JBL has unveiled an enhanced version of its wireless earbuds, the JBL Tour Pro 3, featuring a significantly larger touchscreen on its charging case. The new model boasts a 1.57-inch screen, 30 percent larger than its predecessor, the JBL Tour Pro 2. This expanded screen offers additional functionalities, such as displaying song titles, track controls, and notifications for calls and messages, potentially reducing reliance on smartphones for these tasks.
Priced at $299, nearly $50 more than the previous model, the Tour Pro 3’s case now also functions as an audio transmitter. It can broadcast audio from wired sources, like in-flight entertainment systems, to the earbuds. The case’s new audio transmission capability supports both analog and USB audio sources, along with Auracast technology, allowing it to connect and broadcast to multiple nearby Bluetooth devices.
The Tour Pro 3 earbuds come with upgraded 11-millimeter drivers, offering enhanced sound quality compared to the 10-millimeter drivers of the Tour Pro 2. Despite these upgrades, JBL maintains a battery life claim of up to 10 hours with active noise canceling (ANC) turned off, or 40 hours total with the charging case. A quick 10-minute charge provides three hours of listening time.
Additionally, the earbuds feature spatial sound with head tracking, ensuring consistent audio placement as users move their heads. However, this differs from Apple’s Spatial Audio, which aims for a more immersive surround sound experience.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 will be available in black and latte color options starting September 22, 2024.
