Beats made a surprising comeback in the portable Bluetooth speaker market with the launch of the new Pill. The company had been quiet for over six years after discontinuing its previous models, but the new Pill brings a fresh perspective to the table. The design of the new Pill takes inspiration from older models rather than the most recent Pill+, but the internal engineering has been completely reimagined to enhance sound quality. With improvements like a more rugged build, doubled battery life, and modern features such as lossless audio, the new Pill aims to address the shortcomings of its predecessor.
The sound quality of the new Pill has been significantly enhanced with a redesigned setup that includes a single tweeter and woofer. The larger woofer delivers robust bass with less distortion and a wider frequency range, while the upgraded tweeter ensures better performance in the mid and high range. Additionally, the new Pill supports lossless audio over USB-C, providing a more immersive listening experience. The speaker also offers Amplify and Stereo modes for expanded functionality when paired with another Pill.
In terms of design, the new Pill features drivers placed at a 20-degree angle for improved sound projection. The speaker is built to withstand outdoor conditions with IP67-rated dust and water resistance. The addition of a loop strap makes it easy to carry or hang up the speaker. Furthermore, the new Pill can be used as a speakerphone, offering clear audio quality during calls.
Battery life is another strong suit of the new Pill, with up to 24 hours of playback time on a single charge. The speaker also supports fast charging, allowing for two hours of use with just 10 minutes of charging. Moreover, the Pill can charge other devices and can be charged in reverse using a USB-C cable.
Overall, the new Pill from Beats offers a compelling package with improved sound quality, enhanced durability, and modern features. Priced at $150, it competes well with popular models from other brands like JBL and Ultimate Ears. While there are some minor drawbacks at high volumes, the overall audio quality and features make the new Pill a solid choice for music enthusiasts.
