Beats’s new collection of wireless products benefits greatly from Apple’s W1 chip which were developed for the fully wireless AirPods which were announced together with the iPhone 7 and is the first clear sign of integration between the two companies, even though there are still some signs of autonomy, such as the use of a universal USB charging cable (USB-A to USB Micro-B) in two of the models, while the new totally new BeatsX earphones already feature a Lightning to USB-A charging cable.
Another strange sign that the lifestyle brand has not yet been completely absorbed by Cupertino is the reference to its name as being “Beats by Dr. Dre (Beats)”, which could might as well be referenced as Beats by Prof. Iovine & Dr. Dre for the sake of accuracy. Branding apart, what’s relevant from this announcement is the first signs of real technological contributions from Apple towards Beats, creating three new better quality wireless products.
Expanding the brand’s portfolio we now have a new line of wireless earphones called BeatsX along with the next generation of two current best-sellers with the introduction of Powerbeats3 Wireless earphones and Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones.
“Beats has always been dedicated to delivering the best possible music listening experience,” says current Beats president Luke Wood. “Now that almost everything we consume in media has a sound component, superior audio playback quality is key. With our new product, we are delivering great design, innovation and sound so that you can hear everything the way the content creators imagined.”
In 2016, Beats’ wireless headphone business as a whole grew by 127% (Source: The NPD Group, U.S. Retail Tracking Service, Stereo Headphones, Bluetooth Capable, by Units, Jan-July 2016). “Bluetooth continues to fuel growth in the stereo headphone market as consumers recognize the value and convenience of wireless listening,” said Ben Arnold, executive director, industry analyst for consumer technology at The NPD Group. “June was the first month in which Bluetooth headphone dollar sales overtook non-Bluetooth sales in the U.S., a strong indicator that wireless listening is poised to become the leading way consumers experience music on the go.”
BeatsX
BeatsX is an entirely new line of earphones, designed to accommodate sophisticated audio advancements within its small form factor. Its simplistic, fluid design keeps BeatsX extremely light and nearly unnoticeable while wearing. Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, BeatsX features Class 1 Bluetooth for optimal connectivity. For iOS10 users, the Apple W1 chip provides an easy one-step Bluetooth connection and the added ability to toggle seamlessly between iCloud-registered devices. BeatsX sets a new standard for battery efficiency with Fast Fuel, which provides 2 hours of playback after just 5 minutes of charging and up to 8 hours after just 45 minutes of charging via the included Lightning cable. The RemoteTalk allows users to take calls, play music and activate Apple’s voice personal assistant, Siri. The Flex-Form cable and variety of eartips and removable wingtip options provide a flexible, secure and comfortable fit during use. When not in use, magnetic ear buds keep them tangle-free around the user’s neck, and they easily coil to fit into a compact carrying case for storage and portability.
BeatsX will be available this Fall 2016 in black and white for $149.95 (US). At launch, BeatsX will be available in black and white, with additional colors to follow.
Powerbeats3 WirelessPowerbeats3 Wireless truly takes one of the world’s best-selling wireless earphones to the next level. Improved ergonomics provide a better fit and sound experience, while Fast Fuel provides 1 hour of playback after just 5 minutes of charging via the included micro-USB cable. When fully charged, these sweat and water resistant earphones offer up to a 12-hour extended battery life. Additionally, the new Powerbeats3 Wireless earphones include integrated Class 1 Bluetooth and RemoteTalk, allowing users to take calls, play music and activate Siri.
Powerbeats3 Wireless will be available this Fall 2016 in black, white, siren red, shock yellow and flash blue for $199.95 (US).
Beats Solo3 Wireless
Beats Solo3 Wireless is the next evolution of the already iconic Solo line of on-ear headphones. This new product provides up to 40 hours of battery life due to the efficiency of the Apple W1 chip, as well as Class 1 Bluetooth. (Class 2 is commonly found in mobile devices, with a range up to 10 metres (33 ft) and lower permitted power of 2.5mW, while Class 1 typically reaches 20–30 metres (66–98 ft) with stronger permitted power up to 100mW. Effectively, the range depends on antenna design and the lower powered device tends to set the range limit, while manufacturers' implementations allow managing effective power consumption.)
The earcup controls allow users to take calls, play music and activate Siri, and Fast Fuel provides 3 hours of playback after just 5 minutes of charging via the included micro-USB cable. As the brand confirms, Beats Solo3 Wireless “stays true to its predecessor with the same award-winning sound and portable, durable design featuring a flexible headband, 360-degree pivoting ear cups and noise isolation.”Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones are available in gloss black, gloss white, gold, silver, rose gold and black for $299.95 (US).
beatsbydre.com
