Latest news with #Airpods
Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How Great Leaders Create Brands People Brag About
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Apple CEO Tim Cook delivers remarks before the start of an ... More Apple event at Apple headquarters on September 09, 2024 in Cupertino, California. Apple held an event to showcase the new iPhone 16, Airpods and Apple Watch models. (Photo by) People don't just buy products, they endorse them. And when they really love something, they talk about it. They post, tweet, share, and tag. That's the difference between a transaction and a movement. The best leaders don't leave that to chance. They design brands that people feel proud to be part of. Here's how they do it. People don't just share what works—they share what says something about who they are. That's why brands like Patagonia inspire loyalty. When someone wears a Patagonia jacket, they're not just staying warm, they're signaling values: sustainability, simplicity, and responsibility. The product becomes part of their identity. Smart leaders ask: What does using our product say about the person using it? Give people a role, and they'll take ownership. LEGO and IKEA have mastered this. With user-generated kits, design contests, and community platforms, the brand turned customers into contributors. It's not just about buying bricks, it's about building something bigger. When people create with you, they share it. And that drives connection. People don't want punch cards. They want purpose. Gabai Parfum built a massive customer base not by shouting at customers but by listening to them. The brand crowdsourced product names, and even scent. Fans became insiders. And insiders tell other people. Loyalty grows when customers feel seen. Your product solves a problem. But your brand should create a moment. Sweetgreen isn't just a salad shop. It's an experience, modern, intentional, even aspirational. Everything from the mobile app to the store playlist is designed to feel fresh. The product fuels the body. The vibe fuels the story. When people enjoy the experience, they don't just return, they talk about it. Your loudest champions aren't always your biggest spenders. Gymshark, for example, exploded thanks to micro-influencers and everyday fans. The brand celebrated mentions, reposted user photos, and built a culture where every share mattered. The result? Advocacy became part of the brand's operating system. Your story is only as strong as your values. Brands like Ben & Jerry's don't shy away from causes. They lead with beliefs and back them with action. That clarity earns trust. And trust turns customers into ambassadors. In a skeptical world, authenticity isn't optional, it's your advantage. If your brand feels like wallpaper, no one's going to talk about it. But if it feels like something to believe in, wear proudly, or share with pride, that's when momentum kicks in. Great leaders understand that people want to be part of something bigger. When you build a brand that reflects who they are (or who they want to be), they don't just stick around. They bring others with them. .
Metro
25-05-2025
- Metro
Man rescued after being trapped under an armrest while looking for his Airpod
A man got stuck under a train armrest for 90 minutes while searching for his headphones. The passenger, whose name hasn't been released, was rummaging for his headphones when he became stuck between the seat and the train's side panel. His arm swelled up as he tried to free himself while the train stood at a platform. He was rescued with the help of a heavy hydraulic rescue device which sawed through the armrest. Fire crews also removed a luggage rack and a seat in order to free the trapped passenger, Bild reported. The man's Airpods were also found in between the seat after he was rescued. Eleven firefighters attended the scene in two emergency vehicles, alongside police. The platform was cordoned off while they carried out the rescue. The man was then treated at the scene by emergency services. The incident occurred on a German Westfalenbahn service at Lehrte station near Hannover, Lower Saxony. Onlookers attempted to film the emergency, to the extent that a gold screen was draped over the train window to block out the cameras. More Trending Other passengers travelling to Brunswick on Friday evening were directed onto a replacement service. It's not the first time a person has become trapped in a seat while on a train. A commuter's head became stuck in a metal armrest in Argentina after falling asleep across two seats. He later woke up to find he was unable to wriggle his head free, and also needed rescuing after getting stuck. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: South Western Railway nationalised to 'cut delays and cancellations' – but first service is a bus MORE: Extortionate train fares make it impossible to visit family – so I don't MORE: Multiple people fighting for their lives after knife rampage at Hamburg rail station
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The 46 Best Gifts for New Dads (Other Than the Ability to Sleep In)
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here. You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Read the original article on Purewow. Long gone are the nights of post-work happy hours and getaways taken at a moment's notice. Now it's all about tummy time and sleep schedules (that somehow never coincide with his own). Whether you're shopping for Father's Day for one guy or for a pair of dads heading a family, June 15 is an opportunity to say to the new dad: We got you, fella. Parenting is no walk in the park (which is why moms also need a gift just for them), so we say gift the new dad or dads in your world something to make life a little easier—whether it's baby-related or not. New dads celebrating Father's Day will likely appreciate two categories of gifts: sweet, personalized presents that commemorate their journey into fatherhood so far, or functional gifts that can help make their lives easier. What's best for the new dad in your life will totally depend on their personality and taste. There's a good blend of both on this list. Some of my (and other editors') favorite practical Father's Day gifts include this pair of noise-cancelling Airpods from Apple or this beloved massage gun from Therabody. If you're looking to go down the route of sentimental keepsakes, we're obsessed with this tiny Framebridge keepsake, but also these silly photo socks from Etsy, guaranteed to become a favorite for new dads. So show him that every day is Father's Day: Here are 46 gifts that new fathers will appreciate…possibly even more than that extra hour of sleep. In my quest to find the very best gifts for new dads, I didn't put just anything on the list. In order to make it, I took the following criteria into account: Dad-Approved Finds: In our opinion, the best gift recommendations come straight from the source—this applies to dad gifts just like it would mom. Great Customer Ratings: Items and brands had to have glowing reviews from buyers. Variety: We ensured to include a diverse mix of presents that any dad could appreciate, ranging from the stylish pops to the one in desperate need of some relaxation Budget: Like our variety in gifts, we kept cost in mind, too. Everyone has a different budget, so our suggested presents start from as low as $3. Dermalogica All those late nights and early starts mean dad will be needing a lot of coffee in the morning, plus some beauty products to keep him from looking like a zombie. This eye gel is a triple threat tackling puffiness, fine lines and fatigue. 'My husband likes to joke that he didn't have a single gray hair until the kids came along... and I'd argue that the same could be said for those under-eye circles!' says PureWow executive editor and mom-of-three, Alexia Dellner. She's gifting her spouse this top-rated gel so that 'he can look like he got a full night's if he only clocked in a few hours.' $59 at Dermstore Apple If there's one thing I have first-hand experience with, it's that if you have to hold a newborn to get them to sleep, the very least you can do for yourself is have some great content queued up on your phone. Still, you'll need headphones to enjoy it quietly, which is where these Bluetooth-connected Airpods come in. One of our favorite features is the noise cancellation—coupled with conversation awareness, dad will relish the fact that his headphones help him stay on alert and adjust should the baby cry. $250 at Best Buy YETI Babies: They have the uncanny ability to leave you feeling exhausted—and missing them the most the minute you're apart. Whether dad is still working from home or back at the office, he can show off all of his favorite newborn pics with this digital photo frame. Details we love about it: The sleek frame it comes encased in, but also the unlimited storage and ability to give anyone permission to add photos to the device, making for a sweet surprise when a new-to-him pic pops up. $199; $169 at Aura Amazon For the love of Pete, that darling baby of his won't sleep unless you're standing and rocking. But thanks to the six different massage 'hands' and 54 rotating nodes to help ease tension, soothing sore soles is a breeze, thanks to this foot massager, and will give dad something to look forward to when baby finally goes down for a nap. $38 at Amazon Crowd Cow What is Crowd Cow, you might be wondering? It's a service that combines quality, convenience and price to source meat exclusively from ethical farms (i.e. it's for the dad who cares deeply about the origin story of his meat). It's also for the dad who wants to pitch in by prioritizing home cooked meals. This cut of A5 Striploin Steak—from Kagoshima, Japan—will be a treat for him, but also the whole fam. $143; $119 at Crowd Cow If he has to bounce the baby, at least dad can do it while listening to the latest page-turner. After all, he's already lamenting the fact that he can't quite seem to keep up with his reading—this is the perfect offering. Plus, instead of scrolling Insta, he can scroll the bestseller list. Starts at $15/month Philomel Books A gift that doesn't break the bank: This book, by beloved children's book author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers, is about a father and daughter laying the foundations for their life together and using their own special tools to do so (a hammer, but also a beloved piggie!). The story is as breathtaking as the artwork and dad will treasure reading it aloud to all of his kids. Bonus points if you add an inscription at the beginning. $11 at amazon Cameo If you've never heard of Cameo before, here's a quick rundown: It's a platform where you can pay actors, comedians, athletes, reality stars and other celebs to make personalized videos for you or a loved one. Case in point: How great would it be to have someone like Brian Baumgartner (aka Kevin from The Office) pump him up about new parenthood? Lolz. From $3 at Cameo Therabody Massage guns are helpful for releasing tight knots found in muscles, regardless of whether they're caused by stress…or late night baby rocking. Theragun is one of the most popular massage gun brands, but the Pro version comes with a deep tissue treatment that will not only increase range of motion, it provides the benefits of a 15-minute massage in the span of just two minutes. What a gift. $499 at therabody Le Labo From the brand that brought us Santal 33, this new scent is an instant classic and something dad can wear to feel spiffed up post-diaper change. The fragrance combines notes of eucalyptus and cedarwood with labdanum, which is known for its leathery warmth. Add to that hints of musk and frankincense and it's as unique as it is lightweight. In other words, there's an easy elegance to be found that doesn't overpower, but still speaks to the dapper dad he is at the core. $107 at nordstrom Etsy This best-selling custom portrait from Etsy is a heartfelt and thoughtful way to honor his very first year being a dad. It's special and one-of-a-kind, but the best part? If you're late to organize for Father's Day this year, you can opt for the digital download that you'll receive within three days of ordering. $15 at Etsy Sleepy Jones The days are long, and the sleep cycles are short—such is newborn life. Help dad ease the midnight feedings by gifting him a pair of super luxe pajamas. This tailored set, made from a fine cotton fabric and featuring embroidered hounds, is something that will help him feel composed (not to mention comfy) for both night and day. 'I especially like that this set comes with pockets,' said one dad of a five-month-old. 'I could easily stash a pacifier, but also carry a diaper or pack of wet wipes for easy access on the fly.' $228 at Sleepy jones Artifact Uprising Never have we experienced more plug-and-play thoughtfulness: This templatized board book format from Artifact Uprising makes it a breeze to craft a heartfelt narrative that will make dad tear up whether it's a custom ABCs that pertains his new world, plus baby—or simply an 'All About Me' chronicle of your newborn's new life. (You can also write a book that's completely unique and up to 40 pages in length.) The quality is top notch; the fact that it's a forever keepsake that can be read on repeat is even better. (I'll add that I've been gifting one of these annually to my kid for seven years now.) $45 at artifact uprising VEJA This is a big moment for the Parisian-based brand: They're moving beyond sneakers and launching sandals—and this particular slip-on style is just what dad needs for summer stroller walks or anytime he needs to fly out the door. Available in six different colorways, the Etna is lightweight and sustainable, too, with the sandal's sole made from VEJA's signature Amazonian rubber while the colorful straps are made from organically traced leather sourced from farms in Rio Grande do Sul. $130 at farfetch Google Real talk for a sec: Dad isn't exactly attached to his phone. But now that parenthood requires 24/7 reachability, a smartwatch like this ensures he'll never miss a ping. What we love about this particular option is its oversized screen and ease at syncing with the range of Google tools he already uses. There's more: The Google Pixel Watch 3 can also track his sleep but, given the sleep-deprived stage of life he's in, he may want to pause that functionality…for now. $350 at best buy Amazon Babies don't care where or when they fall asleep in your arms. Enter: this comfy high-tech neck pillow that makes sitting up for two hours bearable. $69 at amazon lululemon He's up and at 'em, working hard to counter the dad bod cliché. These abrasion-resistant shorts—made from a sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric—are just what he needs to quite literally hit the ground running and power through. $78 at lululemon Rolli Picture this: It's the middle of the day and dad just needs a quick power nap. With the tap of a button on a remote control, these custom-fitted smart shades will lower, giving him the slumber pod he needs to catch some actual Zzzs. Even better, the entire family will benefit—baby, too. (Nap times are all but guaranteed to lengthen with properly installed blackout shades.) Starts at $521, Rolli Skylight Dad will love this—and mom will, too. For the new dad trying to grip on all the varying logistics (from daycare drop-off to nap routines), this digital calendar system might actually change his life. Add a Plus Plan (just $79 a year) and he'll have the ability to forward any email with calendar details and it will be automatically imported. (Recipes, too!) I experienced this one first-hand and it is now the hub that runs our life—and displays a rotation of our favorite family photos when not in use. $280 at skylight Brooklinen Naps are hard to come by when you're tending to a newborn, but if there's any chance of 'sleeping when the baby sleeps,' you want to be sure your bedding is best in class. Enter this ultra-soft (and delightfully neutral) quilt, created as part of a collab with Brooklyn artist and textile maker, Caroline Z. Hurley. It's airy and pillow-like, but also serves as a cozy backdrop for cuddling baby—a double win. $359 at brooklinen Monday As of late, he's a bit too zonked to drink, which is why dad is testing the waters with alcohol-free booze. This particular gin is bold and juniper forward, but it's also got hints on bitter lemon, grapefruit and coriander. Suggest that he subs it in any time the recipe calls for London Dry Gin and he won't be disappointed. $40 at monday Amazon Much like his coffee that always goes lukewarm, the ice in his whiskey melts before he gets a chance to drink it. But these molds create giant ice spheres that melt slower and will keep his beverage frosty on nights when baby bedtime takes a bit longer. $10 at amazon Urban Outfitters Moms are on deck for the bulk of the wake-ups—this we know. But if dad is going to pitch in and help with baby in the middle of the night, the WiFi-enabled Loftie lamp will definitely set him up for success. Yes, it's an alarm clock first, offering joyful sunrise alarms and restful sunset dimming, but it doubles as a reading light and also general ambiance provider. (It even offers light-guided breathwork sessions, which can help counter moments of parental overwhelm.) $450 at urban outfitters Nike Dad sneaks? Not in this house. We mentioned before that he's trying to get back into running and these are just the ticket, providing responsive cushioning and full-length, superlight ZoomX foam to help him maintain his performance while getting a high level of energy return, too. He'll especially love the seamless fit, thanks to the flyknit material that conforms gently to his foot. $180 at nike Altec Sturdy enough for curious baby hands and powerful enough for playing 'Baby Shark' on repeat…all day long. Seriously—the battery lasts 20 hours on a single charge. Dad will love it. $150 at Amazon Anker This power bank fits easily into the diaper bag and comes with both a USB-C and Micro USB charging port. Perfect for him because his phone always seems to die right before capturing that little gummy grin. $26 at AmazoN Camp Snap Takes unlimited digital pics, minus the viewfinder, so dad won't know the results of his artistry until he plugs the camera into his laptop to take a look. Why it's great: The quality is great, but it also allows him to stay in the moment, plus baby—the ultimate gift. $70 at Camp snap Bean Box Coffee that shows up right when he needs it most—feels like magic. When you sign up, you'll get to choose between whole bean and ground coffee, then specify dad's preferences from there (from flavor notes to whether he'd prefer espresso blends or decaf), so he gets exactly what he wants. Starts at $17 Glerups For the guy who's going to be on his feet all day (and all night), these slip-ons provide supreme comfort. Made from 100 percent wool with soft leather soles, they are easy to put on and off and come in 12 stylish shades. 'All of my babies have been very different,' says Dellner, 'but they have all at one point or another required extensive walking and rocking in order to fall asleep. These shoes are comfortable and supportive i.e., the ultimate dad shoe but with a very important twist—they're actually cool looking.' $100 at glerups Huhu He may already have a diaper bag, but—spoiler alert—most parents cycle through several before finding The One. Let's save him all that buying (and rebuying) with Huhu's Everyday Diaper Backpack. There's a space for everything: two external bottle pockets for easy access, four interior zippered mesh pockets, an adjustable divider inside, a clip-on external side pocket and two 'parent' pockets for stowing his sunglasses, wallet, keys or whatever he'd like to keep on hand. PureWow parent testers confirmed it can hold just about everything you need for a day out—no matter where you're headed—and that the padded straps are comfy, without digging in. $195 at huhu Amazon Whether he spends his summers on the beach or at sporting events galore, he'll love this collapsible tailgating table, complete with a mesh food basket, an insulated cooler and—perfect for his current phase of life—four cup holders, all sized to fit a bottle, too. $55 at amazon Etsy These personalized golf balls feature his kiddo's name and favorite color so he can always rep his favorite little one. starts at $34 Crosley Gift him a blast from the past with this funky turntable from Crosley Radio that doubles as a Bluetooth speaker and a functional record player. He can choose to either rock out to 33 ⅓, 45 or 78 RPM records or simply throw on his latest Spotify playlist—either way, he'll make music education a priority for his little one. $299 at nordstrom Dermstore Makeup does wonders for sleep-deprived mamas, but moisture has a similar effect on dads with visible signs of skin dehydration, which can make wrinkles a lot more pronounced. This anti-aging cream will help reverse those effects, delivering a potent combo of ingredients that help target collagen and glycation (a key factor of natural aging) decline. Of course, dad will love the opp for a decadent skincare routine, too. Our dad tester remarked: 'This cream felt like I was supercharging my skin's overall health in less than a minute.' The perfect potion when you're short on time. $185 at Dermstore Framebridge A dad's love for his newborn baby, beautifully documented for all to see: That's what this picture frame offers—not to mention gifting ease. Simply upload any pic from your iPhone or Instagram, choose your frame color and you're good to go. Framebridge will print, frame and deliver it to dad's door in a gorgeous gift box. Done and done. $55 at framebridge Wonderbly What beats a story written just for him? Not much. This sentimental offering will help preserve the many wonders that shape baby's lifelong personality and passions. The best part is they can read it aloud together. $37 at Wonderbly Amazon When sleep schedules are all thrown off, this light-blocking mask will make any afternoon feel like nighttime—the dream. $17 at amazon Best Buy Officially due out on June 5, but mark your iCal, because pre-orders will begin soon. The new design comes with a 4K resolution, but also re-imagined Joy-Con 2 controllers and a powerful new processor. Whether he lives for the nostalgia of Mario Bros. or he's dying to try out the newest Zelda game, the handheld Nintendo Switch is a fun gift for both hardcore gamers and ones who haven't played since Super Nintendo ruled the Earth. $450 at best buy Amazon Because on-the-go dads don't have time to remember where they left their wallet, keys or the baby's diaper bag. These handy little trackers stick directly to any device, making it easy to find via the Tile app. $45 at amazon Williams-Sonoma The second he pours a cup of coffee, the baby wakes up. This smart mug will keep that java nice and warm—down to the exact degree he likes it—even if an hour goes by before he has the chance to sit back down to enjoy it. $150 at williams-sonoma Ingrid+Isabel Ideal for the proud dad with a newborn, he'll never want to take this baseball cap off. In fact, he'll probably go on to purchase the matching babe hat for his little one, too. $28 at ingrid+Isabel Etsy For the dad with a sense of humor, these photos socks will give him the peek-a-boo (but also show-off) moment he's been looking for at the office. After all, there's no better conversation starter. STarts at $10 Levain Bakery Levain Bakery's New Parents Bundle includes a pack of four cookies (choose from a range of options), a bag of Canyon Coffee's bold and smooth Levain Blend and a too-cute onesie that reads 'freshly baked.' Gift it with a note that promises him there's zero pressure to share. $65 at levain Best Buy He's all for anything that streamlines and makes his life easier at this point. Enter this iPad stand/keyboard that turns his tablet into a desktop in a snap. $299 at best buy Ray-Ban Dad may be tech-driven, but he's also pretty damn nostalgic. This pair of sunglasses delivers the best of both worlds, allowing him to capture the most beautiful interactions with baby in an instant sending real time pics and video straight to his phone. $346 at ray-ban Etsy He can always keep his little one's drawings close to home with this adorable leather bookmark. Once you place your order, you just send the seller a scan of your mini-Picasso's art. You can also type in a customized message, too. $25 at etsy The 94 Best Father's Day Gifts, from $10 to $979
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple, Dell, and Other Tech Stocks Surge on Tariff Exemptions
Tech stocks surged in premarket trading Monday, after President Donald Trump exempted smartphones, computers, and other consumer electronics from tariffs. JPMorgan analysts said the exemption would be "a big relief" for Apple, which makes most of its devices in China. Shares of Apple, as well as laptop maker Dell, rose in premarket trading on the temporary reprieve in (AAPL), Dell Technologies (DELL), and other tech stocks surged in premarket trading Monday, after President Donald Trump imposed a pause on import tariffs on many electronic goods. Smartphones, computers, and semiconductors have been exempted from Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs, according to updated guidance from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Friday, although Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Sunday suggested the carve-out would be temporary. JPMorgan analysts said the exemption would be "a big relief" for Apple, which makes most of its devices in China. They said they expect Apple "to significantly accelerate its diversification plans, including an initial focus on the assembly footprint." India now makes up around 15% of iPhone production, with Vietnam representing "a significant manufacturing center for Airpods and Watch, while still ramping on iPads and Macs," they said. Apple shares were up over 6% in premarket trading Monday, after leading Magnificent Stocks higher in Friday's session. They are, however, down by more than a fifth so far this year through Friday's close. Laptop maker Dell, which makes most of its products outside the U.S., saw its shares jump 7% in premarket trading Monday. JPMorgan analysts said in a separate note on retailer Best Buy (BBY), that they believe the pause in consumer electronics tariffs "is a clear indication of the importance of the products to the US consumer and the weight of large US companies" like Dell, Apple, and others. Shares of chipmakers including Nvidia (NVDA), Intel (INTC), Qualcomm (QCOM), and Broadcom (AVGO), gained as well. Read the original article on Investopedia
Telegraph
08-04-2025
- Telegraph
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: Are Apple's new running headphones worth the six-year wait?
This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service. What are the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2? It has been six years since Beats released the original Powerbeats Pro earphones. Designed for exercise, the earhook on the buds mean they stay secure whether you're running outdoors or lifting weights in the gym. While parent company Apple has produced new generations of Airpods and other Beats buds, Powerbeats fans have waited patiently for an update ‒ and now it's here, with six years of progress across design, stamina and functionality in one go. At £249.99, they're at the more expensive end of the running headphone market. Beats' previous bestselling sports earbuds, the Beats Fit Pros, have an RRP of £219.99 (although they're often discounted to much less), while the previous iteration of the Powerbeats tended to sit around £220. Powerbeats Pro 2 may look similar to the older model but they're smaller, lighter and have more charge (up to 10 hours on the buds alone). But the new features are the headline news; spatial audio provides more immersive sound while active noise cancellation (ANC) blocks out ambient noise. A new heart-rate sensor provides limited fitness tracking for the first time and a chip upgrade makes it easier to pair with iPhones. JUMP TO: Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. How we test running headphones Sound quality is usually the most important metric for testing headphones, but when it comes to earbuds designed for exercise, this factor takes a backseat against the importance of comfort, durability, water resistance and battery life. It may sound sacrilegious to audiophiles, but when you're pounding the streets or playing sports, hearing every note of a song with perfect clarity becomes less important than knowing your earphones will stay put and go the distance with you, whatever the weather. Naturally, the best way to test these earbuds is to wear them repeatedly while exercising, ensuring they perform well over a number of long-distance runs and draining gym visits, as well as additional walks to wear the battery down. While I am, I have to concede, a slightly below-average runner, I do have persistence on my side with the 250 parkrun T-shirt to prove it. I've also been writing about technology for over a decade and have tested numerous audio products and running accessories in that time. Comfort and fit Score: 8/10 The buds use six built-in microphones to scan the fit and seal of your ears, adjusting acoustic frequencies on the fly, so it's important you choose the right ear tips to get the best sound quality. Five sizes are provided in the box and you can use the app to scan your ears to make sure you've got a good enough seal. They weigh an incredibly light 8.9g each (the originals are 11g) and the design means you just pop them into your ear canal and twist until the hook sits behind your ear, making it stay firmly in place. They stayed put no matter how much my head moved during a run, but the hook created a dull throb after extended use, making them less comfortable than plain earbuds overall. The fixed positioning means it's easier to use the on-bud controls, which include a small volume rocker and a tactile Beats logo that controls noise cancellation and playback. They can even be pressed by leaning into your shoulder in a pinch. Battery life Score: 10/10 Testing battery life on the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 proved difficult for the best possible reason: it's incredibly good. Apple claims that you can expect up to ten hours from the earbuds with noise cancellation off and up to 45 hours when you include the charging case. That made draining the battery from exercise alone tricky for someone with commitments beyond the gym, and I wore them non-stop one day to test their longevity. The left bud only gave up after playing music with a mixture of ANC and Transparency mode for nine hours and 21 minutes. The right bud lasted three minutes longer, safely proving that these heroic estimates are not mere marketing. Five minutes charging in the case got me up to 15 per cent, which hit 52 per cent after half an hour. The case has a USB-C charging port and can charge wirelessly. Sound quality Score: 9/10 Powerbeats Pro 2 provide excellent sound quality that is clear across the board, making for a good listen regardless of the music that motivates you most. Punchy bass sounds are prioritised to help you go that extra mile without overpowering the song or muddying the sound. As good as the sound quality is, however, the biggest upgrade is the addition of both Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode. ANC is highly effective at almost silencing the world around you and reducing road noise to a whisper, but it's the Transparency mode that's a potential literal lifesaver for runners. It lets ambient noise through the ANC so you can hear traffic and people around you without overpowering the music you're listening to. There is a trade-off, of course, and while it sounds rather natural, you will have to put up with the beat of your feet and the sounds of your breathing getting through. Water and sweat resistance Score: 7/10 Disappointingly the water resistance on the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the same level of protection as its predecessor. Both share the same IPX4 certification, which means they have been tested to withstand light rain and some sweat, but offer no guarantees if you're hit by a torrential downpour or they fall in a puddle. The 'X' in the Ingress Protection rating is important because it represents a device's ability to cope with dust and other small particles. The scoring is out of six and 'X' means it offers no protection or possibly hasn't been tested at all, as protection against solid objects larger than 50mm only gets a score of one. An IPX4 rating will be sufficient for most people but for those who relish running in the kind of awful conditions that would make regular mortals turn back, it could be an issue. If this applies to you, you may want to opt for a truly waterproof alternative like the JBL Reflect Aero TWS instead. Durability and performance Score: 9/10 As you'd hope for earphones that cost £250, the Powerbeats Pro 2 feel extremely well made and have shown zero signs of damage after multiple runs and walks. The ear hook design keeps the buds firmly in place, but in the unlikely event they did fall out or slip through your fingers while putting them back in their case, I am confident they would survive. I did a couple of test drops from my 6ft4 height and there was no damage at all, with the music continuing as if nothing had happened once back in my ears. And if you misplace them before putting them back in the base, you can make them play a loud sound via the iPhone's Find My tool or Android's Find My Beats app. The introduction of a heart-rate sensor is a nice addition but fitness enthusiasts who want to keep tabs on this will likely already have one of the best fitness trackers or a dedicated chest strap. If you're wearing an Apple Watch with the Powerbeats Pro 2, the former will be prioritised and the headphones only support a handful of apps, which awkwardly don't include Apple Fitness Plus or Strava. The feature worked with the Nike Run Club app however, clocking the same overall average heart rate as a dedicated MyZone chest strap. Crucially the Apple Watch got similarly close in another test, so you're unlikely to gain much by switching to Powerbeats Pro 2, unless your wrist-based wearable struggles to get an accurate read (darker skin, tattoos and hair have all been shown to potentially impact tracking in consumer wearables). Technical specifications If you're keen on the ear hook design but don't want to pay Apple prices, then the Shokz OpenFit is a good alternative and nearly half the price at £129.99. You lose noise cancellation for everything bar calls but gain dust protection on top of water resistance. Should you buy the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 headphones? The Powerbeats Pro 2 have been a long time coming, but they've most definitely been worth the wait. While Apple's other releases often offer incremental improvement thanks to an annual schedule, six years of change makes a huge difference here. The added noise cancellation and transparency mode alongside a new and improved design makes them an easy recommendation for fans of the originals. Yes, if: You want noise cancellation and transparency modes You want superior sound quality You need long battery life for longer runs You prefer over-ear headphones No, if: FAQs How do the Powerbeats Pro 2 compare to the original Powerbeats Pro? Given the six years between Powerbeats Pro and Powerbeats Pro 2, the new version has plenty of improvements. The headline upgrades include the introduction of active noise cancellation, spatial audio and a heart-rate sensor. But they're also lighter (8.7g vs 11g), packed with more microphones (six vs two), with much better battery life (up to 45 hours vs 24) and USB-C charging instead of Lightning. The 33 per cent smaller case can also be charged wirelessly for added convenience. Finally, they now have the same Apple H2 chip as AirPods Pro 2 for easy pairing with iPhones. What are the key new features of the Powerbeats Pro 2? The key new features are the introduction of active noise cancellation (ANC) and a heart-rate sensor for tracking exertion during exercise. How accurate is the heart rate monitoring feature? Compared to a dedicated chest strap, I found the Powerbeats Pro 2 heart rate sensor gave very similar readings overall, with the same average and maximum beats per minute (BPM) recorded. Over the course of the run, the two were usually within a few BPM of each other, albeit with the chest strap quicker to react to the sudden change of switching from walking to running, and vice versa. It's important to note that the Powerbeats Pro 2's heart rate sensor is only compatible with a limited number of exercise apps at launch, including Open, Nike Run Club, Peloton, Runna, Ladder and Slopers. Awkwardly, the list currently doesn't include Apple Fitness Plus, and there's another interesting quirk for those all-in on the Apple ecosystem. The company says that if you're wearing an Apple Watch and Powerbeats Pro 2, readings from the Apple Watch will be prioritised. How does the battery life compare to other wireless earbuds? The Powerbeats Pro 2's battery life is extremely impressive, with Apple claiming up to 10 hours in the buds themselves, and up to 45 hours when the case is included. Note that this drops to eight and 36 with noise cancellation and transparency disabled. Even then, Powerbeats Pro 2 compare pretty favourably to other gym-friendly buds. On our list of the best running headphones, only the Xiaomi Openwear Stereo runs that close with 7.5 hours per bud and 38.5 hours in the charging case with ANC turned off. Are the Powerbeats Pro 2 waterproof?
