Bose announces new QuietComfort Ultra earbuds and SoundLink speakers: Price and preorder details

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Bose is kicking off the summer with new product launches in the QuietComfort and SoundLink lines. On June 12, the brand announced the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (2nd Gen), SoundLink Plus portable speaker, and SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker (2nd Gen). The SoundLink Plus speaker is available for preorder now, and the QC Ultras and Micro are scheduled to arrive later in the summer.

Bose SoundLink Plus portable speaker

Sitting between the SoundLink Flex and SoundLink Max, the Plus is a new mid-range speaker from Bose. It features one subwoofer, one tweeter, and four passive radiators. The speaker has the signature SoundLink look with the powder-coated steel grille and soft-touch silicone that comes in three colors: black, blue dusk, and a new citrus yellow (which I’m personally excited about).

You can pair the Plus with another Plus through Stereo Mode, where one acts as the left channel and the other as the right, or use the on-unit shortcut button to sync in Party Mode with other current SoundLink speakers, including the Max, Micro (2nd Gen), and Flex (2nd Gen).

The SoundLink Plus retails for $269, and preorders begin June 12 (June 18 for the citrus yellow color). General availability begins June 26.

Here’s a look at the SoundLink Plus’s specs:

• Up to 20 hours of playback time

• Full battery charge within five hours

• USB-C charge-out

• IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof

• Shock- and rust-resistant

• Adjustable three-band equalizer

• Bluetooth Core 5.4 with multipoint connectivity up to 30 feet

• Size: 9.1 inches W x 3.94 inches H x 3.4 inches D

• Weight: 3.29 pounds

Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (2nd Gen)

Bose’s flagship earbuds are getting an upgrade.
Credit: Bose

The original Bose QuietComfort Ultras are our favorite noise-cancelling earbuds and earned a Mashable Choice award, so we’re excited to see them get an upgrade. The new flagship model brings enhanced adaptive noise cancellation, improved call quality, and wireless case charging.

Like almost all new tech this year, the QC Ultras have an AI component. On top of Bose’s proprietary CustomTune sound calibration technology that personalizes audio and noise cancellation based on the shape of the wearer’s ear and the environment around them, Bose is using an updated AI algorithm to help improve Aware Mode. The noise cancellation should be smoother when adjusting to sudden spikes of noise, meaning audio won’t be drowned out by a passing train or siren. There’s also a new AI-powered noise suppression system designed to improve call quality on the QC Ultras and reduce background noise like wind or passing conversations.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (2nd Gen) come in black, white smoke, and a limited-edition deep plum, and will retail for $299 with a release date later this summer.

The QC Ultras come in a limited-edition deep plum.
Credit: Bose / Mashable composite

A look at the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (2nd Gen)’s specs:

• Up to six hours of playback, up to 18 additional hours with charging case

• 20-minute quick charge provides up to two hours of playback

• Immersive Audio mode

• Eight microphones

• Adjustable three-band equalizer

• IPx4 water- and sweat-resistant

• Small, medium, and large ear tips and stability bands

• Bluetooth Core 5.4 with multipoint connectivity up to 30 feet

Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker (2nd Gen)

The new nylon strap doubles to carry the speaker or attach it to bikes, backpacks, and more.
Credit: Bose

On the most portable end of the SoundLink spectrum lies the Micro — a mini speaker that brings Bose’s signature sound to a pocket-sized casing. The updated second-generation Micro introduces improved audio performance, USB-C connectivity, a removable nylon strap for carrying or attachment, and Bose app compatibility. It houses one driver and dual passive radiators for improved performance at higher frequencies without sacrificing bass. Like the new SoundLink Plus, the SoundLink Micro features Stereo Mode and Party Mode, allowing it to sync with other SoundLink speakers.

The Micro comes in black or blue dusk and will retail for $129 with a release date later this summer. This is a $10 price increase compared to the first-gen Micro, which retails for $119.

Here’s a look at the Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker (2nd Gen)’s specs:

• Up to 12 hours of playback time

• Full charge in four hours

• IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof

• Shock- and rust-resistant

• Adjustable three-band equalizer

• Bluetooth Core 5.4 with multipoint connectivity up to 30 feet

• Size: 4.06 inches W x 4.06 inches H x 1.54 inches D

• Weight: 0.7 pounds

We’re planning to get our hands on the new earbuds and speakers, so stay tuned for our thoughts.