Bose QuietComfort 35 II Headphones Gain Alexa Support via Software Update

[MacRumors]

Bose has released an update for its QuietComfort 35 II wireless headphones that adds Alexa support as a voice assistant feature.

Previously, the "Action" button on the popular noise-canceling cans was exclusively for invoking Google Assistant (Siri is accessed by holding down the multifunction play/pause button for two seconds).

However, after updating the software through the Bose Connect app, QC35 II owners can now opt to use Amazon's ubiquitous virtual assistant instead via the app's Options menu.

For those wondering, voice assistant support is the main difference between the Bose QC 35 Series II headphones and the original Quiet Comfort 35 Series I (reviewed here), although the later model does let you use the noise canceling feature in wired as well as wireless mode.

So if voice assistant support doesn't interest you and you're looking to go wireless, the Series I cans are definitely still worth a punt if you can find them online - and you just might save yourself a few dollars in the process.

Article Link: Bose QuietComfort 35 II Headphones Gain Alexa Support via Software Update

 

[BadMelonFarmer]

You can QC35 Series I Noise Cancelling when using them in a wired mode.

I think the only difference between series I and II is the dedicated Google Assistand, or now Alexa button.

 

[vicviper789]

Oh great now my headphones will spy on me.


I have the QC35's and the QC20's. The 35's have a bad power switch and will turn themselves on randomly. I bought/returned 3 pairs of 20's because the wire going into each bud wasn't mated properly and would click when moved. Called Boss support a few times and they pretty much told me to bug off each time.

 

[timmyh]

You can QC35 Series I Noise Cancelling when using them in a wired mode.

I think the only difference between series I and II is the dedicated Google Assistand, or now Alexa button.

That’s interesting, thanks. ANC did not work for me in wired mode. I’ll look at it again.

 

[yesjam]

I’ve been shopping around for a nice pair of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones and it seems to me that the Bose QC35 are really the benchmark. So I ask the MacRumors forums: does anyone think differently? (I may wait to see if Apple introduces its own branded pair in the fall or early next year)

 

[Brenster]

I’ve been shopping around for a nice pair of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones and it seems to me that the Bose QC35 are really the benchmark. So I ask the MacRumors forums: does anyone think differently? (I may wait to see if Apple introduces its own branded pair in the fall or early next year)

I’ve been using my QC25’s without incident for a couple of years now. They’re not cheap but they’re at that perfect intersection between comfort, noise cancelling and sound quality (classical and classic rock mainly).

I had a pair wired of in ear QC20s that I used to death. Replaced with a pair of wireless QC30 for lunchtime walks outside with audiobooks. As with the QC25 I’ve had no complaints and no interoperability issues with my iphones (6s then X and with my iPad Pro).

You might get better NC on other models, certainly better sound on others again and better comfort still on others. But for all 3 together, I’ve not found better than Bose for the price.

 

[Ateam043]

I’ve been shopping around for a nice pair of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones and it seems to me that the Bose QC35 are really the benchmark. So I ask the MacRumors forums: does anyone think differently? (I may wait to see if Apple introduces its own branded pair in the fall or early next year)

I have the Sony 1000XM2 and their noice cancellation feature and Siri integration are top notch and would say it’s either an equal or better than the QC’s.

 

[FilipeTeixeira]

I’ve been shopping around for a nice pair of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones and it seems to me that the Bose QC35 are really the benchmark. So I ask the MacRumors forums: does anyone think differently? (I may wait to see if Apple introduces its own branded pair in the fall or early next year)

I had the QC35 for about 2 weeks, even traveled with them and hated it. They are absurdly comfortable, the sounds is good enough, but the ANC is so strong that I felt dizzy and nauseous every time it was on. I also had the feeling that it wasn't as good as some people claim it to be. Every time I moved my head, the ANC went insane as well as it stopped working. The overall feeling I had, was that it is a good set of headphones, comfortable and so, but not worth the money as there are better alternatives on the market. Look at the Sony 1000 xm2 instead. Ignore the headband crack "issue" as so far, no official sources or reviewers were able to see that.

 

[Truckondo]

Oh great now my headphones will spy on me.


I have the QC35's and the QC20's. The 35's have a bad power switch and will turn themselves on randomly. I bought/returned 3 pairs of 20's because the wire going into each bud wasn't mated properly and would click when moved. Called Boss support a few times and they pretty much told me to bug off each time.

I guess I got lucky. I had the same problem with my QC35 power switch. I called and they offered me to buy the QC35II at a discounted but I told them that I barely used the headphones and they should last longer than that. Then support offered a free replacement but only in silver. I thought they were going to send a refurbished model since they said not to send the accessories, but I got a brand new set instead. Took that box to the BOSE store and showed them my email from BOSE support and got them in black.

 

[MacGizmo]

Had my Bose cans for 6 years and they were by far the most comfortable and best sounding headphones I ever owned.

 

[billybobfred]

I've still got my QC 15's and I use them almost every day. Besides having to replace the ear pads, they have served me great.

 

[Matz]

I've still got my QC 15's and I use them almost every day. Besides having to replace the ear pads, they have served me great.

Same here. I actually bought these at a pretty good discount from Bose when my original QCs had issues, and the 15's were the (then) new model. Replaced one set of ear pads with a knockoff set - cheap but evidently made of the same materials.
Maybe I'll go for the wireless model if and when the 15s bite the dust.

 

[dabocx]

I’ve been shopping around for a nice pair of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones and it seems to me that the Bose QC35 are really the benchmark. So I ask the MacRumors forums: does anyone think differently? (I may wait to see if Apple introduces its own branded pair in the fall or early next year)

I perfer my Sony MX1000V2. Much better sound and the battery life is ridiculous

 

[TimmeyCook]

I’ve been shopping around for a nice pair of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones and it seems to me that the Bose QC35 are really the benchmark. So I ask the MacRumors forums: does anyone think differently? (I may wait to see if Apple introduces its own branded pair in the fall or early next year)

They are really great.

Most important, they have perfect compability with your Apple devices, they have AAC over Bluetooth, which is the same protocol that Apple uses for everything, AptX headphones don't work well with anything but Qualcomm Android devices.

 

[AhRiHmAn]

I’ve been shopping around for a nice pair of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones and it seems to me that the Bose QC35 are really the benchmark. So I ask the MacRumors forums: does anyone think differently? (I may wait to see if Apple introduces its own branded pair in the fall or early next year)

I've tried the QC 35 for a couple of weeks and they are really comfortable , but the sound is really bassy , really "Bose"
Now I have the Bowers&Wilkins PX and they are the best headphones I ever owned.

 

[Hodar1]

I've still got my QC 15's and I use them almost every day. Besides having to replace the ear pads, they have served me great.

I'm on my second pair of QC 15's - because my original pair developed a crack on the left earpiece after 3 years. I called Bose, expecting this to cost money. They asked me for the SN inside one of the earpieces, then told me that they would replace it for free. Within 3 days, I had a brand new QC 15, and as promised, I mailed my defective QC 15's back to them. I used them on every trip I took for over the next 5 years, and recently got the QC35 Series 1.

Based on the way they treated me as a customer with my QC15's, and the fact that just last year I was able to replace the leather pads on the 10 year old QC15; I feel confident that Bose will support the QC35's when the (currently outstanding) lithium battery wears out.

When it comes to service after the Sale, NO ONE (including Sony) is even close. So, when I travel I pack the QC35's on every trip; and when my wife travels with me, she used the QC15; which still work admirably.

 

[v3rlon]

I’ve been shopping around for a nice pair of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones and it seems to me that the Bose QC35 are really the benchmark. So I ask the MacRumors forums: does anyone think differently? (I may wait to see if Apple introduces its own branded pair in the fall or early next year)

Some people may argue about the sound quality (there's a hater for everyone), but the noise cancelling aspect of the Bose QC35's is the gold standard. You can listen to music on a pair and see if that works for you. I will only address the noise cancelling.
I tried several other brands, and it is night and day difference. If you want to mask background noise, there is nothing better. It works best with constant level and pitch like fan noise from a large computer (or a jet in flight or air conditioner), but it does pretty well with my lawn mower and children as well.

 

[Hodar1]

I perfer my Sony MX1000V2. Much better sound and the battery life is ridiculous

Sony's are fine for the price. Not knocking them, as they do everything pretty well.

Except, after a couple of years - there isn't a practical way to refurbish them. With Bose, you can expect frequent firmware dates, and you can refurbish the ear pads, or other part of the headphones at any Bose kiosk at the airport.

 

[scartart]

I had the QC35 for about 2 weeks, even traveled with them and hated it. They are absurdly comfortable, the sounds is good enough, but the ANC is so strong that I felt dizzy and nauseous every time it was on. I also had the feeling that it wasn't as good as some people claim it to be. Every time I moved my head, the ANC went insane as well as it stopped working. The overall feeling I had, was that it is a good set of headphones, comfortable and so, but not worth the money as there are better alternatives on the market. Look at the Sony 1000 xm2 instead. Ignore the headband crack "issue" as so far, no official sources or reviewers were able to see that.

Sounds like you had a faulty pair. The Bose app also allows you to reduce the amount of noise cancelling if you are sensitive to it, or are walking outside in windy conditions.

 

[ahendarman]

I have QC35 II now and QC15 previously. These headphones are by far the most comfortable pairs that I have ever tried. Bose has the best two most important features for a long flight, comfort and noise canceling.

 

[Jimmy James]

Bose. Now with spyware.

 

[Jaro65]

I’ve been shopping around for a nice pair of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones and it seems to me that the Bose QC35 are really the benchmark. So I ask the MacRumors forums: does anyone think differently? (I may wait to see if Apple introduces its own branded pair in the fall or early next year)

I was in the same situation a year ago. Ended up getting the QC35's. No regrets. They're a great set.

 

[richpjr]

Google and Alexa integration are okay I guess, but I already have an Echo so I couldn't see what I'd ever use it for.

I looked long and hard at the QC35s, along with the Sony 1000XM2 and Bowers & Wilkins PX about a year ago and they are easily the most comfortable NC headphones I tried. However, I didn't think they sounded all that good and ended up going with the B&W PX. I have been very happy with them and when in the office can listen over a USB-C cable for even better sound.

 

[carlsson]

I’ve been shopping around for a nice pair of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones and it seems to me that the Bose QC35 are really the benchmark. So I ask the MacRumors forums: does anyone think differently? (I may wait to see if Apple introduces its own branded pair in the fall or early next year)

I tried them out but ended up with Sonys MDR-1000X. Better sound and superior NC. The Bose was lighter and more comfortable though.

 

[python0704]

QC35 II is the first ANC headphone I owned. I researched a lot before making the purchase with a nice deal a month ago. The comfort didn't disappoint. And NC is really good at eliminating noise from the loud A/C in my apartment. No regret with the purchase. As for the action button, I set it to control NC level as I have no android devices but only used it at first to test NC then just leave it at max level. I wish they will update it to support Siri but doubt I would even use it. Siri still has a tough uphill battle to climb into user's lives.