We love seeing new features added to existing hardware, so props to Bose for adding a useful new feature to the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II via a new firmware update – even if it’s not an add-on most owners have probably been waiting for.
The update that came out yesterday gives the user the ability to use either earbud independently of the other (previously only the right earbud could be used). This now means that you will be able to use each earbud on its own to answer or make calls, as well as to listen to music and movies. It doesn’t change the game, but flexibility is useful.
This update of the best noise canceling earbuds also means you’ll be able to switch between earbuds if you run out of juice, so you can continue listening without interruption.
The new firmware is available through the Bose Music app and can be installed by connecting the QCE II to the phone. But this isn’t the big update Bose has promised, so what’s the deal?
Analysis: A welcome improvement for QCE II – but where is the high resolution?
We were blown away by the best-in-class noise cancellation and balanced sound of the QuietComfort Earbuds II, earning them a five-star review in November.
However, while we love this latest handy update from Bose, it unfortunately still doesn’t address our main issue with the QCE II, which is the lack of support for high-res wireless audio.
Bose promised around release that an update was imminent for the QCE II that would make them compatible with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound and the aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec for CD-quality audio, but we’re still on hold on something that could be potentially game-changing update.
With more and more phones supporting these platforms, as well as a plethora of competing earbuds now featuring the technology, we’re hoping an update stays on the way for Bose owners – maybe that’ll sway you into buying them if you’re looking at the best wireless earbuds.