Jabra, a leading audio technology company, has unveiled the latest iterations of its popular wireless earbuds, the Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active. The new Gen 2 models boast significant upgrades in features and performance, but with a corresponding increase in price.
One of the key additions to the Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is the incorporation of a new charging case that doubles as a wireless transmitter. This case allows users to connect their earbuds to analog audio sources, such as in-flight entertainment systems or gym equipment, using the included cable and Bluetooth LE Audio. This feature addresses the challenges of traditional Bluetooth connections, providing lower latency and improved audio quality.
Jabra has also made improvements to the spatial audio quality, call quality, and noise cancellation capabilities of the Gen 2 earbuds. The spatial audio system has been refined to deliver a more immersive experience, while the call quality has been enhanced with noise-reduction algorithms that prioritize the spoken voice. The active noise cancellation and transparency modes have also been upgraded, providing enhanced isolation and situational awareness, respectively.
Despite the notable upgrades, the Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 come with a higher price point than their predecessors. The Elite 10 Gen 2 is priced at $279, while the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is priced at $229. This represents a $30 increase over the Gen 1 models, which were available for $249 and $199, respectively.
In terms of design, the Gen 2 earbuds retain the same size, shape, and materials as their predecessors. Battery life and ruggedness ratings also remain on par with the Gen 1 models. The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers 8 hours of playtime per charge, with a total of 32 hours with the charging case. It also boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The Elite 10 Gen 2 provides 6 hours of playtime per charge, with a total of 27 hours with the case, and an IP57 rating.
Overall, the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds represent a solid upgrade over their predecessors, with improved features and performance. However, the higher price may deter some buyers who are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
