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Bose Updates Its In-ear Audio Line

 & Tim Gideon Contributing Editor, Audio

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On Monday, Bose announced two new mobile headsets and a new pair of earphones, all of which replace existing models in the Bose lineup.

The iE2 audio headphones (which are technically earphones, not headphones – but proper nomenclature will never trump branding) replace the Bose in-ear headphones, which used to be called the Bose TriPort headphones.

The MIE2 and MIE2i, which replace the Bose mobile in-ear headset, are identical headsets with mics and in-line call controls, except the "i" version is made specifically for controlling (you guessed it) Apple products, like the iPhone and iPad. It also controls most iPod models and the MacBook Pro's audio functions. The regular MIE2 works with Blackberry devices as well as iPhones, but lacks some of the "i" version goodies, such as usage of voice-based apps for Apple products.

All of the products will utilize new StayHear ear tips from Bose. Included in three different sizes, the tips are made of soft silicone for a purportedly more secure fit. A case and the original eartips offered with the older TriPort series earphones will also be included.

Available August 23, the Bose IE2 audio headphones are will sell for $99.95 and the MIE2 mobile headset will sell for $129.95. The MIE2i mobile headset for Apple products will hit stores in October for the same price of $129.95.

About Our Expert

Tim Gideon

Tim Gideon

Contributing Editor, Audio

My Experience

I've been a contributing editor for PCMag since 2011. Before that, I was PCMag's lead audio analyst from 2006 to 2011. Even though I'm a freelancer now, PCMag has been my home for well over a decade, and audio gear reviews are still my primary focus. Prior to my career in reviewing tech, I worked as an audio engineer—my love of recording audio eventually led me to writing about audio gear.

My Areas of Expertise

  • Headphones and earphones
  • Wireless and computer speakers
  • USB mics
  • Bluetooth headsets

The Technology I Use

Probably because of their prevalence in the recording studios I worked in a long time ago, I am most comfortable on Macs—I'm writing this on the 2019 iMac I use for testing. I also have a MacBook Pro that gets plenty of similar use.

My workspace has a mini recording studio setup, and the the gear I work with there is a mix of items I've used forever (Paradigm Mini Monitors and a McIntosh stereo receiver) and newer gear I use for recording and review testing (such as the Universal Audio Apollo x16).

I'm obsessed with modern boutique analog synths—some of my favorites instruments in this realm are the Landscape Audio Stereo Field and HC-TT,  the Soma Enner, the Koma Field Kit, and the Lorre Mill Keyed Mosstone.

From my studio days, I'm comfortable using Pro Tools, and in recent years have branched out to other realms of creative software, like Adobe Premiere and After Effects.

I stream music, but I also still buy albums, digitally or on vinyl, and encourage anyone who wants fair compensation for musicians and engineers to do the same.

I also play lots of Wordle.

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