The JBL Tour Pro 3 is on its way, and it looks like having a display case is becoming a standard feature for JBL. Besides controlling the headphones, the case now also acts as a Bluetooth transmitter with Auracast. Screens are everywhere these days, but at least they’re getting a bit smaller. The JBL Tour Pro 3 comes with a display in the charging case that lets you manage most of the settings. These new in-ear headphones were officially unveiled at gamescom 2024 and are set to hit the market in September. Here’s the scoop on what you need to know! The Tour Pro 3 has made some impressive upgrades.
For instance, it now features head tracking for spatial audio, and the overall sound quality has been fine-tuned. However, the high-res Bluetooth codec LDAC is only compatible with Android devices, leaving Apple users out of the loop. A 12-band equalizer offers plenty of options for sound customization, and you can even adjust it through the charging case, which is definitely the standout feature of this release.
JBL Tour Pro 3: The charging case as a highlight
What really sets JBL apart is the display case, which was already featured in the Tour Pro 2 and more recently in the JBL Live Beam 3. It’s even more functional than before, especially compared to earlier models in the Tour series, because it now shows song metadata through Bluetooth. So, you can actually see the names of the tracks you’re jamming to. Another cool addition is Auracast, a new Bluetooth tech included in the charging case. With this and the related app, you can connect to Auracast channels or even broadcast your own signal. This feature is especially exciting with the JBL Tour Pro 3 since the case can also act as a Bluetooth transmitter using a 3.5 mm jack or USB-C.
This means you can stream sound from older devices like the Fiio CP13 cassette player directly to your earbuds or even to multiple Auracast-compatible Bluetooth headphones at the same time. This standout feature is similar to what you find in the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2, making the Tour Pro 3 case one of the most cutting-edge options out there.
Besides managing your music, the Tour Pro 3 lets you set timers and get notifications too. It’s kind of like a smartwatch in that way. Both devices help you avoid grabbing your phone in some situations, while also giving you a second screen to work with. We think the case is a handy addition to your desk, but at $299.99, it’s a bit pricey. Plus, it’s 30% larger than the last model, giving you even better visibility.
Price and availability of the JBL Tour Pro 3
The JBL Tour Pro 3 drops on September 14th, so you won’t have to wait long! You can pick from black or a latte color, which is a nice coffee-inspired brown. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, check out the JBL Live 3. It’s $100 cheaper, but keep in mind it misses out on some key features like Auracast and the Bluetooth transmitter.
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