Apple-owned Beats has launched a new pair of headphones today alongside a pair of TWS earbuds. Meet the Beats Solo 4 and the Beats Solo Buds.
Beats Solo 4
Let’s start with the headphones. The Beats Solo 4 has an ultralight design, weighing just 217g (which is less than an iPhone 15 Pro Max, by the way), and UltraPlush cushions, a flex-grip headband, customizable sliders, and “ergonomically angled ear cups”, the official press release says.
The Solo 4 features custom-built 40mm transducers that “minimize electronic artifacts, latency, and distortion”, enabling “extraordinary clarity and range”. It also supports Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and has upgraded beam-forming mics along with an intelligent noise-learning algorithm for high quality calls.
Pairing is seamless and one-touch on both iOS and Android, and the Solo 4 supports Find My or Find My Device on those respective mobile operating systems. On iOS you also get hands-free access to “Hey Siri” and Audio Sharing.
The Solo 4 have both a USB-C port (with support for USB-C audio and simultaneous charging) and a 3.5 mm analog input for battery-free wired playback. The b button lets you take calls or activate your voice assistant, and to control volume you press above or below it.
Battery life is promised to be up to 50 hours on one charge, and with Fast Fuel you get up to 5 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge.
Beats Solo 4 in Matte Black, Slate Blue, Cloud Pink
The Beats Solo 4 are available to order today in Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink for $199.99. Shipping starts on May 2.
Beats Solo Buds
These earbuds pack “big Beats sound in the smallest case” the brand has ever made. They come with “ergonomically designed acoustic nozzles and laser-cut vents” to improve audio performance while relieving pressure. Four eartip sizes are in the box (XS, S, M, L).
Each earbud has dual-layer transducers “designed to minimize micro-distortions across the frequency curve”, for high-fidelity sound “with uncompromising clarity and detail”. Each bud has a custom-designed mic with an advanced noise-learning algorithm.
Like the Solo 4, you can quickly and seamlessly pair these with both iOS and Android devices, and they also support Apple’s Find My and Google’s Find My Device networks.
The b button is once again the main control here, with single-tap and long-press supported. These can be configured in iOS Settings or the Beats app. The Beats Solo Buds come with up to 18 hours of playback on one charge, and with Fast Fuel, you get an extra hour from a 5-minute charge.
Beats Solo Buds in Arctic Purple, Transparent Red, Matte Black, Storm Gray
The Solo Buds will be available in June in Matte Black, Storm Gray, Arctic Purple, and Transparent Red for $79.99.