beats
Latest
Target Cyber Monday deals include a $230 iPad and a $50 Instant Pot
It used to be that Cyber Monday deals were the consolation prizes for those that missed Black Friday, but that doesn't appear to be the case at Target. It's already running a Cyber Monday sale that includes some steep discounts, including one that's even steeper than on Black Friday. Most notably, the 10.2-inch iPad is selling for $230, or $20 less than the already hefty sale price from Friday -- this may be your best shot at getting Apple's no-frills tablet.
Target Black Friday deals: AirPods, Beats Studio 3 Wireless and more
Target has shared its Black Friday flyer, detailing many of the hardware-related deals the retailer plans to offer later this week. You'll be able to take advantage of the company's promotions starting November 28th through the 30th. We've only highlighted a handful of deals that looked compelling to us -- so you may want to browse Target's flyer to see what else it has on offer. We've linked the current product pages below for easy access when the deals go live.
Our readers on the Powerbeats Pro's best features
Though Beats was a little late to market with its first true wireless earbuds, this year the company debuted a set designed for a comfortable and secure fit: the Powerbeats Pro. With its over-the-ear hook construction, chunky charging case and speedy H1 chip the Pro impressed senior news editor Billy Steele, largely thanks to its solid battery life, sound quality and ambidextrous onboard controls. However, imperfections like its Lightning charger, unwieldy case, and overbearing treble kept the Pro's score to an honorable 86. Users scored the Pro more sternly and gave the Powerbeats Pro a much lower rating of 71.
The best true wireless earbuds you can buy this holiday season
True wireless earbuds have become a staple when it comes to audio accessories. Over-ear noise-cancelling headphones are still a thing, but many companies have turned their attention to the tiny speakers you nestle in your ears. The advantage for consumers is that there are more options than ever to choose from. New models are popping up all the time with refined designs, new features, improved battery life and other advancements. With no shortage of choices though, it can be difficult to cut through the clutter to determine which ones are worth your money. We've compiled a list of the best true wireless earbuds available, along with some tips on what to look for as you shop during the holidays.
Beats Solo Pro review
Both Apple and Beats have benefited greatly from their relationship over the last five years. Since Apple bought the headphone company in 2014, Beats has improved its gear on all fronts, from design to audio quality and even adding useful features. There's no doubting the Apple influence, especially since the latest Beats headphones pack the same chip that powers AirPods. With the Solo Pro ($299.95), we get the best intersection of the two companies yet, in a set of headphones that look good, sound great and pack in powerful features.
The best workout headphones
The gym can be a dull, boring place for some of us. Myself included. Fortunately, you've got a smartphone -- or an MP3 player. Whether it's for a music streaming service, a finely curated list of ripped tracks or a backlog of podcasts, what you need now are some workout headphones. It's 2019, and while not all wired headphones will work with your smartphone of choice, all phones have Bluetooth. There's also the fact that moving around with headphones, whether for a bench-press session or a run around the block, is better without wires. As long as your headphones stay put, that is. That's why all of our recommendations are wireless models. We've pulled together a few picks that should suit most workouts. While you can expect decent audio quality from all of them, decisions about workout gear, come down to personal preferences. Because of that, we've included over-ear models, noise-canceling champions and some reasonably priced headphones that punch above their weight.
Beats' Solo Pro headphones feature Pure ANC and always-on Siri
If you wanted active noise cancellation (ANC) on a pair of Beats headphones, you had one choice: the Studio3 Wireless ($349.95). That changes today. The Solo Pro ($299.95) brings ANC and more to the Apple-owned company's on-ear model. They cost $100 more than the previous version, the Solo3 Wireless, but this new model also packs Apple's H1 chip for audio sharing, fast pairing and always-on Siri access.
Apple's excellent Powerbeats Pro are $50 off
Apple's Powerbeats Pro are one of our favorite true-wireless earbuds, and for a limited time, they're on sale for $50 off ($199). That's a great deal considering that they're the best-sounding Beats headphones yet, and they're near the top end of the true wireless spectrum price-wise.
Audio experts: Share your expertise on the Powerbeats Pro headphones
When senior editor Billy Steele reviewed the Powerbeats Pro back in May, he was impressed by the sound quality and many of the set's features. Though Beats took its time releasing a pair of true wireless headphones, Billy found it well worth the wait for solid battery life, significantly improved sound and ambidextrous controls. However, he was less thrilled by the huge charging case and Lightning port, the iffy treble and the hook shape which might not be a good fit for all users.
iOS 13's Audio Sharing feature is coming to more Beats headphones
If you fondly remember the days of plugging in a headphone splitter and listening to music together with a friend, iOS 13 offers a similar option for Bluetooth headphones with Audio Sharing. Soon that feature will be available on a wide variety of Beats headphones as well as Apple AirPods.
New $29 AppleCare+ option covers AirPods and Beats
Apple has launched an AppleCare+ option for headphones, which sounds like a great deal for people who keep dropping their AirPods. The $29 add-on is available not just for AirPods, but also for select Beats earphone and headphone models. It extends the devices' hardware repair coverage from one year to two, and it covers two more incidents of accidental damage from handling.
Tariffs hit Apple and other tech companies tomorrow
Some of the tech you like is about to get more expensive -- at least for the companies that design them, if not you. True to earlier plans, the Trump administration has formally enacted a new round of tariffs against China-made products that will take effect September 1st. The measures will hit tech companies with 15 percent tariffs on a range of goods, with Apple potentially feeling the pinch harder than most. The hikes will affect AirPods, the Apple Watch, some Beats earphones, the HomePod and iMacs.
Best Buy’s weekend sale includes up to $500 off 12-inch MacBooks
Best Buy's three-day weekend sale includes a bunch of discounts on Apple and Amazon products, as well as cuts on laptops, TVs, smartwatches and smart home products. The sale runs through Sunday, and if you've been waiting to buy a new device, it's worth checking out.
The fitness gadgets and apps you should be using at school
In between cramming for never-ending tests, going out with your classmates and campaigning for the student union, you still need to keep fit. The good news is, you don't have to do that last bit all by yourself. Plenty of smartwatches can stand in for your mom, reminding you to go take a walk after you've sat in front of your computer for too long. There's also gear that you can take with you on your runs to make the grueling exercise more tolerable. In curating this list, we thought not only about what could make your workouts more fun and productive, but also devices and services that help you stay on top of your fitness regimen. These include apps that help manage your diet or exercise plans, so you don't have to splurge on a whole new gadget. Some options are even free. Here's what we recommend.
Apple’s $3 billion purchase of Beats has already paid off
"Oh shit, the Forbes list just changed," Tyrese Gibson proclaimed in a 2014 Facebook video. "The first billionaire in hip-hop, right here from the motherfucking West Coast," Dr. Dre chimed in.
Powerbeats Pro review: The best-sounding Beats headphones yet
Despite being a hugely popular headphone brand, Beats has had one glaring hole in its wireless headphone lineup: true wireless earbuds. Thanks to a hint in iOS code, the Powerbeats Pro weren't exactly a well-kept secret, and as expected, they carry the latest Apple tech that's also found inside version 2.0 of the AirPods. At $249.95, the Powerbeats Pro is near the top end of the true wireless spectrum price-wise, and its over-the-ear hook design isn't for everyone. However, the combination of features and sound quality makes quite the impression.
Kevin Durant is investing in high-end audio company Master & Dynamic
Master & Dynamic just got a big step up thanks to NBA star Kevin Durant and his company, Thirty Five Ventures. The investment business, which has backed the likes of Postmates and Coinbase, will become an equity partner in the New York City-based audio brand, and work with them to create and build products with a focus on sports and music. In June, for example, the partnership will launch a special edition "Studio 35" colorway of the newly released MW65 noise-cancelling headphones, with other projects in the pipeline. Durant is well-known for his Beats by Dre endorsement, so he's clearly a man who loves his music.
Beats' all-wireless Powerbeats Pro earbuds are available May 10th
You don't have to wait too much longer if you're curious about the Powerbeats Pro. Beats' first truly wireless earbuds will be available in stores on May 10th for $250, with pre-orders starting on May 3rd at 10AM Eastern. You'll have to be content with the black model at first, though -- the ivory, moss and navy versions won't arrive until the summer. Whichever style you get, the functionality is the real draw.
The Powerbeats Pro are Beats' first true wireless earbuds
Reports may have tipped Apple's hand last week, but it was really only a matter of time before the company made a true wireless option that carried the Beats name. And thanks to a hint in iOS code, we knew they'd look very similar to their corded, but still wireless, predecessor. There was little left to announce, and today, Beats officially revealed the Powerbeats Pro: the previously rumored pair of $250 (£220) true wireless earbuds.
Beats' answer to the latest AirPods found hiding in iOS code
It didn't take long to learn more about Beats' equivalent to the AirPods. The 9to5Mac team has discovered that iOS 12.2 includes imagery for the Powerbeats Pro, an all-wireless earbud set aimed more at the gym-going crowd. From a cursory glance, they're cosmetically similar to (though not identical to) the Powerbeats 3 from 2016. The difference, of course, is that lack of cabling -- like the AirPods, you'll slip them into a case to get a recharge. It's not certain if the case itself supports wireless power.
