STACK #263 September 2026

TECH FEATURE

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New TrueSpatial audio creates a wider, more speaker-like soundstage for any content New Cinema Mode improves dialogue and immersion for movies and TV Updated ActiveSense makes Aware Mode smarter by smoothing sudden spikes in noise USB-C now supports high-fidelity lossless wired listening Refreshed design with pill-shaped earcups and a wider headband for improved comfort Improved microphones help calls sound clearer in noisy environments What's new?

Bose has refined its popular QuietComfort headphones with a fresh design, immersive listening features, and even smarter noise cancelling.We break down the new features, sound quality, comfort, and noise cancelling to help you decide if they're worth the upgrade. Words Bec Summer Everything you need to know Bose QuietComfort Headphones Gen 2

softens sudden bursts of noise without completely shutting out the world, while Wind Block helps reduce any blustery interference outdoors. Are they comfortable enough for all-day use? Yes. A wider headband, lightweight construction, and soft synthetic leather cushions improve long-listening comfort without increasing clamp force. Battery life lasts up to 24 hours, while a 15-minute charge can deliver around 2.5 hours of playback. You can also continue listening over USB-C while charging, and the repositioned physical controls make everyday operation more intuitive. How do they compare with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones? For most listeners, the QuietComfort Headphones Gen 2 will be the sweet spot. They include many of Bose's latest listening upgrades while remaining more affordable than the flagship Ultra model. Step up to the QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2 if you want Bose's most advanced adaptive

Why choose the QuietComfort Gen 2? Rather than reinventing the QuietComfort formula, Bose has refined it. The result is a headphone that delivers renowned QuietControl active noise cancelling alongside a refreshed design, immersive listening features, and everyday comfort. They're equally suited to flights, busy offices, study sessions, or simply enjoying your favourite playlists without distractions.

How does the sound improve? TrueSpatial technology creates a broader, more natural soundstage that makes music, podcasts, and

movies feel as though they're happening in front of you rather than inside your head. Better still, it can work across your content library rather than relying solely on specially mixed spatial audio. Cinema Mode further enhances dialogue and layered soundtracks, while USB-C enables high-fidelity lossless listening for compatible devices.

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noise cancelling, CustomTune personalised sound, and longer battery life. Should you upgrade? If you want a more comfortable fit, a wider, more immersive soundstage, smarter noise cancelling in Aware Mode, and features like Cinema Mode and lossless USB-C listening, the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Gen 2 deliver worthwhile improvements.

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How good is the noise cancelling? Bose brings its renowned, premium noise cancelling to this generation, with Quiet Mode to block distractions and Aware Mode to keep you connected to your surroundings. Updated ActiveSense automatically

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14 SEPTEMBER 2026 SEPTEMBER

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