Bose

Bose Corporation is an American privately held audio equipment company founded in 1964 by Amar G. Bose, an MIT professor, to pursue high-fidelity sound. The company designs and manufactures consumer electronics (headphones, speakers, home audio systems, soundbars, portable speakers) as well as professional audio equipment (sound reinforcement and installed sound systems) and automotive audio systems. Its corporate headquarters are in Framingham, Massachusetts, with operations worldwide.

History and technology: Bose gained prominence for its loudspeaker innovations, notably the Direct/Reflecting and acoustic waveguide approaches, and later developed active noise cancellation technology used in consumer headphones and other products. The company emphasizes research and development through its labs and partnerships.

Products and markets: In consumer audio, the QuietComfort range of noise-cancelling headphones, the Wave and SoundLink lines, and home entertainment products are well known. In professional audio, Bose supplies sound-reinforcement systems for venues and theatres and portable L1 and RoomMatch products. In automotive audio, Bose designs branded systems installed in cars from several automakers.

Reception and trends: Bose is recognized for sound quality and comfort, and for premium-priced products. Critics note the high price and the company’s relatively closed ecosystem relative to some competitors, but its products are widely used by consumers and in professional environments.