You should never buy a product based on the hope that it will improve someday. But it's always nice when that does happen. Jabra just announced updates for the Elite Active 8 and Elite 10, and each will get better-tuned active noise cancellation (ANC) based on their use case.
We like the Elite Active 8 and the Elite 10 earbuds, but while you might think you should buy the "10" model because it's bigger number, things aren't that simple. They don't look quite the same, and that's due to their different purposes. As the "Active" suggests in the Elite Active 8 name, you want these earbuds if you plan to wear them while exercising. And if you don't and prefer better ANC, go for the Elite 10.
The new update coming from Jabra seems to reinforce that fact. In January, both will get initial updates to add "easy-to-use" on/off controls for ANC, HearThrough, and SideTones. It's unclear how it differs from the current toggle options, but the new controls will include voice prompt options. This update will also add the option to rename the earbuds.
Each will get a more focused update in March based on their use case. The Elite 10 earbuds will receive new ANC algorithms to help combat noisy environments such as loud restaurants, offices, and busy streets. The new algorithms focus on identifying and cutting out background voices so you can focus on conversations you want to hear.
The Active 8 earbuds will go a different route. Instead of cutting out voices, its new algorithms will try to diminish wind sounds with HearThrough enabledc. That's handy for anyone trying to take a call or listen to music while out for a jog or on a bike ride. Hearing what's happening around you is important in those scenarios, and wind typically poses a challenge.
The updates will come through the Jabra Sound+ app and is free of charge to anyone who owns the earbuds. They'll arrive in two stages, first in January and then later in March.