CES 2015: JBL Reflect Response are "world's first" gesture-controlled in-ear headphones

In addition, both models use what JBL is calling wave-to-control technology - allowing you to change tracks and answer calls by waving your hand in their direction.

The main difference between the Reflect Response BTs and the Syncros S210BTs is that the former use a more advanced two-way, hybrid, balanced armature driver design. Bluetooth features in both models and battery life should be good for around eight hours of playback time.

"These products demonstrate Harman's continued drive to use technology for simplifying and elevating consumers' experiences with their devices," said Michael Mauser, president of Harman's Lifestyle Division.

MORE: Read all our JBL reviews and news

JBL has also used CES 2015 as an opportunity to launch a pair of active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones with a twist - they don't require any batteries. The JBL Reflect Aware ($150) are sports headphones, which are said to be the lightest ANC headphones currently on the market.

No battery is required because the headphones draw on power and audio directly from a lightning connector on compatible Apple device or the micro USB socket on the Android or Windows equivalent.

The Reflect Aware can mix ambient noise with active noise cancelling, so you can still hear your surroundings - important if you're one of those active, outdoor types. A microphone is embedded in each earpiece for hands-free chat, while there's also a small four-button remote control for all your playback requirements.

Finally, download JBL's Ambient Aware app and you can control ambient noise levels and tweak the sound characteristics by choosing from a number of different EQ settings. UK pricing is still to be confirmed.

CES 2015: JBL unveils new Arena Series of budget loudspeakers

CES 2015: All the latest news highlights

Andy Madden

Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.

Latest in Headphones
Sennheiser HD 550 on a blue background
Aimed at gamers and audiophiles alike, Sennheiser's detail-hungry wired cans seek to put you fully in the sonic picture
Bone conduction headphones
Samsung to launch its first bone conduction headphones this summer, report says
Sennheiser HD 505 open-back headphones
Sennheiser HD 505
The AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 in their charging cases standing side by side on a wooden surface with a hand out flat behind them.
All three current in-ear AirPods are up to 32% off at Amazon – here's which pair you should buy
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 wireless over-ear headphones
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300
T+A Solitaire T Cognac white in case
The 'benchmark setting' T+A Solitaire T wireless headphones have a boozy new look
Latest in News
Sony Bravia Projector 8 home cinema projector
Terrible news: Sony is about to stop selling projectors in Europe, including the UK
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier in silver
Audiolab upgrades its five-star 6000A amplifier with a new DAC chip, enhanced circuitry and HDMI ARC
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Quick! This five-star Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar has dropped close to its lowest price
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen
A woman flicking through stacks of vinyl records in a Rough Trade shop.
Vinyl records and music streaming both hit landmark highs – but the one growing faster in revenue may surprise you