Noise Cancelling 700 Firmware Update - Stutter when Connected to Multiple Devices

[boseElement]

I have same problem with crackling noise. So the issue for me at least, seems to happen when headset is connected to my iPhone 8 AND my iMac. When I play any music on my iMac from any source - the crackling noise appears.

I reset the headset and ONLY connected it to my iMac - that solved my problem but of course I need to have it connected to my phone & other devices as well. 

Ps. (I am guessing it has something to do when the other device that headset is connected to - receives a message or is trying to play a sound etc)

I am confident Bose will fix this asap 😊🙌

[floman]

It seems that the Bose Music app is capable of passing not only control data (like Noise cancelling level), but also configuration data to the headphones, since (although I am on the exact same firmware version as before the app update) after updating the app to version 4.2.4 and connecting the Bose NC700 headphones inside the app, the stuttering when connected to multiple devices disappeared (I use mainly an iPhone and an iPad). Just as a side note, prior to the app update, the noise cancelling level in the headphones was always reported (if I recall correcly) with a longer message (e.g. noise cancelling 10), while now is reported with the longer message only once (after powering up the headphones), but for any subsequent push of the NC shortcut button (during the same power cycle) the message is shorter (e.g. ten). Had also an issue initially: when using the shortcut button on the left ear-cup for the noise cancelling level, the level was reported twice. However, this issue disappeared by itself after I used the conversation mode for a couple of times. Hope this helps.

[mchrut]

I bought NC 700 as my first Bose product, it arrived just a few days ago. The stuttering problem is very noticeable because it occurs every 2-3 minutes: sound cuts off for about 1-2 seconds, audio then continues but for the next about 5 seconds it is often distorted and sometimes sped up.

Disconnecting the headphones from the phone in Bose Music whilst listening on PC almost solves the problem, but not entirely. It still happens from time to time.

I followed all advice I could find on solving this issue and it just doesn't go away. I see this problem has been around from the beginning and in December 2020 it is still around. I admire patience that some customers here have, but I will be returning the headphones back because if it hadn't been fixed until now, it probably never will be.

[KrishnaChaitanya]

Please return the headphones if you would like to save yourself some peace of mind. I wish I had made that decision long ago. Now I am beyond the return period and living with the problem tryin to get help from Bose. Bose either doesnt want to resolve or they dont know how to resolve. Pretty surprising this kind of product from a company like Bose. 

[PTNastase]

Hey Mrchut!

Sorry to see that you too have been deceived by Bose. If you want an advice, return your headphones as quickly as you can. And ask for a refund, don't even think about accepting a replacement unit.

Issues and bugs have been running on this "premium hardware" for months, hundreds and hundreds of unsatisfied customers and each new firmware just makes things even worse, with no bugs fixed and new ones added.

So again: return them, ask for a refund and never look back on a company that handles and treat "premium customers" as they have been treating us. Good luck

[boliao45]

Stuttering problem started for me after updating past firmware version 1.3.1, it used to be a great headphone until the recent firmware upgrades

1.3.1 - fairly usable on mobile/tablets, but people complain stuttering issues when connecting to computer/laptops (win/mac)

1.4.12 - introduced EQ function but brick a lot of NC700

1.5.0 - only released for those unfortunate enough to be on 1.4.12

1.7.0 - where stuttering started for my case even when using on mobile/tablet, bad battery life reported.

1.8.2 - not any better although someone claims slight improvement to stuttering, even worse battery life

For those unfortunate enough like me to get the headset when the firmware is good, there's no way to return after months of good experience and then Bose went ahead and broke it by forcing mediocre firmware upgrade thru the music app.

Like others, i'd strongly advise you to return it while you still can.

[Gneuh]

@mchrut good idea to send your headphones back.

I honestly did my best to love them (and I actually loveD them), especially due to the combination of nice ANC with better Mic as the Son (while my subjective opinion is that the ANC of the Sony is slightly better).

I moved to a Sony with external mic, because Bose is basically bricking headphones with the updates.

I still make a principle of it on having Bose to make something on the NC700, since my father has one, and cannot send it back.

But the mess due to firmware updates and the disdain of Bose for its "premium" customers , who just want a stable firmware (last one was 1.3.1, and Bose still does not want to allow a rollback) , lead me to, well, -sorry to say- invite people to send their Bose product back.

@bose , any comments on your good job regarding customer satisfaction? 😒

[MDHF]

I gave up tried all the different possibilities, the stutter is really annoying!

The devices I'm using is Samsung Note 20 Ultra and iPad Pro 11 2020.
(2020 The Frame Samsung TV, I have no stutter issues with that so far)

I got so annoyed that I recently purchased the Creative BT-W3 Bluetooth Audio Transmitter. Paired with my NC700, it works with no stutter nonsense. Yes, it is a bit ridiculous a BT-W3 dongle connecting on my phone and also my iPad Pro but this my temporary solution while waiting for Bose fix this issue. I can still enjoy my songs without stuttering, at peace.

A good investment getting this BT-W3 since is paired with my NC700. I can connect any devices, including console. Oh yes, you can make calls too. So still not that bad.

Touch control, my observation
- Volume (Yes) stop/skip (Yes) - iOS
- Volume (Yes) stop/skips (No) - Andriod

So I am not sure what is the issue if BT-W3 is able to stream without stuttering. Why connecting directly to the device have issues. Not sure if you guys out there will want to spend the extra money on the audio transmitter. It works for me, four days using it. No stutter so far. 

Paid a premium price headphones but get this stutter nonsense.

[KrishnaChaitanya]

You are right.. I think Bose realised that they cant fix this and they are now giving a bluetooth dongle with their upgraded version BOSE NC 700 UC model. Seriously? Why cant they atleast give that blue tooth dongle for the existing users or replace the older model headphones with the upgraded ones.

[Gneuh]

@MDHF can you confirm that the stutter nonsense, as you rightly describe, is only present since the firmware updates.

If yes, Bose, back to work for stable firmware or rollback. I do not intend to by additional hardware for a premium (premium...) device, implying potentially additional drivers when moving (e.g. for pro computers without admin rights, it will not be applicable)