Recently, there were reports that the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Bluetooth headphones might come with Google Assistant. Today, those reports have been confirmed, as Bose introduced its much-anticipated headphones with Google Assistant integration.
The Bose QC35 II headphones include a dedicated Action button that triggers Google Assistant. According to Google, one case easily set the assistant using Bluetooth and then follow the instructions on the Google Assistant app on their Android phone (running on Marshmallow or above) or iPhone. According to the search giant, you can use it for every function that you usually use it for on a phone, like playing music, calling, reading message etc.
“We’ve worked together with Bose to create a great Assistant experience on the QC35 II—whether you’re on a crowded street or squished on a bus, Bose’s active noise cancellation will help eliminate unwanted sounds around you, so you’re able to hear your Assistant, your music and more,” Google said in a blog post.
Google states that the music experience will get better over time as the assistant learns users’ tastes and preferences. However, for most of the functions, Google Assistant on the Bose QC35 II headphones relies on processing and network connectivity on the Android phone or iPhone. Functions like instant voice input and notifications, however, are processed locally. In addition, the headphones come with three different settings which can be controlled using the Bose Connect App.
“Like its predecessor, the QC35 II’s noise cancellation is fully activated when the headphone is on, but the Bose Connect App now lets you choose to keep it on (high), turn it down (low), or disable it completely (off),” says Bose.
Further, if you are not using Google Assistant, you always have the option to change the Action button to control noise cancellation instead of the virtual assistant.
The Bose QC35 II headphones have all the features of the original model, such as up to 20 hours of battery life and impressive noise cancellation. The headphones are made of stainless steel and glass-filled nylon, while the ear cushions are made from a synthetic protein leather, guaranteeing more comfort. The headphones support fast charging and provide 2.5 hours of use in just 15 minutes of charging.
The Bose QC35 II headphones will sell for $350, the same price as the regular QC35 model. The new headphones will come in black and silver and will be available in several markets, including Canada, Germany, Australia, France, the U.K. and the U.S. The headphones are already available at Bose retail stores, Bose.com, and several Bose resellers. The headphones were also recently spotted at a Best Buy store.
Bose also launched its SoundSport Free earphones, which it refers to as “truly wireless” and are priced at $249.99. Each earbud is 1.1 inches high, 1.2 inches deep, and weighs under 10 grams. According to the company, these wireless earphones will work even if the paired device is 30 feet away. The earphones boast a battery life of up to five hours on a single charge. It also comes with a charging case that adds another 10 hours of listening time.