So, meet what Bose suggests and hopes will be the new boss(es). The QuietComfort Headphones Ultra, which replaces the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700; the QuietComfort Headphones, the replacement for the QuietComfort 45; the QuietComfortEarbuds Ultra, which supersede the extremely successful QuietComfort Earbuds II.

The QuietComfort Headphones Ultra now represent the flagship of the entire Bose wireless headphones line-up. Improvements over the model they replace include an upgraded microphone array that works to improve the already-impressive active noise-cancellation performance, and to identify the user’s voice in order to eliminate a full 360 degrees worth of external sounds. The aim, says Bose, is brilliantly clear call quality and voice-assistant interactions. The Headphones Ultra feature what the company says is its most effective implementation of physical controls so far, and has a claimed battery life of 24 hours from a single charge.

The second new ‘Ultra’ model, the QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra would seem to have the tougher job: to improve on what was recognised as the most effective pair of noise-cancelling earbuds around. Bose has developed dynamic mic mixing, and implemented with adaptive filters to improve far-field call quality, eked out a little more battery life (now six hours from a single charge) and given the earbuds a more upmarket look and feel by using some metallic treatment on the body. A cost-option silicone case (that also works with the QuietComfort Earbuds II) makes wireless charging possible. 

Both ‘Ultra’ models feature Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive codec compatibility. They also have Snapdragon Sound technology, so robust connections to premium Android devices should be on the cards, and Google Fast Pair further enhances ease of use. Both are also compatible with Bose’s new ‘Immersive Audio’ technology.

‘Immersive Audio’ seems to be a variation of the ‘spatial audio’ theme. By using Inertial Measurement Units in conjunction with some proprietary digital signal software, Bose wants the ‘Ultra’ models to create a ‘multi-dimensional’ and ‘layered’ effect from boring old stereo content. Rather than present music as near-field ‘left’ and ‘right’ channels, ‘Immersive Audio’ stages a recording to sound as if it’s all happening in front of you. ‘Motion’ and ‘still’ modes mean sound should either respond to your movements or remain in fixed position. That’s the theory, anyway.

The new QuietComfort Headphones, meanwhile, want to build on the excellent noise-cancellation and competitive sound quality of the model they replace while adding a few welcome new touches. Adjustable ANC with custom options, for example, is now available. Bluetooth 5.1 with multipoint wireless connectivity is yours, too. And battery life is claimed to be 24 hours from a single charge.

All three new models are compatible with Bose SimpleSync technology. This means they can pair with similarly specified soundbars and speakers for a personal listening experience - volume control is independent, of course, so the speaker can be silent while the headphones are as loud as you like. And all three are compatible with the Bose Music control app, too.

The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are on sale from early October, and preorders begin today at bose.com - they’re each available in either  ‘black’ or ‘white smoke’ finishes and cost £449 and £299, respectively. The QuietComfort Headphones are on sale now - in addition to ‘white smoke’ and ‘black’ colourways, they’re available for a limited time in a ‘cypress green’ finish and are priced at £349.

For more information visit Bose