Новые Powerbeats от Apple в порядке, но недостатки дизайна не дают им покоя

While some folks might perhaps well also decry the act of working whereas blaring tunes, claiming it distracts you from the objectively onerous task at hand (that’s, flinging your body thru location at wobble for miles on kill), I wholeheartedly disagree. Whether or not you’re jogging, lifting, skating, or fine spending a lot beyond regular time indoors because ofan increasing number of restrictiveauthorities mandates, you’re gonna desire someheadphonesto protect the occasion transferring into your head. To that kill, Apple-owned audio firm Beats now has a brand new edition of its workout-centered Powerbeats headphones, a form of puny brother to the in actuality wireless Powerbeats First price. At $149, the Powerbeats obtained’t outshine the pricier First price model, but it does originate for a correct pair of headphones at a fine mark if you happen to’ll be in a field to rep over some potential dealbreakers.

The new Powerbeats, which leer extra streamlined when put next to the $199 Powerbeats launched in 2016, are in-ear headphones with adjustable rubber hooks that loop across the support of the ear. Incorporated are four diversified silicone ear tip sizes, in conjunction with a drawstring carrying pouch so that you don’t lose them (but let’s be exact, you’ll potentially lose the pouch first). They’re connected thru a fast neckband cable, so there’s no ache about losing one. The adjustable hooks are a slick form change that makes the Powerbeats match extra snugly within the support of the ear — but it can well perhaps well also not be a really pleased match for all.

That shortened, rounded cable makes snags nearly disappear, and the controls constructed onto the earbuds themselves resolve the matter of attempting to rep any form of control node connected to the aforementioned cable. It also helps folks that don’t necessarily recognize the unprejudiced earbuds on headphones just like the extra costly Powerbeats First price, or on competing in actuality wireless workout headphones just like the Plantronics BackBeat Match 3200.

The Powerbeats mark thru the same lightning cable which which you can perhaps be in a field to exercise for your iPhone (even though for some reason its indicator gentle is on the diversified earbud). They’re correct for an advertised 15 hours of exercise, and in my week of gentle exercise I’ve most effective needed to mark them twice.

Whenever you’re spending this unparalleled on headphones, you potentially care about audio quality. Powerbeats delivers, sounding unparalleled better than most in actuality wireless alternatives, at the side of Apple’sAirPods. The bass is stronger and voices are clearer, even though some might perhaps well also steal affirm with the sealed in-ear form for out of doors activities like working. Peaceful, they sound astronomical, and are as purposeful as the Powerbeats First price, that comprises capabilities like audio sharing when paired with an iPhone.

Nonetheless the Powerbeats’ form is compromised in some frustrating ways. Every ear is diversified, but the Powerbeats don’t produce ample to accommodate that diversity. For me, the Powerbeats’ “adjustable” rubber hooks weren’t adjustable ample, and 10 minutes into my runs my ears would open to ache as they pressed towards the rubber I had tugged and curved on, most effective to bear it slowly morph support into its unhappy customary field.

The actual letdown? The playback controls are in what might perhaps well even be the worst imaginable location. The Powerbeats might perhaps well even be Beats merchandise, but father or mother firm Apple has long since solved this subject with the principle AirPods andAirPods First price, which allow you to faucet (or squeeze) on the body to play, end, or change tracks. Here, not so unparalleled. The Beats logo pulls double responsibility as a playback button, and forces you to in actual fact push the earbuds deeper into your canal, making for an gruesome journey within the occasion you’re bouncing around, to affirm the least.

Powerbeats, reckoning on what appears to be like to be like your ears are serving, is a blended rating by advance of form, efficiency, and cost. While natty, purposeful, and ideal in audio quality, the dazzling alternate alternatives within the kill compromise the ergonomics in a advance that might perhaps well also point to literally painful to a pair athletes or appealing listeners. Whenever you’re soundless eager, perhaps borrow a pal’s before you commit to losing this sum of cash, especially attributable to you’ll potentially be inner for a whereas. Finest originate particular to sterilize them first.

Write toPatrick Lucas Austin atpatrick.austin@time.com.