Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) might be over a year old now, but they are gaining new sonic powers. The bad news? Not all the features are available to all users.
The latest firmware update is called 10.12.12 and it brings four new features to play.
First up, Bluetooth LE Audio support. This next-gen version is more efficient than standard Bluetooth, and supports the LC3 codec which has better sound quality than the standard SBC you find with bog-standard Bluetooth. It’s worth noting, however, that some don’t think it delivers on this promise.
The greater efficiency could help prolong battery life too, though Bose hasn’t commented on this in the firmware update notes, so any gain is likely to be marginal. And LE Audio opens the door to Auracast, which lets devices broadcast to multiple headphones at once, so you could tune into a news channel in an airport lounge, for example.
The downside? Bluetooth LE Audio doesn’t work with Apple devices, so this is for Android and Windows users only.
The update also brings 5.1 spatial audio with head tracking to compatible Android devices, and higher-quality gaming and voice audio over a wired USB-C cable from a compatible PC or mobile device. It also brings improved USB compatibility with web conferencing applications, for when you’re taking care of business.
Other big headphone makers also support Bluetooth LE Audio on select models such as the Sony WH-1000XM6, though the recently unveiled Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 will get it only via a future firmware update.
Still, Bose’s move is proof that once you buy a pair of wireless headphones, they can keep getting better. If you’re not using an iPhone, that is.
Keep an eye on the Bose app to see when the update is available. It should download automatically, but you’ll need to keep your headphones connected to your device while it transfers, which can take up to 40 minutes. Then actually installing it can take another 15 minutes.
MORE:
Read our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) vs QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): what are the differences?
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