Apple's latest earbuds offer heart-rate monitoring: How the tech works
What's the story
Apple has launched its latest wireless earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro 2, in India. Priced at ₹29,900, the Beats-branded earbuds are specifically designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
The new model brings several advanced features including heart-rate monitoring—a first for Apple in the audio segment.
Using LED optical sensors, the earbuds track heart rate during workouts, providing real-time data that can be viewed in Apple Health and many other leading fitness apps.
Product features
Powerbeats Pro 2: Design and sound enhancements
The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds come with a redesigned earhook for better fit and stability. The acoustic architecture has also been improved to provide a more balanced sound profile.
The earbuds also come with Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for an immersive listening experience.
Plus, the Adaptive EQ automatically adjusts the sound depending on how well the earbuds fit in your ears.
Athletic appeal
Fitness-focused features and improved battery life
The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds pack LED optical sensors that pulse over 100 times per second to measure blood flow, giving real-time data during workouts.
This data can be synced with popular fitness apps such as Nike Run Club, Peloton, Runna, Slopes among others.
The battery life has also been greatly improved, offering up to 10 hours of playback per charge and 45 hours with the charging case.
User experience
Enhanced call performance and seamless connectivity
The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds offer advanced microphones and a voice accelerometer to cut out background noise and make conversations clearer.
They boast Class 1 Bluetooth connectivity for a stable connection and seamless pairing with Apple as well as Android devices.
Apple users can enjoy one-touch pairing, hands-free Siri, and Find My integration while Android users can access features via the Beats app.
Executive statement
Powerbeats Pro 2: A new standard in audio for fitness
Apple's Vice President of Music, Sports, and Beats, Oliver Schusser, has lauded the new product.
He said, "Powerbeats Pro 2 is the most impressive product in Beats' history — developed to withstand intense training sessions and equipped with our most innovative technology and powerful sound."
He added, "Now with Heart Rate Monitoring for workouts, Active Noise Cancellation, and Transparency mode, Powerbeats Pro 2 sets a new standard in audio for fitness."
Promotional campaign
Beats launches 'Listen to Your Heart' campaign
Along with the launch of Powerbeats Pro 2, Beats has also kicked off a "Listen to Your Heart" campaign.
The promotional effort features famous athletes such as LeBron James, Lionel Messi, and Shohei Ohtani integrating the Powerbeats Pro 2 into their fitness routines.
The campaign is designed to showcase the earbuds' advanced features and their suitability for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.