In a surprising announcement, Jabra has revealed its plans to largely exit the earbud market, but not before introducing upgrades to its popular Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active models. Jabra's Elite series has been renowned for its exceptional audio quality and microphone capabilities, and the new refresh aims to further enhance the user experience.

The upcoming "Gen 2" updates to the Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active bring a range of improvements. The Elite 10 Gen 2 now supports spatial audio for Dolby Atmos content, promising an immersive listening experience. Additionally, Jabra claims that noise cancellation has been enhanced, and adjustments have been made to the hardware for a more comfortable fit.

Meanwhile, the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 focuses on durability, featuring an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, as well as an updated MIL-STD-810h rating for ruggedization. These enhancements make the earbuds suitable for active lifestyles and harsh environments, ensuring they withstand rigorous use.

The standout feature in both the Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is the addition of a "Plug and Play" case. This innovative design allows the case to double as an adapter, enabling users to play audio from wired sources without the need for extra adapters. This feature, although not entirely new to the industry, remains underutilized, making Jabra's inclusion of it a welcome addition.

While enthusiasts may be delighted by the upgrades, Jabra's announcement also marks the end of its Elite lineup. In a press release, Jabra's parent company, GN, explained that the decision was made to redirect focus and resources towards more lucrative aspects of GN's business. Despite the Elite lineup's increased profitability, the competitive nature of the earbud market would have required additional investments that the company deemed unjustifiable in the long run.

It's worth noting that Jabra will continue to support its existing earbuds for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, the Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 will be launched later this month as part of a gradual wind-down of the business.

As Jabra bids farewell to its Elite and Talk lineups, the industry will certainly feel the absence of these renowned earbuds. However, customers can still look forward to enjoying the final refresh of the Elite 10 and Elite 8 Active, which promise to offer a superior audio experience and enhanced durability.