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Honestly, I feel like Apple’s running Beats almost as a completely separate brand. There’s not really a lot of cross-pollination, and Beats devices don’t really seem to slot into the matrix of Apple’s AirPods/HomePod range. Maybe there are a few Beats products that do, but most Beats items seem to be doing their own thing and tend to target a different market segment than Apple’s audio range.
 
Would have loved 2 ports and 3.5mm, but, I understand the changes, and at the price point I like this a lot. Definitely getting it
 
Mono is fine on such a small device, and is likely to sound better too.

I'm going to pick up one of these to replace my JBL Charge (the original one from 2011) which died. Hopefully it impresses me! (Otherwise I'll return it of course.)
I mostly use a bluetooth speaker sitting directly in front of it while I work. In no world will mono sound better
 
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No thanks. I love Apple products, but the Creative Labs iRoar Go is a much better speaker for a much lower price. It includes two tweeter/mid speakers and two passive bass ports allowing stereo sound, on-device playback control, an equalizer, and app connectivity. It only has a micro-USB connection, not USB-C, but it also includes USB-A power out, headphone jack stereo in, and a built-in MP3/AAC player with a removable micro SD card. The Beats Pill is ancient by comparison. https://us.creative.com/p/speakers/creative-iroar-go
 
The last exceptional Bluetooth speaker was the Bose Soundlink III. Sad it was discontinued and Bose replaced it with that lantern looking design. It truly stands out compared to everything else. The Marshall Kilburn is a good modern alternative.
Bose Soundlink III is a brilliant speaker. Still use mine. Love the look. Like an old radio.
 
Honestly, I feel like Apple’s running Beats almost as a completely separate brand. There’s not really a lot of cross-pollination, and Beats devices don’t really seem to slot into the matrix of Apple’s AirPods/HomePod range. Maybe there are a few Beats products that do, but most Beats items seem to be doing their own thing and tend to target a different market segment than Apple’s audio range.
That's the intent.
 
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The last exceptional Bluetooth speaker was the Bose Soundlink III. Sad it was discontinued and Bose replaced it with that lantern looking design. It truly stands out compared to everything else. The Marshall Kilburn is a good modern alternative.
I’ve got the Soundlink II and it still sounds great and the battery surprisingly still solid. My speaker of choice in the backyard.
 
So....for $149 I can get this, or for a little less I can get a Sonos Roam which has Alexa or Google built in. AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, full Sonos ecosystem support, and it's waterproof with decent sound and battery life.

Somebody tell me why anyone should buy the Beats Pill?
 
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So they are like loud $10 BT speakers? Skip. I do wonder if Apple would ever make a portable "home"Pod
I can bet you that they're not like $10 BT speakers. At the same time, they're also not like $150 speakers. The real value is probably somewhere around 100.
 
I had the gen 2 Beats Pill, bought it on sale at a significant discount and still felt like it was a ripoff.

I have significant doubts about this, and if it no longer has a 3.5mm input I'd never buy it anyway - its more important to me than Bluetooth support.
 
I had the gen 2 Beats Pill, bought it on sale at a significant discount and still felt like it was a ripoff.

I have significant doubts about this, and if it no longer has a 3.5mm input I'd never buy it anyway - its more important to me than Bluetooth support.
That's interesting. What do you connect to it through the jack?
 
Question, because these aren't using AP2 and instead rely on BT, does Apple have any magic to prevent notification sounds from playing through?
 
USB-C doesnt work with non-computer applications.
I could care less either way, but if you liked the speaker but the lack of a 3.5mm jack is holding you back, they do sell 3.5mm to USC-B adapters really inexpensively. I use one to connect my EarPods to my work computer & it works flawlessly.
 
That's interesting. What do you connect to it through the jack?
CD player, iPod, laptop. Wireless devices - including personal phones - are not permitted in my workplace.

Bluetooth also connects to whatever device it sees first, which is not necissarily the device I want. My Powerbeat Pros were decommissioned real fast because they connected to whatever they felt like - its seems your AppleID shares out pairing with all devices you're signed in on. They were intended for use with my Apple Watch and nothing else, yet they would randomly connect to one of my 5 Macs or my iPhone.
 
Question, because these aren't using AP2 and instead rely on BT, does Apple have any magic to prevent notification sounds from playing through?
i doubt it. I imagine we’d have heard by now, but I guess we’ll have to wait until actual users have them.

AirPlay or something like it is what I really wanted out of this.
 
CD player, iPod, laptop. Wireless devices - including personal phones - are not permitted in my workplace.

Bluetooth also connects to whatever device it sees first, which is not necissarily the device I want. My Powerbeat Pros were decommissioned real fast because they connected to whatever they felt like - its seems your AppleID shares out pairing with all devices you're signed in on. They were intended for use with my Apple Watch and nothing else, yet they would randomly connect to one of my 5 Macs or my iPhone.
Ok, that makes sense in your case. As mk313 said, if you really like and want this speaker just get that minijack-usb-c dongle.
 
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