[youtube=http://youtu.be/C_GShuLzUlw]
Last year we told you that Lightning headphones were on the way when we were first to report on Apple opening up the spec to headphone makers through its Made-for-iPhone licensing program. And now, the first wave of products that will be hitting the market using the Lightning connector are officially on show this week at CES.
Using Lightning for audio offers a few benefits, including the ability to draw power for noise cancelling features and more without a battery. That’s exactly what these new JBL Reflect Aware earbuds from Harman do, as shown off in our hands-on with the product above.
The companion app offers access to customizing the noise cancellation features and settings for ambient noise levels and EQ.
Others have announced over the ear headphones using the Lightning connector, including the new Fidelio NC1L headphones from Philips, but these JBL’s are the first we’ve seen of the in-ear, sport-style variety.
Harman plans on selling the JBL Reflect Aware earphones for $149, but it hasn’t announced specifics on availability.
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In the video the guy says “$199, available this summer.” Thats not $149.
He says “$199.00, available this summer” in the youtube video.
Guy in the video is wrong. Read the attached press release
http://news.harman.com/Press-Releases/JBL-Announces-the-World-s-First-Sport-Headphone-with-Ambient-Aware-and-ANC-no-batteries-required-208.aspx
Their sales would be hindered by the growth of battery cases as with a case on the Lightning port won’t be available… perhaps the future iPhones should be equipped with multiple Lightning ports…
Battery cases could add value by implementing a standard headphone jack.
Did these end up being vaporware? I’ve only seen two other Lightning headphones on the market besides the Philips: a new high-end model from Sony and a generic set of earbuds.
looking for more lightning active noise cancelling earbuds to kick Bose QC’s ass…