Credit: Beats
Only a few weeks after Apple announced their second generation AirPods, Beats are now following up with their first effort: the PowerBeats Pro.
"Powerbeats Pro is a harmonious blend of premium sound, fit and functionality. Powerbeats are already the #1 fitness headphones in the world and they are now untethered, with all the benefits of the Apple H1 chip,” said Luke Wood, president of Beats.
“No longer do you have to choose between performance and practicality—it delivers the best on both fronts.”
Boasting a unique and ergonomic design that "nests comfortably in the concha bowl of the ear with an off-axis nozzle", the PowerBeats Pro promise to be 23% smaller and 17% lighter than their predecessors. They're also water/sweat resistant and come with four sizes of ear tips and a redesigned adjustable earhook.
[Related: Which 2019 True Wireless Earbuds Should You Buy?]
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Given the brand, it's no surprise that sound quality here. Beats say that the new PowerBeats have been "Completely re-engineered from the inside out" and now feature an "upgraded linear piston driver that leverages an efficient, pressurised airflow to create a powerful acoustic response in a small package."
The result of this innovation? "Incredibly low distortion and great dynamic range across the entire frequency curve," according to Beats.
Finally, there's the battery life. Like other true wireless earbuds, the Beats PowerBeats Pro come with a carry case that doubles as a charger. However, interestingly, they offer a sizable 9 hours of playback per charge and over 24 hours of total usage. The PowerBeats Pro also support a form of fast-charging, with Beats promising 1.5 hours of playback from 5 minutes of charging and 4.5 hours from just 15 minutes.
It also supports phone calls (via two beam-forming microphones that work to filter out external sounds such as wind and ambient noise) and, if you're an iPhone owner, Siri integration via Apple's H1 chip.
The Powerbeats Pro will come in Black, Ivory, Moss and Navy for AU$349.95. Beats say availability will begin in May from apple.com and Apple Stores.
