TECH FREAK - A geeky department store of the future.
Vol.6 Powerbeats Pro 2
TECH FREAK - A geeky department store of the future.
From familiar devices and convenient gadgets, to home appliances that enrich our lives, to new services. This is a serial project that focuses on the latest in tech. In the sixth installment, we will be looking at Beats' completely wireless earphones, the Powerbeats Pro 2.
Motivation switch, on.
When it comes to sports, autumn is the season. However, February is marathon season. When you hear the word marathon, you start to feel like doing a little exercise.
But when you actually try it, it's hard to keep up with exercising or running. Unfortunately, many people give up after three days, and I think this tendency gets stronger the older you get.
It would be great if it became a habit, but getting to that stage is difficult. You need to find a new gear, find a comfortable point where it's not too hard, and tune your motivation.
At times like these, I feel like Beats' latest product, the Powerbeats Pro 2, a completely wireless earphone, will give me a gentle push and encouragement.
The "Powerbeats Pro 2" is a new model in the "Powerbeats" series. It is optimized for workouts and is designed to be used while moving your body.
There are many differences from the old model, but the first is the design. It has the same shape that goes over the ear, but it has been made 20% lighter than the old model, making it smarter. In human terms, it's like going from 80kg to 64kg. The difference is obvious at a glance.
When you put them on, they fit securely. The secret is in the nickel-titanium alloy ear hooks. They are soft and fit comfortably on the ears, and were derived from testing about 1,000 athletes to find the best fit. Even when I actually ran, I didn't feel like they would slip out or fall out, and they felt quite stable.
Also, it doesn't have that athletic feel that is typical of sports models, and the natural design with reduced volume makes it suitable for everyday use.
The case that supports wireless charging is a little big, but it can't be helped that it's large due to the shape of the ear hook. Since you leave the case behind when you actually move your body, it's not a problem except for everyday use, and since it's specialized for workouts, you can overlook that.
The Apple H2 chip has been adopted, and overall functionality has been improved. The earphones themselves can play for up to 10 hours, and the charging case can be used to play for up to 45 hours.
In terms of sound, the powerful sound typical of Beats motivates me, and the adaptive equalization function that automatically adjusts the bass and mid-range in real time to suit the fit does a great job without me noticing. The fact that it comes with five different sizes of ear tips shows the company's commitment to sound, which I really like.
Of course, it also has an external sound capture mode and active noise canceling (ANC) in keeping with the modern era. The former is essential for working out because it allows you to be aware of your surroundings, while the latter gives you a sense of immersion. Combined with features for enjoying content such as spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, I was never dissatisfied at any time.
And best of all, by using apps like Nike Run Club, you can now monitor your heart rate, a first for Beats. This allows you to adjust your exercise intensity, and it's fun to watch it after you've finished. This kind of thing can be a subtle help in continuing, so it's not to be underestimated.
One thing to be careful of is that in Japan, the use of earphones is not recommended for some sports, such as running, so you must use them with great caution. Exercise is only meaningful if you continue it, so be careful of those around you so that you don't get involved in an accident. Start by doing it once a week, and aim for a six-pack by summer!
