Jabra is no stranger to audio products; in fact, the company may have the most impressive track record and catalogue of audio devices in the market. That said, the company has unveiled the next generation of its popular Elite series – the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2. These earbuds boast innovative features designed to elevate the user experience, including the world’s first LE Audio smart case, enhanced sound quality, and improved noise cancellation.
The LE Audio Smart Case: A Game Changer for Connectivity
The most striking innovation lies in the accompanying charging cases. These cases integrate LE Audio, a next-generation Bluetooth standard promising significant improvements in audio quality, power efficiency, and connection stability. While the earbuds themselves utilize standard Bluetooth 5.2, the LE Audio smart case acts as a wireless transmitter for connected devices.
The new LE Audio smart case will allow travellers to use their Jabra Elite earbuds by simply plugging them in. Traditionally, you’d need a separate adapter to connect your earbuds to the aeroplane’s entertainment system. The case then wirelessly transmits the audio stream to your earbuds in LE Audio format, potentially offering improved sound quality and lower latency compared to traditional Bluetooth connections. This functionality extends beyond aeroplanes, allowing the case to act as an LE Audio transmitter for any device with a 3.5mm headphone jack or USB-C port.
Enhanced Audio & More Personality
Jabra has also equipped both the Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 with improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. This enhanced ANC promises to effectively block out unwanted background noise, creating a more immersive listening experience. Additionally, Jabra has partnered with Dolby to deliver Dolby Audio support. This collaboration aims to provide a richer and more nuanced soundscape, potentially elevating the audio quality for music, movies, and calls.
While the overall design language remains largely unchanged, Jabra has introduced new colour options for both models, allowing users to express their personal style. The Elite 10 Gen 2 retains its sleek, bud-style design, while the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 maintains its secure, in-ear fit ideal for active lifestyles.
Better Durability, Longer Battery
Jabra prioritizes user experience with extended battery life. The earbuds themselves last up to 7 hours on a single charge, with the case providing an additional 25 hours of playback time. Additionally, the earbuds support fast charging for quick power top-ups when needed.
The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 retains its IP57 water resistance rating, making it ideal for workouts or running in the rain. Both models offer intuitive touch controls for music playback, call management, and voice assistant activation.
Jabra has also improved call performance in the Elite 8 Active Gen 2. This upgrade includes six microphones, wind-protecting mesh, and a noise-cancellation algorithm specifically designed to enhance call clarity in various environments.
Pricing & Availability
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 are expected to be available globally from mid-June 2024. Pricing information varies by region, but here’s a general breakdown:
- Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2: USD$280 (approximately RM1,318.11)
- Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2: USD$230 (approximately RM1,082.73)
