly design that wraps around your
ears rather than going inside them to try to drown out your surroundings. While
the earhooks themselves look a little like the ones attached to Apple's sporty
Beats Powerbeats Pro, these particular buds are held up above your ear canal in
a bold attempt to "redefine personal listening."
In a way, the idea behind the making of
these unusual little wireless headphones reminds us of Sony's even quirkier
SRS-WS1 wearable speaker. Fortunately, the Sport Open Earbuds are significantly
cheaper, at US$ 199.95, shipping from January 20 in the US following a pre-order
start earlier today.
Despite keeping you very much in tune with
everything happening around you, the hot new Bose earbuds also claim to be able
to produce "high-quality" sound directed toward the wearer and
"away from everyone else." That's certainly a bold promise
considering your ears are left "completely open" during both your
outdoor and indoor training sessions, when you might need all the audio
motivation you can get.
Tipping the scales at a measly 14 grams
per bud, these bad boys can "lock in place" with no ear tip and
"virtually" no skin contact while also forgoing the bone conduction
technology used by various similar products in the past.
Protected against sweat, as well as
"heat, rain, and snow", the Bose Sport Open Earbuds promise to be
comfortable and secure in addition to gentle on your ears for up to eight hours
on a single charge. Oddly enough, it doesn't look like you'll be getting a
standard charging case included in the retail box, with a protective carrying
case and stationary charging base capable of delivering up to three hours of
continuous listening time in just 30 minutes instead bundled in here.