Sony Announces Three New Bluetooth Headphones

[MacRumors]

Ahead of the reveal of the iPhone 7, which is largely expected to usher in a new era of user interest in wireless headphones thanks to the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, Sony recently unveiled three new wireless headphone options for its customers (via SlashGear). Each of the three Bluetooth headphones couple together high-quality sound with Sony's "Extra Bass" technology, along with high-rated resistance to the elements for sports-related activities on two of the models.

The first, most expensive set is the XB80BS Sports In-ear Headphones ($149.99), which come with a splash-proof IPX5 design that allows users to wear them in heavy rain and even clean them in water. In addition to being the most waterproofed of Sony's new headphones, the XB80BS also packs in the highest quality sound with "high fidelity wireless streaming" thanks to Bluetooth and LDAC technology for up to seven hours of music listening.

From left to right: the $150, $100, and $80 models of Sony's new Bluetooth headphones​

The mid-range, XB70BT Bluetooth In-ear Headphones ($99.99) are a slight step down in comparison, with an overall lack of waterproofing and high-quality music streaming, that's compensated for with a focus on smartphone interactivity. Thanks to in-line remote controls with phone call and music playback functionality (lacking on the other headphones), along with 9 hours of battery life, Sony's XB70BT headphones are aimed more at daily casual users who don't need an emphasis on sports-related resistance.

Lastly, the company's cheapest new headphones, the XB50BS Sports Bluetooth In-ear Headphones ($79.99), brings all of the same Extra Bass technology and wireless connectivity with a splash-proof IPX4 rating. Sony says this will let users keep a workout going "even in light rain," so water submersion capabilities of the XB80BS aren't the focus of the cheaper model. The battery on the XB50BS lasts 8.5 hours.

The $150 and $80 models come in three colors, including black, red, and blue, while the $100 version is only available in black. All three can be purchased through Sony's website and Amazon, although each listing on Amazon marks the headphones as temporarily out of stock. The company also announced three new wired headphones along with the trio of Bluetooth options.

Article Link: Sony Announces Three New Bluetooth Headphones

 

[penajmz]

Ehh, next.

 

[Fall Under Cerulean Kites]

The mid-range, XB70BT Bluetooth In-ear Headphones ($99.99) are a slight step down in comparison, with an overall lack of waterproofing and high-quality music streaming

(emphasis mine)

Way to sell the product, MacRumors!

 

[iClone]

Why are they so ugly ?

 

[480951]

These are pretty ugly (and bulky). Sony is capable of better design if their h.ear on line is any indication.

 

[jmgregory1]

A few years ago, I bought a Eurasian-only Sony BT headset (single ear) unit that was the closest thing to Apple's original BT headset in size. The Sony didn't have any sound enhancement or noise suppression, but it offered 11 hours of battery life in a tiny headset - which I loved until I lost it. It will be interesting to see what Apple releases today for the supposed AirPods buds. I'd trade sound quality and water resistance for battery life any day, but that's because I'm on the phone for work all day.

 

[keysofanxiety]

A little on the ugly side, but boy Sony know how to make headphones that sound good.

 

[JeffyTheQuik]

It's alway nice to buy something for $150 that you'll be throwing away in 2 years.

At least with my iPhone, I give it to the kids.

 

[iClone]

Almost as ugly as this

 

[AppleWarMachine]

At least they call them Bluetooth headphones and not wireless, like others (i see wires in those photos)

 

[tkukoc]

Wow lots of haters out this morning.. just because it doesn't say Apple on it doesn't mean it's not good.

 

[Boatboy24]

...the XB80BS also packs in the highest quality sound with "high fidelity wireless streaming"...

How can they call it 'wireless' when there's a big, honking wire connecting the two ear pieces?

 

[anthonymoody]

What's frustrating to me is the weird mish mash of features. Can't I have the inline phone controls *and* waterproofing?

 

[ipedro]

This is what it means when we say that Apple is getting rid of the headphone jack to drive the market forward. The mere rumour of Apple dropping the headphone jack has lit a fire in the bluetooth headphone market.

If Apple had kept old ports and media around, newer tech wouldn't be compelled forward. Yes, we'd have bluetooth headphones popping up, but we're about to see hundreds of models flooding the market because tens of millions of the most sold smartphones are going to need wireless headphones. Through that process, innovation will happen and new wireless technology will emerge.

 

[S.B.G]

Somewhat reminds me of the old Jawbone BT earpieces. Not the most attractive product out there and not being water resistant, I wonder how they'd hold up in a gym or on a run while sweating.

 

[macpanzer]

How can they call it 'wireless' when there's a big, honking wire connecting the two ear pieces?

Wireless, as the source of the signal played through the headphones is connected wirelessly.

 

[cmChimera]

So basically each of one these compromises usability in some form. Want waterproof? No in line control then. Want in line control? No waterproof, and weaker sound quality. Good job, Sony.

 

[igazza]

What's the point of Bluetooth headphones if there still a cord.

 

[MrXiro]

The $150 and $80 models come in three colors, including black, red, and blue, while the $100 version is only available in black. All three can be purchased through Sony's website and Amazon, although each listing on Amazon marks the headphones as temporarily out of stock. The company also announced three new wired headphones along with the trio of Bluetooth options.

To a any mod that sees this... Sony doesn't sell anything on their website anymore. They just provide links to places you can buy the products now. I used to work for Sony and had a discount on the website but they shut it down. You might want to amend.

 

[adamjackson]

The last thing I want when listening to high-quality VBR AAC files or FLAC is "extra bass" It's why Skull Candy and Beats don't appeal to me. Don't add sounds that simply aren't there.

 

[2010mini]

(emphasis mine)

Way to sell the product, MacRumors!

Should they lie?

 

[Keane16]

It's alway nice to buy something for $150 that you'll be throwing away in 2 years.

At least with my iPhone, I give it to the kids.

Why would you throw these away, specifically after 2 years?

My current Bluetooth pair - Jaybird Bluebuds X - are over 2 years old ans still trucking along fine.

The last thing I want when listening to high-quality VBR AAC files or FLAC is "extra bass" It's why Skull Candy and Beats don't appeal to me. Don't add sounds that simply aren't there.

And some people do. Leave these to those that enjoy their music collections played back with additional bass. For the record I'm not a big fan of the bass heavy headphones either.

 

[Dades]

What's the point of Bluetooth headphones if there still a cord.

Ask yourself that when you jog past a drain hole and one of your $150 earpods pops out your ear and drops into it.

Also, when you remove one to, say, buy a coffee, you don't have to hold it in your hand or find a pocket for it.

 

[yg17]

7 hours of battery life, so if you're on a flight longer than that, too bad I guess.

Reason 381938719 why removing the headphone jack is stupid.

 

[44267547]

Sony makes a great product, but I don't think these would fit comfortably on me. I would likely find something else.