At CES 2024 in Las Vegas, JBL showcased a fresh lineup of audio devices that sparked interest across the consumer tech scene. Among the standout introductions was the Live 3, a pair of fully wireless in-ear headphones that caught attention not just for sound quality but for an inventive approach to on-the-go user experience. A key talking point for JBL’s Live 3 became its smart case, which includes a built-in display, underscoring JBL’s push toward seamless multi-sensory accessories. Various outlets, including 9To5Toys, highlighted this design choice as a bold step for wireless earbuds in the mainstream market.
Live 3 headphones are designed to be completely wireless, offering users the freedom of true cable-free listening. They are equipped with 12 mm drivers, which are tuned to deliver a balanced sound profile with clear highs, punchy mids, and a respectable level of bass for everyday listening. The headphones support Bluetooth 5.3, enabling stable wireless connections, improved range, and more efficient power use. A robust active noise cancellation system helps block ambient noise, making them suitable for commutes, flights, or busy offices. Alongside these features, the Live 3 earbuds come with a degree of protection against moisture and dust, contributing to durability for daily use and travel.
The centerpiece of the Live 3 design is undeniably the charging case, which houses a compact 1.45-inch touchscreen. This screen provides convenient access to quick controls and visual information without pulling out a connected device. By default, the display shows the remaining battery life for both the case and the earbuds, allowing users to gauge power levels at a glance. The touchscreen also offers the potential for viewing custom visuals or quick status updates, adding a personal touch to the daily listening routine.
In terms of endurance, JBL rates the Live 3 total battery life at around 50 hours when using both the earbuds and the case, though real-world results will vary with volume, ANC usage, and Bluetooth activity. The case itself supports wireless charging, a feature that simplifies daily charging habits by letting users top up the battery without plugging in a cable. This combination of long-lasting performance and convenient charging aligns with JBL’s goal of providing a reliable, user-friendly listening solution for extended trips, workdays, or workouts.
Market availability indicated that the Live 3 would begin reaching customers in the early summer 2024 window. When it comes to pricing, initial disclosures placed the device at approximately $200 USD, with the corresponding local pricing into markets like Canada and the United States reflecting typical regional variances based on taxes and retailer policies. As of a January 11 exchange snapshot, the conversion suggested the device would sit around the equivalent of roughly 18,000 rubles in that market context. This pricing positions the Live 3 as a premium option among mid-range wireless earbud sets, offering notable value through its integrated touchscreen case, robust battery life, and overall feature set.
Beyond JBL’s Live 3, CES 2024 also featured a range of other accessories and innovations, including smartphone cases crafted from cactus-derived materials. This broader lineup highlighted how audio devices and mobile accessories are increasingly viewed as interconnected pieces of a personal technology ecosystem, designed to enhance everyday use and deliver practical, on-the-go experiences.