Libratone Introduces Q Adapt Lightning Powered In-Ear and Wireless On-Ear Headphones

September 6 2016, 03:10
Danish audio design brand Libratone presented another great example of how audio companies are responding to the opportunities created by the iPhone 7 launch and the replacement of the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Libratone launched its new Q Adapt series of In-Ear earbuds using Apple’s Lightning connector in combination with active noise-cancellation, powered directly by the phone. The company also introduced the new Q Adapt Bluetooth headphone series featuring adjustable active noise cancellation.
 

Comprising two models, lightning powered In-Ear headphones and wireless On-Ear headphones, the new Q Adapt series, introduced during IFA 2016, delivers excellent acoustics, and Libratone’s signature Scandinavian design with a range of distinctive colors. The Q Adapt In-Ear earbuds, feature a battery-free design, with active noise cancellation, exclusively for Apple’s Lightning connector port. With four levels of noise cancellation, users can select how much of the outside world they want to let into their listening experience, whether it’s none at all when stuck on a bustling commuter train, or just enough to remain safe and aware of surroundings while jogging on a busy street.

Created in Copenhagen by leading acoustic and product engineers, the Q Adapt In-Ear earbuds reflect the same principles as Libratone’s line of wireless speakers — stylish design, superior acoustic performance and adaptability. The inspired engineering and design of the Q Adapt In-Ear, with four levels of noise cancellation, allow it to function in countless situations for the on-the-go listener. Users can personalize their soundspace and ensure safer listening, no matter the environment, making it just as easy to reduce as to let in ambient, outside noise. The Q Adapt In-Ear earbuds draw power from Apple’s Lightning connector, allowing for its sleek, lightweight, simple design, without the need for a clunky battery pack.
 

Q Adapt cables are made of a special Libratone fabric and have an embedded microphone for phone calls and Siri commands. The earbuds are made of durable rubber to optimize acoustic performance and are designed to be more comfortable than typical ANC earbuds. “With a lighter weight and more ergonomic design, our earbuds sit more naturally in the ear, allowing users to enjoy using them for longer without ache or discomfort,” says Libratone CEO Jan McNair.

“Just as Libratone’s family of speakers have liberated listeners to take their music wherever they choose, Q Adapt, as its name implies, also adapts to how consumers want an even greater level of flexibility that compromises neither style nor sound quality,” explains McNair. “Q Adapt continues to broaden our focus, beyond redefining speakers, to meet the needs of today’s elastic lifestyle.”
 

The new Q Adapt In-Ear earbuds feature a lean, stylish design eliminating the need for listeners to worry about charging or having to replace batteries in their noise-cancelling earbuds. The dedicated four-button Combox provides one button for volume up; one for volume down; one to toggle between play/pause, skip/back, take/end call, and Siri; and one for the four active noise cancellation settings and talk-through. The earbuds come in four colors – Elegant Nude, Cloudy White, Stormy Black and Rose Pink - and they are also equipped with three sizes of interchangeable, uniquely designed, rubber earpieces. Fitting more naturally into the ear than plunger-style earbuds or ear-hook designs, these ergonomic earpieces offer maximum acoustic and noise-cancelling performance.

Libratone Q Adapt Bluetooth Headphones
At the same time, Libratone launched its new Q Adapt Bluetooth headphones featuring CityMix, adjustable active noise cancellation (ANC) that lets users tune their audio exactly to their environment. These wireless On-Ear headphones combine excellent acoustics, Libratone’s signature Scandinavian design, and a range of distinctive colors.
 

Libratone’s new Q Adapt headphones featuring CityMix let users set ANC to level 4 during busy office periods, but then set it to level 1 or 2 when walking or cycling through traffic. Libratone CEO Jan McNair says this offers the best personal audio experience, no matter where you are, all day long.

“Just turning your music up when there’s a lot of outside noise doesn’t always work,” says McNair. “Sometimes you still can’t hear your audio properly, and if you can, it can be damaging to your ears. At the same time, full ANC can be dangerous. When navigating a subway or city streets, you need to be able to hear some of the outside world so you can react quickly if an incident or accident is coming your way. The CityMix feature finally makes it possible to enjoy great sound and ANC, completely uninterrupted, anywhere you are throughout the day.”
 

Libratone’s new Q Adapt On-Ear headphones connect seamlessly to any Bluetooth source. With a microphone integrated into the ear cup, they balance an ergonomic fit with light weight to allow for all-day use. They have an easy-to-use side touch interface where CityMix, playback and phone calls can be controlled. It also controls Libratone’s signature Hush function with a simple hovering hand gesture. Q Adapt On-Ear headphones are also equipped with proximity sensors that cut the ANC and music when the user removes them. The headphones also feature Bluetooth +1 wireless daisy chaining so two users can share music from one device.

Available in three color schemes - Elegant Nude, Cloudy White and Stormy Black - the Q Adapt Bluetooth come with a backup analogue cable for moments when Bluetooth is unavailable.

The Q Adapt In-Ear earbuds will be shipping at the beginning of October for $179. In early October, Libratone will introduce the Q Adapt On-Ear Bluetooth headphones, priced at €249 ($249).

Founded in 2009, Libratone designs products in the Scandinavian tradition, combining high performing sound and unique materials like fabrics. Until this year, Libratone focused solely on home audio products. In 2014, the company welcomed Chinese investment and technological insight. The 2015 launch of SoundSpaces and the new wireless Zipp and Zipp Mini speakers were the first launches under the new ownership and marked a refresh of the Libratone brand. In June 2016, the company launched its Bluetooth on-the-go speakers, ONE and TOO. With the introduction of the Q Adapt In-Ear and On-Ear headphones, Libratone now expands its market to personalized mobile audio experiences. All Libratone speakers and headphones can be controlled via the Libratone app.
www.libratone.com
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