Published 15:44 IST, April 4th 2019
Beats Powerbeats Pro launched as high-performance workout alternatives to Apple’s AirPods 2
Days after Apple launched the second-generation AirPods, Beats has launched the Powerbeats Pro
- Tech
- 3 min read
Days after Apple launched the second-generation AirPods, Beats has launched the Powerbeats Pro - Beats is a subsidiary of Apple that specializes in audio products. The Powerbeats Pro may be considered as high-performance workout alternatives to Apple’s AirPods 2 – with a better and more secure fit designed specifically for an active lifestyle. The Powerbeats Pro have been launched at a price of $250 (roughly Rs 17,000) and will be available for buying from May in Ivory, Moss, Navy, and Black colour options.
The Powerbeats Pro are truly wireless earbuds like the AirPods, but feature a unique ear hook design which is also water and sweat resistant. Like the AirPods, the Powerbeats Pro also nestle inside a charging case when not in use – although, unlike the new AirPods, there’s no wireless charging option on the Powerbeats Pro.
Each earbud has full volume and track controls and can freely work independent of the other – each earbud also comes with auto on/off sensor that can detect when they’re in idle state automatically switching to sleep mode as a measure to save battery life. Speaking of which, Beats is claiming 9 hours of battery life, and “with the charging case, you’ll get more than 24 hours of combined playback.” The Powerbeats Pro also support what Beats is calling Fast Fuel Charging that can apparently provide 1.5 hours of playback time with just 5 minutes of charge - the Powerbeats Pro charge over Lightning.
The Powerbeats Pro come with Apple’s new H1 chip like the AirPods 2 which should entail in faster connect times, as well as support for always-on “Hey Siri” - since the Powerbeats Pro are designed to work with any smartphone, third-party voice assistants (like the Google Assistant) should be able to work well with them as well.
Apple updated the AirPods recently – the original AirPods made their debut in 2016 alongside the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, both of which came without a headphone jack. The second-generation AirPods come with Apple’s H1 chip for seemingly faster connectivity, improved battery life and hands-free Hey Siri support. Price starts at Rs 14,900 for AirPods with standard charging case, going all the way to Rs 18,900 for AirPods with wireless charging case – the optional wireless charging case will be also sold separately for Rs 7,500. There’s no word when the Powerbeats Pro will be available in India.
Updated 15:44 IST, April 4th 2019