Harman subsidiary JBL is launching no fewer than four new in-ear true wireless headphone options via CES 2019 to ensure that there’s a set ready for any user, regardless of their needs, preferences, or lifestyle. For the more general audio enthusiast audience and set to become available in the spring starting at $99.95, the company has introduced its JBL TUNE120TWS. The earbuds come in a compact and ergonomic design that stores inside of a portable charging case for up to an additional 12 hours of music playback and a combined total of 16 hours. That means the quick-charge enabled earbuds allow up four hours of use as well as approximately an hour from just 15-minutes of charge time. They also offer hands-free calling via a built-in mic, connection to Google Assistant or Siri with an on-bud button, and JBL’s Pure Bass Sound for deeper thumping bass tones. A with other devices launched by JBL at this year’s Las Vegas-based event, JBL’s TUNE120TWS will be available in white, blue, black, green, yellow, and pink.
Style and substance for more active users
For more active users, JBL’s REFLECT FLOW and ENDURANCE PEAK should more than suit the needs of any fan of high-quality audio since both devices feature JBL Signature Audio, hands-free calling, and IPX7 waterproofing. Starting at $149.95 and going on sale this summer in four color options including black, blue, lime, and teal, JBL’s REFLECT FLOW are good for up to 30-hours of combined playback time with Google Now and Siri compatibility just like the abovementioned TUNE120TWS. They also add JBL’s TalkThru and Ambient Aware modes. The former of those lowers audio playback and amplifies speech via the on-device button so that the wearer can more easily interact with friends or others in their immediate vicinity. The other works in a similar fashion but without the focus on speech, effectively allowing audio passthrough for ambient noise to increase safety in environments where that’s needed. Its ruggedized case also happens to hold around 20-hours of charging.
JBL ENDURANCE PEAK builds on that by furthering in-ear stability for more extreme activities and less of a focus on style. Capable of 28-hours of playback including the 24-hours provided by the charging case, the ENDURANCE PEAK’s PowerHook, TwistLoc, and FlexSoft tech keeps the device in-ear whether hiking, running, or taking part in other outdoor activity with weatherproofing for any conditions. Full-touch controls also mean that interactions are much easier and more comfortable than with other, button-dependant true wireless earbuds. Better still, JBL ENDURANCE PEAK is already available now at JBL’s website, starting at just $119.95 and in black, blue, or red color configurations.
Combining aspects for a true sports wireless earbud
Taking the best aspects of each of the abovementioned earbud designs is the new UA True Wireless FLASH headphones – engineered by JBL. UA True Wireless Flash includes the same TalkThru and Ambient Aware modes found in JBL REFLECTION as well as five hours on a single charge alongside a 20-hour charging case. The audio drivers are also a cut above the rest at a diameter of 5.8mm and enabled by JBL’s Charged Sound. Rated at IPX7, they’re also as sweat and waterproof as the other ruggedized earbud offerings being touted by JBL at CES 2019 and ship with three ‘Sport Flex Fit Ear Tips’. The custom-designed tips ensure a snug fit under any conditions. UA True Wireless Flash will become available on January 8 through either JBL or UnderArmour’s website in a black coloration for $169.95.
