Bose QuietComfort 35 II Headphones Gain Alexa Support via Software Update

Wednesday August 8, 2018 4:58 AM PDT by Tim Hardwick
Bose has released an update for its QuietComfort 35 II wireless headphones that adds Alexa support as a voice assistant feature.

Previously, the "Action" button on the popular noise-canceling cans was exclusively for invoking Google Assistant (Siri is accessed by holding down the multifunction play/pause button for two seconds).


However, after updating the software through the Bose Connect app, QC35 II owners can now opt to use Amazon's ubiquitous virtual assistant instead via the app's Options menu.

For those wondering, voice assistant support is the main difference between the Bose QC 35 Series II headphones and the original Quiet Comfort 35 Series I (reviewed here), although the later model does let you use the noise canceling feature in wired as well as wireless mode.

So if voice assistant support doesn't interest you and you're looking to go wireless, the Series I cans are definitely still worth a punt if you can find them online – and you just might save yourself a few dollars in the process.

Tag: Bose
43 comments


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Ateam043
18 weeks ago

I’ve been shopping around for a nice pair of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones and it seems to me that the Bose QC35 are really the benchmark. So I ask the MacRumors forums: does anyone think differently? (I may wait to see if Apple introduces its own branded pair in the fall or early next year)



I have the Sony 1000XM2 and their noice cancellation feature and Siri integration are top notch and would say it’s either an equal or better than the QC’s.
Rating: 3 Votes
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MacGizmo
18 weeks ago
Had my Bose cans for 6 years and they were by far the most comfortable and best sounding headphones I ever owned.
Rating: 3 Votes
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billybobfred
18 weeks ago
I've still got my QC 15's and I use them almost every day. Besides having to replace the ear pads, they have served me great.
Rating: 2 Votes
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Matz
18 weeks ago

I've still got my QC 15's and I use them almost every day. Besides having to replace the ear pads, they have served me great.

Same here. I actually bought these at a pretty good discount from Bose when my original QCs had issues, and the 15's were the (then) new model. Replaced one set of ear pads with a knockoff set - cheap but evidently made of the same materials.
Maybe I'll go for the wireless model if and when the 15s bite the dust.
Rating: 2 Votes
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v3rlon
18 weeks ago

I’ve been shopping around for a nice pair of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones and it seems to me that the Bose QC35 are really the benchmark. So I ask the MacRumors forums: does anyone think differently? (I may wait to see if Apple introduces its own branded pair in the fall or early next year)

Some people may argue about the sound quality (there's a hater for everyone), but the noise cancelling aspect of the Bose QC35's is the gold standard. You can listen to music on a pair and see if that works for you. I will only address the noise cancelling.
I tried several other brands, and it is night and day difference. If you want to mask background noise, there is nothing better. It works best with constant level and pitch like fan noise from a large computer (or a jet in flight or air conditioner), but it does pretty well with my lawn mower and children as well.
Rating: 2 Votes
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yesjam
18 weeks ago
I’ve been shopping around for a nice pair of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones and it seems to me that the Bose QC35 are really the benchmark. So I ask the MacRumors forums: does anyone think differently? (I may wait to see if Apple introduces its own branded pair in the fall or early next year)
Rating: 2 Votes
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vicviper789
18 weeks ago
Oh great now my headphones will spy on me.


I have the QC35's and the QC20's. The 35's have a bad power switch and will turn themselves on randomly. I bought/returned 3 pairs of 20's because the wire going into each bud wasn't mated properly and would click when moved. Called Boss support a few times and they pretty much told me to bug off each time.
Rating: 2 Votes
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dabocx
18 weeks ago

I’ve been shopping around for a nice pair of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones and it seems to me that the Bose QC35 are really the benchmark. So I ask the MacRumors forums: does anyone think differently? (I may wait to see if Apple introduces its own branded pair in the fall or early next year)

I perfer my Sony MX1000V2. Much better sound and the battery life is ridiculous
Rating: 1 Votes
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carlsson
18 weeks ago

I’ve been shopping around for a nice pair of wireless noise cancelling over-ear headphones and it seems to me that the Bose QC35 are really the benchmark. So I ask the MacRumors forums: does anyone think differently? (I may wait to see if Apple introduces its own branded pair in the fall or early next year)


I tried them out but ended up with Sonys MDR-1000X. Better sound and superior NC. The Bose was lighter and more comfortable though.
Rating: 1 Votes
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BadMelonFarmer
18 weeks ago
You can QC35 Series I Noise Cancelling when using them in a wired mode.

I think the only difference between series I and II is the dedicated Google Assistand, or now Alexa button.
Rating: 1 Votes
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