IFA 2019: Sennheiser Unveil New Momentum, PXC Headphones
Sennheiser has unveiled its new premium Momentum and travel-focused PXC wireless headphones at IFA 2019, boasting intuitive features and support for digital voice assistants.
The new Momentum Wireless ($599) headphones are the third-generation of the premium line.
The headphones are designed to automatically turn on and pair when unfolded as well as pause and resume when taken off and on.
Sennheiser global head of products consumer Stephane Hareau called the new Momentum’s a “smart headphone” that “anticipates your needs”.
“Our Momentum range has been synonymous with a unique blend of superior sound quality, progressive technology and remarkable craftsmanship, and with the third generation, we are bringing this contemporary classic into the always-on, connected age,” he said.
The new Momentum’s have a three-button interface for control of audio and calls, as well as a dedicated button for accessing digital voice assistants on connected devices.
Siri and Google Assistant are supported out of the box and Sennheiser claim Amazon’s Alexa will be added via a firmware update.
The companion Sennheiser Smart Control app will deliver the update and also gives listeners control over the sound through a built-in equaliser.
Battery life is claimed at 17-hours.
Bluetooth 5.0 inclusion provides lower power consumption and support for the SBC, AAC, and aptX codecs.
AptX Low Latency also improves synchronisation between audio and video.
An integrated Bluetooth tracker also lets listeners find their headphones via the Tile app.
Three modes of active noise cancellation (ANC) as well as a transparent hearing mode give listeners control over how much sound they block out or let in.
The earpads and headband are softly padded and wrapped in sheep leather and feature a similar retro-modernist design as previous Momentum headphones.
The new Momentum Wireless headphones are available now in black, with a white colourway set to drop in November.
Sennheiser has also released the second generation of its less creatively named PXC 550-II ($549) wireless headphones.
Targeting the frequent traveler, the PXC 550-II has been upgraded to feature Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and aptX and a new Anti-Wind ANC mode to go along with its automatically adjusting ambient ANC.
Like the Momentums, the PXC 550-II wireless also support digital voice assistants and work with the Smart Control app.
Battery life is claimed at a more impressive 20 hours when listening wirelessly with ANC, and jumps to 30 hours when using ANC on a wired connection.
The padded headband uses a synthetic leather and the earcups feature a touch-interface for controls.
The PXC 550-II is due to go on sale next month.
