Skip to main content

Both of Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II can now be used independently

Bose is pushing out a software update that will grant users of its QuietComfort Earbuds II (QCE II) the ability to use either earbud independently. At launch, only the right earbud could be used on its own. To get the new software, you’ll need to open the Bose Music app and connect the QCE II to your phone. If you don’t see a notification to perform the update, check back later in the day as Bose says the updates will be going out on a rolling basis starting February 16.

Man wearing Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II.
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends / Digital Trends

Once the update is complete, you’ll be able to use either just the left or right earbud for listening to content and taking or making calls. You’ll also be able to seamlessly switch between your earbuds and if one earbud runs out of battery life or disconnects from Bluetooth, you can continue listening with the other earbud without interruption, according to Bose.

Recommended Videos

This is the first major update to the QCE II since Bose released the earbuds in September 2022, but if all goes well, it won’t be the last. In November 2022, the company announced that the earbuds will be getting an update that makes them compatible with phones that feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound, as well as making them compatible with the aptX Lossless Bluetooth codec. AptX Lossless, which is now included in Snapdragon Sound is designed to provide bit-perfect CD-quality sound, something that has been beyond the scope of Bluetooth audio in the past. We still don’t know when this update will be released.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

We’re also hoping that Bose finds a way to address one of the few shortcomings on the QCE II: the lack of Bluetooth Multipoint, a feature that lets you seamlessly switch your audio connection between two devices (like a phone and a laptop) without needing to venture into Bluetooth menus to force a disconnection/reconnection.

How to update your QuietComfort Earbuds II

Bose Music app transfer update screen.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you already have the Bose Music app installed and notifications have been enabled, the app will let you know when the update is available. If you don’t have notifications turned on, you can check inside the app by connecting the earbuds.

  • Once connected, if an update is available, you’ll see a “Transferring Update” message over the image of the earbuds on the main settings page. If you don’t see the message, try again a little later.
  • Once the update has been completely transferred, the message will change to “Install Update.” Select that message area.
  • A confirmation window will appear that asks if you want to update now. Select Update Now, or if you prefer, Update Later.
  • Put the QCE II back in the charging case when prompted to do so and the update will finish automatically.
Simon Cohen
Simon Cohen is a contributing editor to Digital Trends' Audio/Video section, where he obsesses over the latest wireless…
Soundcore’s Liberty 4 Pro earbuds debut with a slick smart case and a killer price
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro.

Soundcore's latest flagship noise-canceling wireless earbuds are packed with all of the latest tech you might expect, including a sleek and smart charging case with its own display screen. But their price is the real headline: The Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are just $130. While many manufacturers are increasing prices because of inflation, somehow the Liberty 4 Pro are less expensive than the two generations that preceded them. They're available starting October 3 on Amazon in white, light blue, and black color options.

Though they're the latest version of the Liberty Pro family, the Liberty Pro 4 have ditched the stemless designs of the lineup's second- and third-gen models in favor of the stem-based shape Soundcore has used on its other recent models like the Liberty 4 and Liberty 4 NC.

Read more
Sony builds on LinkBuds brand with Fit, Open, Speaker — and Olivia Rodrigo
Sony LinkBuds Open, regular and Olivia Rodrigo editions.

Sony today announced a trio of new products in its LinkBuds line. (One of which really isn't what you'd consider when you hear "buds," but we'll get to that in a minute.) Building on the 2022's LinkBuds and LinkBuds S, the new LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open are still of the earbud variety, matching fit and style with design and function. Sony's adding the LinkBuds Speaker, too, which features some special pairing with the new buds, as well as a couple other Sony headphones.

And, yes, after a successful collaboration with the LinkBuds S in 2023, Olivia Rodrigo (who must always be referred to by both names, my teenage daughters tell me) is back for more.

Read more
Audio-Technica brings ANC to a compact set of budget buds
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+.

Audio-Technica's new ATH-CKS30TW+ wireless earbuds have one of the most awkward names we've seen in a while, but it might not matter: They have active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, and a compact charging case for just $99, making them the venerable Japanese brand's most affordable noise-canceling wireless earbuds so far. You can grab these budget buds starting September 18 at audio-technica.com in a translucent black finish.

With the CKS30TW+, Audio-Technica is clearly going for a set of easy-to-use everyday wear wireless earbuds. They have an IP55 rating for water and dust protection, making them ideal for running or workouts, and their transparency mode means you should be able to hear the world around you when it counts.

Read more