by Paul Lilly — Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 10:15 AM EDT
Bose Flies High with New A20 Aviation Headset
If you think PC gamers have an expensive hobby, well, you're right, but holy moly do those $150 headphones feel like Blue Light specials compared to the new Bose A20 Aviation Headset, the latest pair of earbuds aimed at pilots. These things run $1,095, or $995 without the the Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity feature thrown into the mix.
So what does this have to do with PCs? Nothing really, but we're suckers for technology, and the A20s have that in spades. And if we're to believe Bose, the A20 is the "most advanced aviation headset ever." Ever!? Part of the reason Bose makes that claim is because the A20s come equipped a new way of battling noise reduction. As Bose explains it, a proprietary drives works in tandem with a pair of mics placed both inside and outside the earcup to better sense, measure, and silence cockpit noise on the fly.
"Since introducing the industry's first active noise reduction headset in 1989, we've continued our aviation research with a very specific goal: to improve the flying experience for pilots," said Sean Garrett, general manager of the Bose Noise Reduction Technology Group. "With the A20 headset, several proprietary technologies work together to deliver a combination of benefits that wasn't available until today."
One of those proprietary features Bose is so big on is a new ear cushion technology and new earcup design to keep those nasty outside sound waves from seeping in, while still allowing more room for your ears.
The A20 headset comes with an optional Bluetooth communications interface with a new portable control module. Bose says its integrated sidetone technology allows pilots to hear themselves clearly when the headset is disconnected from the aircraft. There's also an auxiliary input that allows users to connect the headset via a 3.5mm adapter to an external power source, like a portable GPS or traffic warning system. Groovy.
These U.S. made earbuds are available now at select authorized Bose dealers, Bose retail stores, through Bose's website, or by calling Bose at 1-800-242-9008. Airplane not included.
Tags: headphones, sound, peripherals, Headset, Bose, A20 Aviation
Via: BusinessWire