Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones (Updated 29 Apr)
Posted by Brandon Lackey on
(Update: 22 Apr 22)
The HARMONY for BOSE QuietComfort 45 is ready to go and will be available for purchase on Tuesday, May 3rd at 4:00 MST (2200 UTC). Please check back on the website at that time. If you do not see the item available, refresh your browser window.
We are not accepting pre-orders for this item. Purchases will be shipped in the order in which they are received. Selecting express shipping services will not move the order up in priority. We have enough stock on hand for our estimated demand and expect to have product shipped within 5 business days of order receipt.
(Update: 22 Apr 22)
Great news! We have received the mold back and the modifications have taken care of all the issues I was experiencing.
We are beginning the production process to build up our initial inventory and the product will be available for purchase very soon.
(Update: 13 Apr 22)
There is certainly a learning curve in new processes. I have been chasing a sink (a low spot producing a warped appearance in a surface) for the last few weeks trying to fix it in process. It was so close to being perfect that it was quite annoying that the magic formula just couldn't be found.
Here is the current part, you can see the sink marked by the yellow arrow:
Note, this is a cosmetic issue only, the assembly process and fitment are all fully tested and working great.
After consulting with people familiar with the technology, I have come to the conclusion that I need to get the mold modified as physics is preventing me from getting it right. The mold is at the machine shop and I am scheduled to have it back in two weeks, but an expedite is in place and I hope to have it back in less than one.
I apologize that this has taken a bit longer than I expected. I try to build in time for dealing with issues by doubling my expectations, but sometimes even that is not enough. I appreciate everyone's patience as we get this right.
(Update: 10 Mar 22)
We have received the mold and done our initial round of testing. I am very happy with the quality and performance of the mold and our new system. Everything is working just the way I had hoped. There was a slight error in the mold that we expect to have addressed in the next couple of days and allow me to finish testing shortly thereafter.
Barring any surprises, we are on track to have the QC45 version ready to purchase around the end of March beginning of April.
(Update: 10 Jan 22)
After having to wait three weeks for a "yes or no" answer (got to love the mid-December mental check-out of the workforce), we are under contract for the mold with an estimated delivery timeframe of early March. Hopefully, now that the "holidays" are over, we can get back to normal and keep this ball rollings.
(Update 8 Dec 21)
Just a quick update. I am working with a local tooling shop on getting the design of our new mold (and baseline mold system) correct. The design of the first mold is very important as it will be creating the foundation on which all future molds will be based. This has taken a little longer than expected, but is still moving forward at a good pace. I hope to have some big updates here soon.
(Update 10 Nov 21)
I have finished our preliminary design of the HARMONY for QC45:
I have printed some test shells and I am really happy with the fitment and aesthetics of the finished part. This is exactly how the outside of the final part should look:
I am currently in the process of designing the overmold to encapsulate the wiring, plugs, and strain relief and make this a solid housing. The encapsulation will look very similar to our QC35 version (we are using the same material for this).
We have made significant progress, but this is still our first time though this process. I appreciate all the patience and support we have received and I will do my best to keep everyone updated on the progress.
(Original Post 10 Oct 21)
We have received our test headphone and can confirm that the new QuietComfort 45 (QC45) is not compatible with the QC35 headphone cable that we currently produce.
We will be starting development of a new version of our products for the QC45 immediately utilizing our New Production Capabilities.
Since this will be the first full development cycle utilizing our new machinery, I cannot give a specific time for completion, but we hope to have product ready in the next 2-3 months.