Beats Electronics has launched its first wireless earphones, designed for sporting activities and workouts. The Powerbeats2 Wireless is described as lightweight, durable, and sweat-resistant, and was inspired and co-designed by US basketball star LeBron James.
The Powerbeats2 Wireless is a set of earbuds with flexible earhooks for a comfortable and secure fit. The earbuds are joined by a wraparound cable with an inline remote and mic for making handsfree calls, changing the volume and skipping tracks. The Powerbeats2 use a Bluetooth 4.0 connection to play music from a smartphone or tablet up to 9 metres away.
Each earbud has dual drivers and lets in ambient sound for safety while exercising. The rechargeable battery on the Beats Powerbeats2 Wireless earphones offers up to six hours of playback time, and can be charged for up to one hour of playback time in only 15 minutes.
“To me this product represents the intersection of sports and music,” said Beats president Luke Wood in a press statement. “Music is one of my main motivations when I work out, and I know others can relate because music takes people to a different place that inspires more energy and focus. Ultimately, music and athletic performance are one, and through this partnership with Beats, we continue to push that envelope in every way possible,” added James.
Engadget reports that the Powerbeats2 Wireless are less bass-heavy than most Beats earphones, and in fact emphasises mids and highs, contrary to the popular brand’s track record so far.
The Powerbeats2 Wireless earphones come in Red, Black or White, and are priced at $199.95 (roughly Rs. 12,000) per pair.
Beats Electronics was acquired by Apple for $3 billion in May along with the Beats Music subscription streaming music service. Co-founders Jimmy Iovine and Dr Dre have since joined Apple as employees.
Beats also recently launched the Solo 2 headphones with a new “updated and improved” acoustic profile, which translated to reduced bass response and improved balance between lows, mids and highs.
