While consumers howl over the lack of a 3.5mm port (see p. 6), headphones manufacturers have been busy getting ready for the Big Switch. We’ve gathered up five new headphones that are ready for the newest iPhones.
Libratone’s Q Adapt In-Ear noise-canceling ear buds are powered via the Apple Lightning port, eliminating the need for a battery pack. Featuring include four levels of noise canceling and a four-button remote. They will be available this month for a $179 price tag in four colors: Elegant Nude, Cloudy White, Stormy Black and Rose Pink.
Audeze announced its first in-ear headphones — three models, to be exact. All come with the company’s MFi-certified Lightning cable and a 3.5mm audio cable. The iSine 10, shown at left, has a $399 price tag. Features for the in-ear planar magnetic headphones include impedance of 16 ohms. The other two models are the $599 iSine 20 and $2,495 LCD i3. All of these high-end headphones will ship in October.
Bowers & Wilkins launched the P7 Wireless headphones ($399), a Bluetooth version of its flagship P7. Features include Bluetooth with AptX, on-ear controls, memory foam ear cushions and a 17-hour battery life. They are currently available.
Monster’s new sweat-proof Freedom v2 ($199) feature touch controls on the ear cups, voice prompts and a built-in mic. They can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth, wired and with a USB cable.
Jabra’s Elite Sport waterproof ear buds ($249, October) feature an in-ear heart monitor that’s said to have 90 percent accuracy. Two built-in mics help monitor ambient noise and adjust the amount of noise canceling accordingly.
