Apple Introduces Beats Solo Buds and Launches Beats Solo 4

May 1 2024, 01:10
Beats launched the next generation of its bestselling on-ear headphones, Beats Solo 4, as the brand also announced the expansion of the Solo family with the all-new Beats Solo Buds true wireless stereo earbuds. Both models explore all the latest technology, with USB-C connectors to allow fast charging, extended battery life. Keeping up with Apple's tradition, both models are Bluetooth Class 1 designs, updated with the latest features, custom designed drivers and acoustic design.

The Beats Solo family of headphones always translated the brand's signature concept of portability and comfort. Now, Apple updated the concept with all the benefits of the latest technology, introducing its tiniest form factor ever with the Beats Solo Buds. Delivering big sound, up to 18 hours of battery life, seamless one-touch pairing to both iOS and Android sources, and USB-C charging, the new true wireless design is perfect for on-the-go.

Meanwhile, the upgraded Beats Solo 4 on-ear headphones gain personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, UltraPlush cushions, up to 50 hours of battery life and the possibility to listen to Lossless Audio via USB-C.

Both products also reflect Apple's sustainability policies and the Beats Solo 4 and Beats Solo Buds packaging is 100% fiber-based using recycled material from sustainably managed forests.

"Our newly expanded Solo line delivers remarkable value, offering exceptional sound quality, battery life and comfort in our most portable designs," explains Oliver Schusser, Apple's vice president of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports, and Beats. "Beats Solo 4 takes our bestselling headphone to the next level with outstanding performance upgrades, and the all-new Beats Solo Buds pack impressive power in our smallest product yet."
 

Beats Solo Buds
The new Beats Solo Buds design is a significant product for Apple, since it shows how the company combines a select feature package on its most affordable and compact true wireless earbuds. The earbud design is not only extremely small, it features dual-layer transducers and a custom-built acoustic architecture that improves the sound. Ergonomically designed acoustic nozzles and laser-cut vents improve audio performance while relieving pressure for added comfort. And with four ear tip sizes (XS, S, M & L) to securely fit a diverse range of ears, the Solo Buds optimize comfort and passive noise isolation. 

The new Beats Solo Buds also deliver improved call quality, since each earbud is equipped with a custom-designed microphone powered by an advanced noise-learning algorithm. And users will enjoy extended range with fewer dropouts thanks to Apple's industry-leading Class 1 Bluetooth
A distinctive feature of every Beats product is its multiplatform compatibility, which means that Apple ensures seamless one-touch pairing, automatic account setup, and even support for both Apple Find My and Google's copy Find My Device, with iOS and Android devices. Customizable on-ear functions allow users to control their music, take calls and activate different voice assistant by pressing the ‘b’ button. Users can also configure the press-and-hold action in iOS settings or the Beats app to control volume.

The Solo Buds feature Beats' longest earbud battery life ever with up to 18 hours of playback (tested at 50% volume). When it’s time to recharge, the USB-C case allows extra power on the go, charging directly from a phone, tablet or laptop. And Fast Fuel means a 5-minute charge gives up to 1 hour of playback. 

The new Beats Solo Buds will be available in Matte Black, Storm Gray, Arctic Purple and Transparent Red, for $79.99 in the US, beginning in June 2024.
 

Beats Solo 4
Developed with comfort and a secure fit in mind, the upgraded Beats Solo 4 headphones feature an ultralight design — at just 217 grams. New UltraPlush on-ear cushions provide exceptional durability, and the flex-grip headband, customizable sliders and ergonomically angled ear cups ensure that Solo 4 is comfortable and stays put.

As Apple explains, the Beats Solo 4 headphones have been re-engineered for improved acoustics, featuring custom-built 40mm transducers, and now supporting Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. Also leveraging upgraded beamforming microphones and an intelligent noise-learning algorithm, the headphones offer high-quality call performance and voice assistant interaction. As with the Solo Buds, dual compatibility for both iOS and Android enables seamless one-touch pairing, automatic account setup across devices, and Find My or Find My Device. iOS users can also enjoy hands-free access to "Hey Siri" and Audio Sharing (via AirPlay - since there's no LE Audio or Auracast announcements from Apple yet).

Of course, the new Beats Solo 4 are also a Class 1 Bluetooth design, they support USB-C audio for lossless audio and simultaneous charging, and feature a 3.5mm analog input for high-resolution, battery-free wired playback. The ‘b’ button also allows users to manage music, take calls, or activate any voice assistant. To control volume, users can just press above or below the ‘b’ button.

The Beats Solo 4 also boast improved battery life over the previous generation, now with up to 50 hours of battery, and Fast Fuel that offers up to 5 hours of playback from a quick, 10-minute charge.

The new Beats Solo 4 headphones are available to order now in Matte Black, Slate Blue and Cloud Pink for $199.99 in the US.
www.beatsbydre.com
www.apple.com
 
Page description
About Joao Martins
Since 2013, Joao Martins leads audioXpress as editor-in-chief of the US-based magazine and website, the leading audio electronics, audio product development and design publication, working also as international editor for Voice Coil, the leading periodical for... Read more

related items