Bose finally updates its wireless earbuds with Bluetooth Multipoint

By Simon Cohen July 10, 2024

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds in front of charging case. — Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bose promised that one day it would update its QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Ultra Open Earbuds with Bluetooth Multipoint, and that day is finally here. Starting July 10, and rolling out gradually over the coming weeks, a software update containing the Multipoint feature is being pushed via the Bose app for all owners of these two Bose wireless earbuds models. The update also contains an improvement to voice pickup and “a few other bug fixes” for the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds.

Bluetooth Multipoint is the technology that lets a set of wireless earbuds or headphones connect to two (or more) different devices (like a smartphone and a laptop) simultaneously without having to sever the connection on the first device to switch to the second.

Recommended Videos

It has become a nearly ubiquitous feature on wireless earbuds across a variety of prices, which prompted many — myself included — to question why Bose chose to launch two flagship products without it. At the time, I was simply told the feature was “coming.”

Here’s how to check to see if the software update is available for your Bose product:

Open the Bose app
Connect the Ultra Open Earbuds or QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds to the app
Go to the Settings gear > Product Update
An update should appear there (it may have already kicked off) — you’re looking for v. 4.0.22 for the Ultra Open Earbuds, and v. 4.0.20 for the QC Ultra Earbuds
Don’t force close the app until after the update has completed downloading (it can be backgrounded, but shouldn’t be closed altogether)

When the software update is complete, your earbuds will reboot and then reconnect to your phone. At that point, when you select the Source button (with the Bluetooth icon), you’ll see a screen with the option to turn Multi-point Connection on or off, along with a list of previously paired devices, each with its own on/off switch. You can select any two of these devices to be connected simultaneously.

You’ll also see an option at the bottom of the list to Add New, which will put your earbuds into Bluetooth pairing mode so you can connect a new device.

Topics

Contributing Editor, A/V

Simon Cohen is a contributing editor to Digital Trends' Audio/Video section, where he obsesses over the latest wireless…

Audio / Video

LG updates its Tone Free earbuds with ‘pure graphene’ drivers

LG Tone Free T90S.

LG's new Tone Free T90S are the latest wireless earbuds from the Korean juggernaut, and they pick up right where 2022's Tone Free T90Q left off. In other words, they maintain the T90Q's massive set of features and then layer on some new tricks, like hi-res Dolby audio and a new driver made from pure graphene. The T90S are set to be released later in May, however, LG hasn't announced pricing yet. Given that the T90Q debuted at $230, it's a good bet the T90S will be in the same neighborhood.

So what is "pure graphene" and why should we care if our earbuds have drivers made out of it? Most graphene drivers are simply coated in the super material, according to LG's press release. "The use of pure graphene in LG’s latest earbuds reduces vibrations and allows users to revel in well-balanced and precise sound, with powerful bass and enhanced mid- and high-range frequencies." Translation: LG feels the T90S will sound better thanks to pure graphene.

Audio / Video

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds use a glasses-friendly earclip shape

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds with Kith branding.

In something of a surprise move, Bose has made a return to the open-ear earbud category with the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, a clip-style set of earbuds that the company is launching in collaboration with Kith, a fashion and lifestyle brand. The earbuds -- like all open-ear models -- are designed to let you hear the world around you while you listen to your music. They will sell for $300 exclusively from Kith's stores, and only in extremely limited quantities, starting January 22.

It's not the first time that Bose has developed limited-edition products with taste-makers. In 2023, it created a version of its Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II with singer Normani. However, the partnership with Kith and its founder, Ronnie Fieg, is a first for Bose in a few ways.

Audio / Video

Huawei joins the open-ear trend with its FreeClip wireless earbuds

Woman wearing Huawei FreeClip.

As folks try to better merge their digital and real-world lives, open-ear earbuds are becoming an increasingly popular choice. But most of these products use a similar design: an earhook that positions the speaker over your ear, with a battery portion typically behind your ear.

The Huawei FreeClip take a different approach with a horseshoe shape that wraps around the middle of your ear. The jewelry-like FreeClip come in purple or black and will be available in the U.K. and Europe toward the end of December for 199 euros (about $214). There's no word yet on U.S. availability.