Bose has just announced the Ultra Open Earbuds – open headphones with a unique design, information about which leaked online earlier this month. They are designed to be attached outside the ear to “maintain total environmental awareness” when you listen to them. And they cost a whopping $300.
But here’s the catch: This initial offering is an exclusive kit designed in collaboration with fashion and lifestyle brand Kith. The Kith brand is embossed on the headphones and case in Bose’s signature font. You will be able to purchase the Kith for Bose Ultra Open Earbuds at Kith online and physical stores starting January 22nd. And they will allegedly be available only in “extremely limited quantities”.
Here’s how Bose describes the design: “The new Bose Ultra Open Earbuds feature an innovative cuff design with polished, soft edges and a stunning finish. They do not cover the ears but are attached to the side, which makes them look more like a fashion accessory than traditional headphones. You can wear glasses, hats or jewellery and they will not interfere with your style. The headphones provide all-day wear comfort without forcing you to choose between sound immersion and awareness. The Kith for Bose Ultra Open Earbuds come in a sleek matte black colourway designed jointly by the two brands, each earbud features a uniquely altered Kith logo in Bose’s iconic font. The closest thing to this idea is Huawei’s FreeClip headphones (our review) that I can think of right now.
Aside from price and a Kith-exclusive release date, Bose isn’t sharing many other details about the Ultra Open Earbuds at this time. Fortunately, the Kith site has a bit more information. Just like the now-discontinued Bose Frames, these headphones feature Bose’s OpenAudio technology, which directs music to your ears without disturbing those around you. Battery life is 7.5 hours of continuous listening. As with other Bose products of the “Ultra” class, these headphones use the company’s spatial sound processing technology.
Bose produced open-back headphones before the Sport Open Earbuds were quietly discontinued in 2022 after failing to find a large audience. But the company sees such a promising potential market that it makes another attempt with a completely different design. A lot of people don’t like in-ear headphones, and I can understand that.
This isn’t Kith’s first time selling headphones either: in recent years they’ve sold the Nothing Ear 2 and Ear 1.
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