It was previously reported that Bose was working with Google to release a version of its QuietComfort 35 headphones that has Google Assistant built in. Well, those rumors now turn out to be true.
Bose has finally unveiled that QuietComfort 35 II wireless headphones — simply called QC35 II — which is basically the same as the last model but with Google's digital voice-enabled assistant baked in. Bose says it's the first headphones from its product line to have Google Assistant. The pair of cans will retail for $350, which is the same price as a regular, non-Google Assistant model.
The new headphones aren't that different from the previous version, except that it now has a dedicated "Action" button that triggers Google Assistant. Setting it up is fairly easy. Users just have to pair it with an Android phone running at least Marshmallow or an iPhone and then follow some instructions built into the Google Assistant app.
What You Can Do With Google Assistant On Bose QuietComfort 35 II Headphones
Once everything is set up, users can launch Google Assistant by pressing down on the Action button. Google says it can perform most things Assistant can do on a smartphone — read messages, dictate calendar events, and even place calls.
It can also deliver the most recent hot topics just by saying "play the news." It pulls news items from CNBC, CNN, NPR, and a bunch of other publications as well. Of course, Assistant can also be used to control the music, skip tracks, and switch playlists.
Interestingly, Google says Assistant will be better over time the more it's used, so there's probably some sort of machine learning the company implemented on the headphones to adjust to the user's musical tastes and preferences.
Google Assistant works best when the QC35 II is paired with an iPhone or an Android phone since most of the processing and network connectivity rely on a connected smartphone. Local processing is limited to certain functions such as instant voice input and notifications, The Verge notes.
Users who don't want Google Assistant can configure the Action button to bring up noise cancelation options instead. Alternatively, there's also a dedicated Bose Connect app that can do this.
Bose QC35 II: Pricing And Availability
Bose's QC35 II wireless headphones will be released in the United States, Australia, and a host of other European countries. It's possible the headphones will launch in more places, but Google Assistant will only work in the aforementioned countries. U.S. customers can get them now in either black or silver for $350.
