Known for its disruptive approach to household appliances, Dyson has once again challenged conventions by venturing into the world of audio. The Dyson OnTrac headphones mark the company’s first foray into the headphone market, promising a level of innovation and performance synonymous with the Dyson brand.
Dyson has applied its engineering prowess to create headphones prioritising sound quality, comfort, and noise cancellation. The company’s airflow technology and motor design expertise have been instrumental in developing OnTrac’s advanced noise-cancellation system. By sampling external sound 384,000 times per second, the headphones can effectively reduce up to 40dB of unwanted noise, creating an immersive listening experience.
At the core of the Dyson OnTrac is its focus on audio fidelity. Equipped with 40mm neodymium drivers and advanced audio processing, these headphones deliver a wide soundstage with deep bass and crisp highs. Dyson engineers have meticulously angled the speaker housings at 13 degrees to ensure a more direct and accurate sound delivery to the listener’s ear.
Comfort is paramount for extended listening sessions. The Dyson OnTrac features a unique headband design that evenly distributes weight, reducing pressure on the head. The ear cushions are crafted from premium materials and employ a multi-pivot gimbal arm system for a customized fit. This attention to detail ensures all-day comfort without compromising sound quality.
The Dyson OnTrac also prioritizes customization. Users can select from a range of outer caps and ear cushions in various colours and finishes to create a truly personalized look. The headphones come in four core colourways: CNC Aluminum, CNC Black Nickel, CNC Copper, and Ceramic Cinnabar.
Dyson’s commitment to innovation extends beyond the product itself. The MyDyson™ app provides users with additional control over their listening experience, including real-time soundtracking and customizable EQ settings.
Pricing & Availability
While specific details on pricing and availability for the Dyson OnTrac headphones in Malaysia have yet to be released, the product is expected to be positioned at a premium price point, reflecting the advanced technology and high-quality materials used in its construction.
Bose has unveiled a trio of new audio products set to redefine the listening experience: the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and QuietComfort Headphones. These devices maintain Bose’s signature sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort while introducing a significant innovation—Bose Immersive Audio.
Bose Immersive Audio
Bose’s Immersive Audio is the company’s take on directional audio. Unlike its competitors, the technology doesn’t use AI to approximate audio direction – particularly when it comes to headphones. Instead, it generates a wider, more spacious soundstage that allows for layered, multidimensional sound. The best part? It’s platform agnostic – meaning that it’s done on the headphones itself. The onboard IMU and Bose’s proprietary digital signal processing software allows for a live concert-like experience, even with audio sources that don’t natively support spatial audio.
It comes with two modes: Still and Motion. “Still” mode keeps audio stationery for a consistent experience, while “Motion” mode, adapts sound according to your position and movements.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
These headphones replace the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 as Bose’s top-tier over-ear headphones. They address a common concern by folding it down for easy storage. The headphones introduce Bose’s Immersive Audio technology, along with CustomTune audio calibration. They provide clear calls, accurate voice assistant responses, and up to 24 hours of battery life.
The new QuietComfort Ultra headphones feature a completely re-engineered system with proprietary signal processing, advanced microphones and a robust chipset. These technologies enable improved noise cancellation and CustomTune while supporting Bose’s Aware mode with ActiveSense and improved voice pickup.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Building on the success of the QC Earbuds II, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds offer noise cancellation, CustomTune calibration, responsive touch controls, and now Immersive Audio. Improved call quality is achieved through adaptive filters and dynamic microphone mixing. It also comes with an IPX4 water and dust resistance rating. They provide up to six hours of battery life, with an optional case for wireless charging.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Replacing the QuietComfort 45 Headphones, these offer high-fidelity audio and noise cancellation. Users can customize noise cancellation levels and modes. They provide up to 24 hours of battery life, support multipoint Bluetooth 5.1, and include a Spotify Tap button for convenience.
Compatibility and Connectivity
All three products support Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite, including Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec for audio streaming. They are Bluetooth 5.3 compatible and feature Google Fast Pair for Android devices. They are also compatible with Bose SimpleSync technology, allowing personalized pairing with select soundbars and speakers.
Pricing & Availability
Pre-orders for these products are now open.
The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are priced at GBP£449 (MYR2,610.17) while the Earbuds will cost GBP£299 (MYR1,738.21). Both will be available starting in early October in Black and White Smoke.
The QuietComfort Headphones will be available on September 21, 2023, in Black and White Smoke. There will also be a limited-edition Cypress Green colour. It will be priced at GBP£349 (MYR2,028.89).
The wireless charging case which is compatible with both the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the QC Earbuds II will be on sale for GBP£49.95 (MYR290.38).
There isn’t any word yet on when these products will be available in Malaysia. However, you can still purchase it on the Bose website.
Bower & Wilkins (B&W) is no stranger to audiophiles. The company has produced audio products – mainly speakers and audio solutions for large venues – since the 1960s. The company has recently begun producing earbuds and personal audio solutions, soundbars and portable speakers for the general consumer. These products bring the balance, soundstage and quality B&W is known for to a more affordable and accessible form.
The company’s headphones, portable speakers, soundbar and earbuds are now available in Malaysia through TC Acoustic. TC Acoustic has signed on as the exclusive distributor for Bowers & Wilkins in Malaysia and Singapore. As such, these products will be available at TC Acoustic Outlets. In Malaysia, this is the TC Acoustic Flagship Store in The Starhill in Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur.
True Wireless With Enhanced Connectivity with the Bower & Wilkins Pi7 S2 & Pi5 S2 In-Ear Headphones
First released in April 2021, the B&W Pi7 and Pi5 redefined the true wireless experience with high-resolution audio, unprecedented audio clarity and quality. Building on the renown and acclaim of the first generation, the Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2 make their debut and up the ante when it comes to true wireless audio experiences.
The new S2s feature upgraded wireless connectivity with a re-engineered antenna design. The new design enhances Bluetooth connectivity with an increased range of up to 25 metres. It also provides added stability and augments the listening experience. Together with this, the wireless earbuds also come with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive which enables up to 24-bit, 48kHz wireless streaming with compatible services.
Updated to Be the Best
It’s not just about connectivity, the battery on the Pi5 and Pi7 comes with a boost in battery life. Both boast up to five hours of listening time. With their quick charge technology, a short 15-minute charge will get you an additional 2 hours of listening time. If that’s not enough, the Pi7 S2’s case comes with an additional 16 hours of battery life while the Pi5 S2’s comes with an additional 19 hours.
The Pi7 S2 features bespoke, 9.2mm drive units and a high-frequency ‘balance armature’ driver. Each of the four drivers in the earbud is actively driven by its own amplifier. It also brings Adaptive Noise Cancellation to the table with six microphones (3 in each ear) that provide ambient sound data for the earbuds to dynamically adapt to isolate ambience noise. The microphones also provide excellent sound quality during phone calls.
The Pi5 S2 comes with a single 9.2mm driver in each earbud and supports streaming of CD-quality playback with aptX compatible devices. It also features noise-cancellation with its twin microphones. These microphones also provide excellent sound quality during phone calls.
Seamless User Experience & Audio Retransmission
The B&W Pi7 S2 and the B&W Pi5 S2 continue to be fully integrated with the B&W Music App. You’ll be able to do everything from setup to adjusting wear sensor sensitivity and even noise cancellation modes in the app. The app also integrates with apps like TIDAL and Deezer to support Hi-Res audio streaming directly from your mobile device.
The Pi7 S2 comes with B&W’s signature Wireless Audio Retransmission. The feature, first introduced in the first generation Pi7, allows users to connect to an external audio source such as your inflight entertainment system and wirelessly transmit the audio to the earbuds. This is done by connecting the smart charging case which will then stream the audio to your earbuds in all its glory. This also allows you to use the Pi7 S2 as wireless in-ear monitors.
Both models are controlled via a simple, one-button user interface. The capacitive button can perform multiple functions with click variations seamlessly. They are also compatible with Google Assistant and Siri.
The B&W Px8 Headphones Feature Hi-Res Audio with Noise Cancellation in a Stylish Form Factor
The Bower & Wilkins Px8 headphones bring the experience from B&W’s reference quality speakers into a portable, stylish form factor. The 40mm Carbon Cone drivers deliver best-in-class sound quality and accuracy. Its uniquely engineered cans have Carbon Cone drivers angled ensuring a consistent distance from the ears at every point across the driver’s surface.
Similar to its earbud cousins, the Px8 uses Qualcomm’s aptX technology to provide the best audio quality from your device. It also comes with USB-C and 3.5mm analogue cable connections. The Px8’s ultra-high performance drivers work together with B&W-developed Digital Signal Processing to deliver high-resolution, 24-bit audio. B&W engineering also leaves its mark with the proprietary B&W optimized noise cancellation technology. Similar to the Pi7 S2, the Px8 comes with six mics which work to provide ambient sound data for Adaptive noise cancellation and voice clarity.
Together with the regular Bower & Wilkins Px8, TC Acoustic is also bringing in two special edition Px8 – the McLaren Edition and the 007 Edition. These editions come with unique design cues and colourways that represent the iconic brand and character. The McLaren Edition takes its design cues from the McLaren Artura supercar and features a Galvanic grey finish with Papaya orange highlights. The Px8 007 edition comes with design cues from Bond himself – particularly from James Bond’s first appearance on screen. The Midnight Blue finish hearkens back to the dinner jacket from that first appearance. In addition, they also feature the signature iris design on the inner side of each of the cans.
Pricing & Availability
The Pi5 S2 will be available in Cloud Grey, Storm Grey, Spring Lilac and Sage Green. It will be priced at MYR1,699.
The Pi7 S2 will come in Satin Black, Canvas White and Midnight Blue. It will retail for MYR2,499.
The Px8 will be available in Tan and Black for MYR3,299. The Limited Edition McLaren and 007 versions will be retailing for MYR4,299 from 30th March 2023.
