Earlier today, Bose unveiled the Bose Sport Open Earbuds, a new type of true wireless headset that sits above your ears to help keep cyclists, runners and pedestrians safe while on the road.
They work by placing the driver in a new type of compartment that is above the ear canal, rather than inside it, allowing ambient noise to pass.
That said, despite its open nature, Bose says that Sport Open headphones don’t leak noise – even at high volume – because they use the company’s proprietary OpenAudio technology. The result? You will be able to hear your music clearly, but no one else.
Bose says the headphones are IPX4 rated, making them water resistant and weighing only 14 grams per button. The headphones work for eight hours per charge and use Bluetooth 5.1 for a more stable wireless connection.
So, when can cyclists put their gloved hands on them? Bose Sport Open Earbuds will be available from mid-January for $ 199.99 (about £ 150, AU $ 250), with pre-orders now available on the Bose website.
But Bose is not the only one that offers open audio technology
Although the Bose Sport Open headphones are definitely unique in their new over-the-ear design, Bose is not the only one thinking about audio streaming – the Jabra Elite 65t can amplify external audio using external microphones, as well as some larger headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM4.
Mainly the audio ticket helps to keep you protected from cars, as you can hear them approaching – or, if you’re in danger, honking at you – which is something that Bose says many athletes have been asking for.
“Runners and cyclists have been asking us for headphones that allow them to stay focused on their wireless performance, neck bands or having to pop a button to listen to traffic, a training partner, nature or anything else they don’t want to miss it, ”said Mehul Trivedi, category director, wearable audio at Bose in an email to TechRadar. “Our new Sport Open headphones solve all of these problems – and they are the only ones that do.”
While this can make Bose Sport Open headphones sound like a niche product, they are also good for life-threatening situations, such as waiting to hear your seat number being called at the airport or in restaurants.
Basically, you can use them anytime you need to hear something important in a PA and they will help keep you informed.