Apple Inc.’s Beats division has unveiled the long-awaited Powerbeats Pro 2, which features noise cancellation, a heart-rate monitor, and a revamped design aimed at athletes. This new model incorporates capabilities seen in Apple’s AirPods, such as transparency mode for better external noise awareness and the H2 chip for enhanced sound quality. Additionally, it offers improved spatial audio for a 3D listening experience and comes with a smaller, wireless charging case.

The heart-rate monitor is a notable first for Apple-designed earbuds, expanding the company’s health-related features, and utilizes technology found in the Apple Watch. Despite a slow holiday season for Apple’s wearables business—with sales in the division falling nearly 2% to about $11.8 billion—the introduction of these new earbuds is anticipated to drive interest and sales.

Priced at $250, the same as the previous model, the new Powerbeats Pro 2 will be available in black, orange, purple, and a color called quicksand. This price point matches the AirPods Pro 2, although the Powerbeats may be more appealing to athletes due to their secure ear hooks.

Apple Vice President Oliver Schusser, who oversees Beats as well as the company’s sports, TV+, and music initiatives, hailed the new Powerbeats as “the most impressive product in Beats’ history.” Acquired by Apple in 2014 for $3 billion, Beats remains the company’s largest acquisition to date.

The heart-rate monitor will be compatible with fitness apps like Peloton, Nike Run Club, Ladder, and Slopes, with data integration into the Apple Health app. The earbuds will also be compatible with Android devices. Apple is reportedly working on AirPods with heart-rate monitoring, though they are still many months away from release.

In terms of battery life, the Powerbeats Pro 2 holds an advantage over AirPods, with 10 hours of usage on their own and 45 hours with the charging case, compared to six hours for AirPods alone and up to 30 hours with the case. However, AirPods continue to offer unique features, such as a new hearing aid functionality.

Nothing, the consumer technology brand known for its distinctive design aesthetic, has today introduced its latest audio innovation: the Nothing Ear Open.

These open-ear stereo (OWS) earbuds are designed to provide a more immersive listening experience while allowing users to stay connected to their surroundings.

Unlike traditional earbuds that require silicone tips to be inserted into the ear canal, the Nothing Ear Open rests just inside the ear, offering a more comfortable and less intrusive fit.

This design is particularly appealing for those who want to remain aware of their environment, such as runners, cyclists, or commuters.

The Nothing Ear Open joins a growing trend of headphones that prioritise openness over active noise cancellation.

Despite its open-ear design, the Nothing Ear Open boasts impressive battery life, delivering up to eight hours on a single charge and a total of 30 hours with the charging case.

The earbuds also feature Nothing’s latest noise-cancelling technology, Clear Voice Technology 3.0, to ensure clear calls even in noisy environments.

The Ear Open is priced at AED 549. It is available for pre-orders starting September 24th and will be available globally on October 1st.

The Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro is a unique addition to the world of wireless earbuds, designed with a specific audience in mind: outdoor fitness enthusiasts. These open-ear earbuds aim to balance situational awareness and audio quality, making them ideal for activities like running, cycling, and hiking.

Design and Comfort
The AeroFit Pro features an open-ear design, which means the earbuds sit over your ears rather than inside them. This design allows you to hear ambient sounds, which is crucial for safety during outdoor activities. The earbuds are lightweight and have a detachable neckband that ensures they stay in place during intense workouts. The neckband is adjustable, providing a secure fit without causing discomfort.

The earbuds are available in several colours, including Dynamic Black, Aqua Blue, Electric Purple, and Frost White, catering to different style preferences. The build quality is robust, with an IPX5 rating for water and sweat resistance, making them suitable for various weather conditions.

Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the AeroFit Pro offers a mixed experience. The open-ear design naturally limits the bass response, which might disappoint those who prefer a deep, immersive sound. However, the earbuds provide a wide stereo image and clear mids and highs. The sound is transparent and natural, allowing you to enjoy your music while staying aware of your surroundings.

The AeroFit Pro supports the LDAC codec, which enhances audio quality over Bluetooth. The Soundcore app offers customizable EQ settings, allowing you to tweak the sound profile to your liking. However, the preset EQs are not very powerful, and the custom EQ might not satisfy audiophiles looking for a rich, full-bodied sound.

Battery Life
One of the standout features of the AeroFit Pro is its impressive battery life. The earbuds themselves offer up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, and the charging case provides an additional 38 hours, totalling up to 48 hours of use. This extended battery life ensures that you won’t have to worry about frequent recharging, even during long outdoor activities.

The charging case is compact and easy to carry, although it does not have an IPX rating, so you’ll need to be cautious about exposing it to water or sweat. The case charges via USB-C, which is a convenient feature.

Connectivity and Controls
The AeroFit Pro offers reliable connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring a stable connection with minimal dropouts. Pairing the earbuds with your device is straightforward, and they maintain a strong connection even in busy environments.

However, the control options on the earbuds are somewhat limited. There are no on-ear controls for adjusting the volume or skipping tracks, which means you’ll need to rely on your device or the Soundcore app for these functions. This can be inconvenient, especially during workouts when you might not want to reach for your phone.

Additional Features
The AeroFit Pro comes with a few additional features that enhance its usability. The detachable neckband is a thoughtful addition, providing extra security during vigorous activities. The earbuds also come with a magnetic clasp that helps keep them together when not in use, reducing the risk of losing them.

The Soundcore app is a valuable companion, offering firmware updates, customisable EQ settings, and other useful features. The app is user-friendly and adds to the overall experience of using the AeroFit Pro.

Performance in Different Scenarios
The AeroFit Pro is designed primarily for outdoor fitness activities, and it performs exceptionally well in this context. The open-ear design allows you to stay aware of your surroundings, which is crucial for safety. The secure fit and water-resistant build make them suitable for running, cycling, and other outdoor sports.

However, the earbuds might not be the best choice for indoor use or environments where you want to block out external noise. The open design means that ambient sounds will always be present, which can be distracting in certain situations.

Verdict
The Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro is a well-designed pair of open-ear earbuds that cater specifically to outdoor fitness enthusiasts. While they may not offer the deep bass and immersive sound that some users crave, they excel in providing situational awareness and comfort during workouts. The impressive battery life, customizable EQ, and reliable connectivity make them a solid choice for those who prioritize safety and convenience over audio fidelity.

If you’re looking for earbuds that allow you to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying your favourite tunes, the AeroFit Pro is worth considering.

Price: AED 418