From The Verge: Beats just announced the $249 Powerbeats Pro 2, the long-awaited sequel to a pair of fitness earbuds released way back in 2019. The new model retains the ear hook design that’s synonymous with the Powerbeats line, but the buds are significantly smaller and 20 percent lighter than their predecessors. The charging case has also been scaled down by 33 percent and now supports Qi wireless charging along with USB-C. But the biggest new feature of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is heart-rate monitoring for workouts. It’s been rumored that Apple eventually wants to bring similar functionality to the AirPods, so this could be a preview of that.
Both earbuds contain LED optical sensors that pulse “over 100 times per second to measure blood flow,” according to Beats’ press release. An algorithm takes in the data from both earbuds and parses it for the most accurate reading, which then gets relayed to compatible fitness apps including Nike Run Club, Peloton, Open, and more. Heart rate data can also be reviewed later in the Apple Health app. (For those who wear an Apple Watch, its heart-rate readings will always be prioritized over those from the Powerbeats Pro 2.)
If you’re using a supported app on iOS, heart-rate monitoring starts and stops automatically. But Android users will have to manually activate it through the Beats app or by double-pressing and holding the button on either bud. Since a good seal is important for the heart-rate functionality, Beats now includes five sets of ear tips in the box, including extra small and extra large sizes.
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