Bang & Olufsen’s New Earbuds Cost More Than an iPhone
▼ Summary
– The Beo Grace earbuds cost $1,500 and feature a flashy aluminum design with Bang & Olufsen’s most advanced active noise cancellation.
– They use 12mm titanium drivers and six microphones for ANC that adapts to ambient noise and the user’s ear shape.
– Key audio features include support for Dolby Atmos spatial audio and a transparency mode designed to be free from hiss or distortion.
– The earbuds offer 4.5 hours of battery life with ANC on, but feature battery technology from Breathe that reportedly allows for over 2,000 charge cycles.
– The aluminum charging case can function as an audio transmitter when plugged into devices, and the earbuds are available for preorder with shipping starting November 17th.
Bang & Olufsen has unveiled its latest audio offering, the Beo Grace earbuds, positioning them firmly in the ultra-luxury segment with a price tag of $1,500. This cost notably exceeds that of a premium smartphone, signaling the company’s focus on high-end materials and proprietary technology. The earbuds feature a distinctive flashy aluminum design and are promoted as incorporating the brand’s most sophisticated active noise cancellation system to date.
Sound is delivered through 12mm titanium drivers, while the advanced ANC is managed by a system of six microphones. This setup is engineered to automatically fine-tune the audio output by analyzing both the surrounding ambient noise and the unique shape of the wearer’s ear canal. The earbuds also provide support for Dolby Atmos spatial audio, creating an immersive listening experience. A transparency mode, similar to that found in the high-end Beoplay H100 headphones, aims to blend external sounds naturally into your audio without introducing unwanted distortion.
User interaction is facilitated through tactile controls and an innovative feature called “NearTap” technology. This allows for volume adjustments by simply tapping the area in front of the ear, offering a touch-free method of control. On the topic of battery performance, the earbuds deliver 4.5 hours of playback with active noise cancellation enabled. This is a shorter duration compared to some other models in the market, including the company’s own previous release.
However, Bang & Olufsen emphasizes a partnership with battery intelligence firm Breathe to enhance the long-term health of the battery. The company reports that in internal testing, the earbuds’ power cells surpassed 2,000 charge cycles, suggesting a focus on durability. The earbuds are accompanied by a matching aluminum charging case that doubles as an audio transmitter. By connecting via USB-C or a line-in port, the case can stream audio from non-Bluetooth sources like airplane entertainment systems or laptops directly to the earbuds.
An optional leather pouch is available for storing the charging case, though it represents a significant additional investment. The Beo Grace earbuds are currently available for preorder, with shipments scheduled to begin on November 17th.
(Source: The Verge)
