With an oversaturated market rolling on and more brands getting involved in the mid-range, it seems the timing was right for someone to take the next step in the true wireless earbuds category. While the scene is still busting at the seams, JBL has managed to add a substantial point of distinction with the brand’s newly revealed Tour Pro 2 true wireless earbuds, which add a smart display to the charging case.
The JBL Tour range has already proven its worth, so it makes sense the audio brand would want to keep a good thing going. Whether or not it represents a paradigm shift in consumer technology won’t be evident until the earbuds are released early next year, but from the specs and photos it looks like the JBL Tour Pro 2 earbuds could be a big deal.
The JBL Tour Pro 2 true wireless headphones have now launched in Australia as part of the new JBL Tour range, with a six-mic design to help produce crystal clear audio.
In addition to the typical controls via JBL’s smartphone app and the on-ear controls for each bud, users are able to use the 1.45-inch LED touch display on the hefty charging case to scroll through a variety of options. We can see that there’s a home screen, and a visual representation of the remaining battery life in each earbud. You’re also able to adjust noise cancelling on the fly and – much like with a smartwatch – accept messages and phone calls, customise how the earbuds sound, check call history and even browse social media notifications.
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Basically, it’s like having some of the major functionality of a smartwatch plastered on the charging case of your wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Importantly, it means that even if you don’t already own a smartwatch, you can just leave your phone in your pocket during the commute and still be able to manage calls, notifications and adjust your private audio chamber.
There’s not much about earbuds that have been innovative lately. Better battery life, tighter active noise cancelling, clearer mics to separate your voice from environmental noise on the daily commute – all appreciated, iterative changes with each new product. A charging case with a display screen? Now that’s pushing the game forward, beating Apple to the punch with the company also reportedly planning to add a smart charging case for a new version of the Apple AirPods Pro.
How will they sound? Well JBL has always been quite reliable when it comes to performance. In these buds, you’ll get 10 mm dynamic drivers, a six mic array and Bluetooth 5.3 LE audio with a whole heap of new features that promise high-quality audio for both music and streaming other content. As for the battery life, JBL promises up to 40 hours of playtime without ANC activated or around 32 hours with ANC activated. Fast charge means you’ll give five hours of playtime with just a 10-minute charge, while the case can also charge itself wirelessly.
The JBL Tour Pro 2 wireless earbuds are now available in Australia for $329.95.
