Beats has launched a new pair of truly wireless (TWS) earbuds, the Studio Buds. They are the Apple-owned brand’s second TWS offerings after the Powerbeats Pro in 2019. But unlike the previous-gen model or Apple’s AirPods lineup, the new earbuds do not feature any ear hooks or stems. This results in a very compact and lightweight design, allowing for a comfortable fit for all types of ears.
Along with an improved design, Beats is also significantly improving the user experience on Android with its latest offerings. The new buds offer better Android compatibility than any of the company’s recent products. They are the first Beats products to support Google’s Fast Pair. After the initial setup, the buds are automatically linked to your Google account. The feature then uses Bluetooth Low Energy and your Android phone’s location to automatically detect the buds when they are turned on and let you connect to them with a simple tap.
The Beats Studio Buds and the charging case also now natively appear in Android’s Bluetooth settings and support the Find My Device feature. So if you misplace the buds and couldn’t find them, you can now use your Android phone to locate them. Unfortunately, the company still isn’t offering hands-free Google Assistant. You only get Siri voice control with iOS devices.
Beats Studio Buds: features, price, and availability
Each of the Studio Buds weighs five grams (Powerbeats Pro weighs 20 grams each). But, despite such a tiny size, it offers all the features you look for in modern TWS earbuds. The company promises IPX4 dust and water resistance and up to eight hours of listening time with a single charge. The oval-shaped charging case can supply another 16 hours worth of battery life for a combined listening time of up to 24 hours. There’s no wireless charging but with Fast Fuel, a 5-minute charge over USB Type-C gives up to one hour of playback.
The Beats Studio Buds also boasts active noise canceling (ANC) to block external noise – another first in Beats earbuds. A Transparency mode allows you to listen to the outer environment when you need to. The feature uses external-facing microphones to mix the sounds around you with your music. Note that the playback time comes down to about five hours with ANC turned on.
The 8.2-millimeter drivers with an entirely customized acoustic platform promise “immersive sound that pulls the emotion of the music from the studio to your ears”. Dual beam-forming mics enable high-quality audio during calls. Each bud features a multi-function button that lets you quickly control music, calls, and voice assistant. Either earbud can also be used independently. Beats is including the standard three sizes of silicone ear tips with the Studio Buds.
Priced at $150, the Beats Studio Buds buds are now available for pre-order in the US and Canada from the company’s website as well as third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. The wearables come in red, black, and white colors and will be available in stores on June 24th.