Bose has introduced its latest addition to the world of audio technology with its new Smart Soundbar, priced at $499. This device is designed to cater to home entertainment enthusiasts by offering a compact, yet feature-rich solution for enhancing TV audio systems.
This new Smart Soundbar, a reimagined version of the Bose Smart Soundbar 600, maintains the same dimensions, connectivity options, and speaker setup as its predecessor but introduces two key software features. One of the standout enhancements is the AI Dialogue Mode, which employs machine learning to dynamically adjust the tonal balance of audio, enabling clearer dialogue without sacrificing the intensity of sound effects such as explosions or musical segments. This feature is especially beneficial in situations where dialogue clarity is crucial, although it may occasionally render speech a little unnatural, as noted during tests with sports broadcasts like Monday Night Football.
In addition to AI Dialogue Mode, Bose has integrated its latest innovation to complement its Ultra Open earbuds. Known as Personal Surround Sound, this feature allows these unique open-ear earbuds to act as rear surround speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience. Notably, the feature does not silence the soundbar audio, allowing users to enjoy an enhanced sound experience while still clearly hearing the primary audio output from the soundbar.
The integration with Bose's Ultra Open earbuds is a strategic response to similar offerings from competitors such as Sonos, who have incorporated audio swapping capabilities between their soundbars and headphones. However, unlike Sonos’ approach, Bose's solution ensures that the core soundbar audio remains unobstructed.
On the connectivity front, the Bose Smart Soundbar is equipped with a variety of features including AirPlay, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and support for Chromecast and Roku TV. It also offers compatibility with voice assistants like Amazon's Alexa and Google's Assistant. For those whose TV systems do not support eARC — a feature crucial for Dolby Atmos audio encoding — Bose includes its TrueSpace processing technology. This enhances non-Atmos audio, lending it greater depth and heightened spatial quality.
The release of this soundbar marks Bose’s effort to deliver a high-quality sound experience at a relatively lower cost compared to models from other high-end brands like Sonos and Sennheiser. The $499 price tag makes it a compelling choice for those looking to upgrade their home audio without a hefty investment.
While the proprietary Personal Surround Sound feature adds an intriguing dimension to the listening experience, its subtle impact suggests potential buyers may not find the additional expense for the Ultra Open earbuds essential. For those seeking to maximise their investment in surround sound, an alternative could be to consider purchasing dedicated Bose surround speakers.
Overall, Bose's new Smart Soundbar emerges as a compact and sophisticated solution for enhancing home television audio, combining cutting-edge features in a sleek design that integrates seamlessly into a variety of home decor settings.
Source: Noah Wire Services