Beats Electronics has introduced the company's first wireless earphones, Powerbeats2 Wireless, aimed at athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
The earphones are light, durable and sweat/water resistant, while the wireless design offers enhanced safety, comfort and convenience for active pursuits, with no wires to get tangled in gym equipment or caught up in hands.
Features include IPX4 sweat and water resistance, a rechargeable battery with six hours of nonstop playback, Bluetooth connection, the Beats sound and dual-driver acoustic design.
The new earphones will dovetail nicely with the recently announced acquisition of Beats by Apple. It's expected that iPod and iPhone users will snap up these wireless earphones, especially since the Bluetooth connectivity plays into Apple's decision to install its proprietary Lightning connectors on new Beats headphone products.
NBA superstar LeBron James is listed as one of the co-creators of the new earphones.
"I am so proud of how the product continues to evolve and transform the athlete experience with music. There's nothing else out there that delivers this brand of high quality sound during an intense workout. Music is one of my main motivations when I work out, and I know others can relate because music takes people to a different place that inspires more energy and focus," said James.
Beats has already established itself as a major player in wireless products -- the company enjoyed a 57 percent share of the U.S. premium ($95+) wireless headphone sales in 2013. The introduction of the Beats Wireless and the Studio Wireless in 2013 helped expand the entire wireless product category by 108 percent since 2011. The Powerbeats2 Wireless earphones represent Beats' first foray into the wireless segment of the fitness and exercise headphone market.
Other design elements include a flat, tangle-free cable wrap-around with RemoteTalk control for a no-slip grip when changing volume, switching tracks and making hands-free calls. The flexible ear hooks provide a comfortable and secure fit. A hard-shell case is included for safe storage. Other in-box items include a universal micro USB cable, cable management clip and a Quick Start guide.
Wireless Bluetooth connectivity offers a 30-foot range. The rechargeable battery offers up to six playback hours, and features a 15-minute quick-charge function that delivers one hour of playback.
Beats Powerbeats2 Wireless earphones retail for $199.95 and will be available online and at select retailers in June 2014, and widely available in July. It will be available in black, white and red.
