Beats Pill+ Speaker Launches Alongside New Colors for Solo2 Headphones

[MacRumors]

A few new products from Beats by Dre have been made available to customers today, beginning with the launch of the new Beats Pill+ Speaker for $229.95. The Bluetooth speaker was announced earlier in the month with an expected launch date in November, but has made its way to online availability a few days early. The Pill+ Speaker introduces a new design into the line-up of Beats portable speakers and includes an extended 12-hour battery life along with a new iOS companion app.

Also introduced today by Beats are new "Luxe Edition" colors for the Solo2 On-Ear Headphones, including Blue, Silver, Black, and Red. The $199.95 headphones offer the same features as the other editions of the Solo2, but with "a refined glossy finish and polished accents." The Solo2 Headphones in the new "Luxe Edition" colors and the Beats Pill+ Speaker -- available in white and black -- can both be purchased right now from Apple's online store.

Article Link: Beats Pill+ Speaker Launches Alongside New Colors for Solo2 Headphones

 

[macduke]

How about making them sound good instead of releasing new colors all the time?

 

[Tucom]

How about making them sound good instead of releasing new colors all the time?

They do sound good. Have you heard the latest stuff from Beats? Especially the new Solo 2? Comments like these are getting old and are just regurgitated nonsense that people think they're clever in saying. Times have changed, Beats actually makes solid audio gear now.

Tyll from InnerFidelity has a very favorable review on the new Solo 2s, for anyone curious for more info about how good they really are.

 

[Keane16]

How about making them sound good instead of releasing new colors all the time?

The new ones sounds quite nice, and way better than the older Beats that are way too bass heavy for me.

Lot's of reviews of the Solo 2, including data on the sound. One of the prominent ones by InnerFidelity:

With almost a quarter million views, a lot of people have experienced my opinion regarding the original Beats Solo in this video. I've been quoted in the New York Times, Huffington Post, and numerous places elsewhere expressing my distaste for their products. I now find myself with the unenviable task of reversing my opinion, at least in part, with the introduction of their new Beats by Dre Solo2—a very fine headphone indeed.

Video:

Review article: http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/time-rethink-beats-solo2-excellent#BrWrjvHUko7qIlJ3.97

And measurements of sound output: http://www.innerfidelity.com/conten...llent-measurements-page-2#qJ6zoD1hf6hfQTzK.97

I'd like to know what you don't like about them? Anything specific? Did you try them?

 

[dannyyankou]

They do sound good. Have you heard the latest stuff from Beats? Especially the new Solo 2? Comments like these are getting old and are just regurgitated nonsense that people think they're clever in saying. Times have changed, Beats actually makes solid audio gear now.

Tyll from InnerFidelity has a very favorable review on the new Solo 2s, for anyone curious for more info about how good they really are.

I have. Too bassy. I opted for Sennheiser instead and planning on getting some Audio Technica m50s

 

[OS X Dude]

My sister just got a pair of the Solo2 Wireless for her birthday, and I was genuinely impressed by the sound. They are much improved from Beats of old.

That said, they should sound a little better for the money they cost. They can't hold a candle to my Sennheiser Momentum over-ears in the clarity stakes, but they're still a very good pair of headphones if you listen to rap/electro. I felt they make guitars and drums sound muddy across too many tracks for me to buy a set if my Senn's died.

 

[Captain Nougat]

The Solo 2s actually sound pretty good (still overpriced). I believe they took sound more seriously with the products released 2014. I'll definitely agree that their older stuff sounded like garbage though. Haven't heard the Pill speaker yet, however.

 

[theelysium]

They do sound good. Have you heard the latest stuff from Beats? Especially the new Solo 2? Comments like these are getting old and are just regurgitated nonsense that people think they're clever in saying. Times have changed, Beats actually makes solid audio gear now.

Tyll from InnerFidelity has a very favorable review on the new Solo 2s, for anyone curious for more info about how good they really are.

Seriously, what are this uniformed smack talkers smacking about? How about they actually go to an electronic store and sample them. New Beasts sound great, bugger off haters!!! The + speaker has always sounded good.

 

[Tucom]

Seriously, what are this uniformed smack talkers smacking about? How about they actually go to an electronic store and sample them. New Beasts sound great, bugger off haters!!! The + speaker has always sounded good.

Well the speaker is actually a brand new offering, you may be thinking of the older, recalled XL which, indeed sounded very good. This new plus is said to sound even better.

 

[xlost6]

I know I'm repeating myself (as I've said earlier for the new Apple TV) but I'm just awaiting for Best Buy to stock this. I'm definitely getting one. I can see this heavily marketed in music videos.

 

[samlikesmac]

My sister just got a pair of the Solo2 Wireless for her birthday, and I was genuinely impressed by the sound. They are much improved from Beats of old.

That said, they should sound a little better for the money they cost. They can't hold a candle to my Sennheiser Momentum over-ears in the clarity stakes, but they're still a very good pair of headphones if you listen to rap/electro. I felt they make guitars and drums sound muddy across too many tracks for me to buy a set if my Senn's died.

Most definitely agree with you. I have the Sennheiser Momentum over-ears too and I've listened to my friend's Beats Solo2 and they just cannot compare at all to the Sennheiser. Beats just sound like they artificially enhance bass and treble to make lossy music sound "better."

 

[OS X Dude]

Most definitely agree with you. I have the Sennheiser Momentum over-ears too and I've listened to my friend's Beats Solo2 and they just cannot compare at all to the Sennheiser. Beats just sound like they artificially enhance bass and treble to make lossy music sound "better."

I wouldn't say can't compare at all - in some tracks I listened to they weren't far off at all. Again, these were electro and rap ones and they've always been Beats' target. But yes, the Senn's were far more consistent. I've never heard a better sound through headphones, the clarity is insane with them.

 

[oneMadRssn]

I have the Sennheiser Momentum over-ears too and I've listened to my friend's Beats Solo2 and they just cannot compare at all to the Sennheiser.

They can't hold a candle to my Sennheiser Momentum over-ears in the clarity stakes

I had the over-the-ear Sennheiser Momentum headphones briefly. I found them to be very uncomfortable. The padding was not soft and the earcups were too small, both issues resulted in discomfort and sound leaking in.

I say this because there is more to headphones than just sound. Comfort plays a big role, and fit quality affects sound quality to some degree. And believe it or not, aesthetics plays a role too. (Though the psudo-retro look of the Momentums is pretty cool, other Sennheiser headphones are super ugly imo). Doesn't matter how great the Momentum's sound to you, or how much of a better deal they are. None of those factors can overcome the reasons they don't work for me.

I currently use the Bose QC20i, and I loooove them. Makes my subway commute awesome.

 

[HailstormX]

I was kinda expecting them to replace the micro usb port to lighting for the headphones. I suppose that would be on the solo 3. kinda interested to see what beats does when they release "apple inspired" versions of the headphones. Im happy with my wireless studio beats.

 

[OS X Dude]

I had the over-the-ear Sennheiser Momentum headphones briefly. I found them to be very uncomfortable. The padding was not soft and the earcups were too small, both issues resulted in discomfort and sound leaking in.

I say this because there is more to headphones than just sound. Comfort plays a big role, and fit quality affects sound quality to some degree. And believe it or not, aesthetics plays a role too. (Though the psudo-retro look of the Momentums is pretty cool, other Sennheiser headphones are super ugly imo). Doesn't matter how great the Momentum's sound to you, or how much of a better deal they are. None of those factors can overcome the reasons they don't work for me.

I currently use the Bose QC20i, and I loooove them. Makes my subway commute awesome.

That's great you like them. I've had Bose headphones and they sounded great but a little quiet for my tastes.

I also never tried to force them as being best for you

 

[Jimmy James]

That sounds like ill with a big "P".

 

[Mr. Donahue]

I remember the HTC M ONE or whatever it's called was powered by BEATS BY DRE so I'll be surprised if the next iPhone doesn't have an improved speaker
And EarPods should be beats too. I mean why not?

 

[Dormammu]

They do sound good. Have you heard the latest stuff from Beats? Especially the new Solo 2? Comments like these are getting old and are just regurgitated nonsense that people think they're clever in saying. Times have changed, Beats actually makes solid audio gear now.

Tyll from InnerFidelity has a very favorable review on the new Solo 2s, for anyone curious for more info about how good they really are.

+1000

 

[2457282]

Is there a benefit to having the over the ear headphones? I use the earpods which was a big step up from the earbuds. But those headphones look bulky and a bit odd watching someone with them on. And I say this having grown up in a world where the over the ear was the only thing available. And even then thought it was off.

 

[69Mustang]

I wouldn't say can't compare at all - in some tracks I listened to they weren't far off at all. Again, these were electro and rap ones and they've always been Beats' target. But yes, the Senn's were far more consistent. I've never heard a better sound through headphones, the clarity is insane with them.

I think you hit the nail on the head. I have HD 598's and love them. I had never heard a pair of Beats before my daughter got a pair of Solo2's as a gift from nana. Jazz, classical? Senn's by a mile in my opinion. But as you said, EDM, Rap, Pop? I gotta give credit where credit is due. My 598's are pretty neutral and it was noticeable compared to the Solo2 when listening to her music. Point blank they just sounded better to me. Beats knows their target market and the Solo2's are right in that wheelhouse.

 

[John.B]

Also introduced today by Beats are new "Luxe Edition" colors for the Solo2 On-Ear Headphones, including Blue, Silver, Black, and Red. The $199.95 headphones offer the same features as the other editions of the Solo2, but with "a refined glossy finish and polished accents."

I wish they'd make the Solo2 Wireless in a black finish without that red accent.

 

[Paradoxally]

Overpriced materials and a decent enough sound in a lackluster package that only caters to people who care about looks. Unfortunately, this represents a huge part of the population.

I'll stick with my Audio Technica M50x, which sound immensely better, even if they don't look as good (and the build quality is much better).

 

[Mactendo]

Magical! Revolutionary! I'll take the rose gold ones!

 

[Haifisch]

My sister just got a pair of the Solo2 Wireless for her birthday, and I was genuinely impressed by the sound. They are much improved from Beats of old.

That said, they should sound a little better for the money they cost. They can't hold a candle to my Sennheiser Momentum over-ears in the clarity stakes, but they're still a very good pair of headphones if you listen to rap/electro. I felt they make guitars and drums sound muddy across too many tracks for me to buy a set if my Senn's died.

I had the Momentums Over-Ears and I felt they were boring. Perhaps they are more accurate on a lab bench than the Solo2 but the Beats are simply more engaging. Because the Solo2 are bassier than the Senns, the Senns do seem more clear. But that clarity comes at the expense of fatigue over time. I wouldn't consider the Solo2 muddy, but they don't sparkle, and thus less prone to fatigue over extended periods.

Beats bashing (not by you, but by others) is getting old. These Solo2 do a lot of things well. They weren't design to win audiophile awards and not supposed to. They look good and they are comfortable, esp for glasses. they sell like hotcakes so Beats can price them as high as the market will bear. And I have no problems with that.

 

[Haifisch]

Overpriced materials and a decent enough sound in a lackluster package that only caters to people who care about looks. Unfortunately, this represents a huge part of the population.

I'll stick with my Audio Technica M50x, which sound immensely better, even if they don't look as good (and the build quality is much better).

I like the M50x too but they are too bulky for travel purposes. And that cord................way too long and fixed. I don't think the Solo2 give up too much to the AT. I have the wireless ones and the gains in portability, freedom from wires, comfort is a compromise I'm willing to make 24-7-365.