Apple’s Beats subsidiary is launching today the Powerbeats Pro 2, a new version of its best-selling fitness earbuds that add support for noise cancellation and heart rate monitoring for workouts. The company describes the $249.99 earbuds as its “most advanced product ever,” and the Powerbeats Pro 2 are indeed the first Apple product to support heart rate monitoring.
“Powerbeats Pro 2 is the most impressive product in Beats’ history — developed to withstand intense training sessions and equipped with our most innovative technology and powerful sound,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Music, Sports, and Beats. “Now with Heart Rate Monitoring for workouts, Active Noise Cancellation, and Transparency mode, Powerbeats Pro 2 sets a new standard in audio for fitness.”
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The new heart rate monitoring feature for workouts uses LED optical sensors pulsing over 100 times per second to measure blood flow. At launch, the feature will be compatible with just seven apps including Open, Peloton, Runna, Slopes, Ladder, Nike Run Club, and YaoYao. Heart rate sessions will automatically start and end on iPhone, but Android users will need to start them manually via the Beats mobile app.
The new Beats earbuds use the same Apple H2 chip found on the company’s AirPods Pro 2 to deliver improved sound quality with Personalized Spatial Audio and longer battery life with up to 45 hours of use with the charging case. With Transparency mode, athletes can also hear the world around them when using noise cancellation.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are available to purchase from the US online Apple Store today in four colors, Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange. Availability at retail stores will start on Thursday, February 13.
