powerbeats pro roadmap?

[blw777]

I have a pair of PowerBeats Pro, which I use while running and biking (especially biking on the turbo). Is there a roadmap for Beats, even speculative? I rather like them. A few months ago I dropped the case and now I have to be really careful putting one of them in the case, or else it doesn't connect and discharges. OK, I suppose that it's three years old and I did kind of abuse them.

I particularly like the ear loop configuration. My ears are kind of oddly shaped and Airpods are a terrible fit. Airpods Pros are better but not great. OTOH, the PowerBeats Pros are very secure and I don't have to worry about them. Of course I'd also like noise cancellation and other goodies if I'm getting a new set. I also very much like the hardware controls, because they're both easy to remember and also usable with gloves, something that most competitive models don't do well.

Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be much written about where this line is going. Or am I missing what is out there?

 

[NastyMatt]

I had PBP and loved them, a couple of niggles - left channel used to randomly not connect or not charge and the case was stupidly massive. But I did love them - ok sound - secure - physical controls - battery life.

But I have never seen a Beats roadmap so you can only go with what is available and not try and guess what is coming. I have moved to the BFP and they are a step up from the PBP - I prefer the sound and features (Spatial Audio / ANC). The case is a lot smaller. The battery is not as long and they are obviously not over the ear - I do find the wingtips keep them 100% secure and they also have physical controls.

 

[blw777]

I did get a pair of BFPs. They are definitely NOT as secure as the old PowerBeats Pro. In fact, on the very first run, the left one flopped out and bounced down the road. OK, my left ear canal is larger than my right one, so after that I replaced the tip in the left side. It is better but still has come off twice in the subsequent two or three weeks. I guess I can try foam tips, although I am uncertain as to whether or not they would be essentially consumables given that the specific use case is workouts when I sweat a pretty fair amount.

 

[phillytim]

I've had both also - along with the PBP charging issue for one or the other buds; was very frustrating.

I love my BFP moreso because I can wear them everywhere without looking like a nerd (hahaa).

I share @blw777's issue with BFP loosening (and falling out a few times while biking, although I have learned to know when to feel & adjust them).

But I overwhelmingly prefer BFP and they are my daily drivers; I feel bad that the PBP no longer get used, and sit there collecting dust.

What would you guys do with the PBP, or suggest?

 

[blw777]

> the PBP charging issue for one or the other buds

Oh, I didn't realize that was a regular problem. I definitely have this problem too.

> BFP loosening and falling out a few times while biking

I have been experimenting with different size tips. I think I'm closing in on a better fit for my problematic left ear, but definitely not there yet. I am encouraged that it's much better (although it did fall out yesterday while I was munching on a fruit). It feels like I can eventually find some combination of tips that will keep them in place. With the PBP's, I never had to think about this.

I also definitely miss the physical controls on the PBP, particularly the volume controls. They work, they're totally logical, and they work even with gloves. BFP on/off|play/pause works fine, but no volume controls. (Or volume controls, but sacrifice other controls, a compromise not required with the PBPs.)

 

[NastyMatt]

I also definitely miss the physical controls on the PBP, particularly the volume controls. They work, they're totally logical, and they work even with gloves. BFP on/off|play/pause works fine, but no volume controls. (Or volume controls, but sacrifice other controls, a compromise not required with the PBPs.)

Remember - you may sacrifice other controls i.e. switching transparency mode - but the PBP didn’t have this feature. So you are not losing anything compared to the PBP! You will always have a device with you that streams the music so the ability to use that to change modes.

I actually have my mode set on my shortcut (on my AW) when I go for a run.. it connects to the BFP, sets them to noise cancelling, starts a specific podcast and then starts the outdoor run in workout!

@phillytim - what to do with the PBP? I sold mine on the bay of e.