Beats gearing up to launch own take on AirPods in April
The Apple-owned Beats may be preparing its own take on the AirPods concept, as the luxury headphone brand is reportedly preparing to launch a cord-free version of its eponymous PowerBeats, potentially within the next month.
Beats PowerBeats3
Apple revealed a second-generation model of its AirPods this week, along with a Wireless Charging Case, but while most of the audio attention has been on Apple's wearable device, Beats is said to be gearing up its own attempt at the wire-free accessories.
A version of the Beats PowerBeats that lacks the cord connecting the two earphone sections together is apparently close to launch, according to a retail channel source of CNET. The product, likely to retain the PowerBeats name, will allegedly be announced sometime in April, though it is unclear when it will take place.
Pricing for the accessories is unknown, but it is likely to be in line with other similar products, such as the PowerBeats3 priced at $200. That model has been spotted at lower price points at some retailers, which may be a sign a replacement premium-end model will be shipping soon.
There is also no word on what the design of the earphones will be like, except for the lack of wiring. One possible design is that it could look like the current PowerBeats3, complete with over-ear clip, making it an alternative to AirPods for those who use them while active, minimizing the risk of the earphones being dislodged or damaged during exercise.
It is highly likely the product will borrow most of the technology used by the new AirPods, including the H1 wireless chip. Replacing the W1 wireless chip, the H1 is designed for headphone usage, offering performance and connection improvements, longer battery life, and enables hands-free "Hey Siri."
Beats PowerBeats3
Apple revealed a second-generation model of its AirPods this week, along with a Wireless Charging Case, but while most of the audio attention has been on Apple's wearable device, Beats is said to be gearing up its own attempt at the wire-free accessories.
A version of the Beats PowerBeats that lacks the cord connecting the two earphone sections together is apparently close to launch, according to a retail channel source of CNET. The product, likely to retain the PowerBeats name, will allegedly be announced sometime in April, though it is unclear when it will take place.
Pricing for the accessories is unknown, but it is likely to be in line with other similar products, such as the PowerBeats3 priced at $200. That model has been spotted at lower price points at some retailers, which may be a sign a replacement premium-end model will be shipping soon.
There is also no word on what the design of the earphones will be like, except for the lack of wiring. One possible design is that it could look like the current PowerBeats3, complete with over-ear clip, making it an alternative to AirPods for those who use them while active, minimizing the risk of the earphones being dislodged or damaged during exercise.
It is highly likely the product will borrow most of the technology used by the new AirPods, including the H1 wireless chip. Replacing the W1 wireless chip, the H1 is designed for headphone usage, offering performance and connection improvements, longer battery life, and enables hands-free "Hey Siri."
Comments
I've have powerbeats 2 (extremely short battery time....2-3 workouts),
I've have airpods... great for beach or lounging by pool (i'm the person who for some reason my left ear doesn't hold the airpod as well...)
Currently use powerbeats 3 daily and love them. Great battery life. Obviously I would love a wireless version but my only negative would be I don't want to be that guy with headphones on constantly and sometimes like to just quickly remove them and drape them around my neck. I would definitely buy bc this is technology advancing.
Spigen and a few other companies make neck straps for the AirPods. Somebody is likely to make something for these.
Develop some genuinely excellent (in audio terms) wireless earphones - a wireless version of their X20i at the top end and wireless x12i in the middle.
Klipsch already do Wisa gear for home audio, so a wisa soundbar and optional surround wisa speakers to go with homepods for wireless audio from upcoming Wisa Tvs, without having to pay B&O prices.
https://www.wisaassociation.org
Meanwhile Master Dynamic MW07 are good.
It was a serious question dude. Are you trying to say that color is the only advantage Beats offers?
8, 12hr playback time (Beats X, Beats PB3)
fitment for virtually every ear, potentially more comfortable than AirPods
far less likely to fall out or be lost
isolation from ambient sounds
improved sound ? (possibly, based on sealing the ear canal)
I have and like AirPods very much, but might consider these new Beats depending on the execution and audio quality.
I find the AirPods extremely convenient and comfortable. I can easily wear them longer than the batteries last. But they're a little light on a really good musical experience, and when out and about, traffic noise can easily overpower them. I can crank the AirPods up, but they still come in second, and that's not good for what's left of my hearing.
I don't want to completely block out traffic sound, obviously, but some major attenuation would be appreciated. However I can't wear IECs nearly as long as the AirPods. Memory foam instead of silicone tips would help me in that respect.