Apple has officially released its new Powerbeats 4 wireless earphones. The new earbuds offer up to 15 hours of battery life, “Hey, Siri” voice control, and automatic announcing of messages.
Apple launched the new Powerbeats 4 via its Beats audio subsidiary. The new earphones feature a slightly redesigned connection cable between the earbuds and include the Apple H1 chip, which provides access to “Hey, Siri” control for audio and other functions.
The redesigned connecting cable offers a minor redesign from Powerbeats 3, which makes the earbuds more convenient to wear. The cable now connects via the ear hook, rather than the earbuds themselves.
The new earphones’ H1 chip allows users to have their incoming text messages announced. Short messages will be read aloud. Siri will announce longer messages, but the user will need to ask to hear the entire message. Replies can be dictated through the Powerbeats 4.
Although the new earbuds are always on and listening for the “Hey. Siri” keyword, this doesn’t affect battery life, and the new earphones have up to 15 hours battery life, compared to the previous model’s 12 hours. They can be charged quickly, with a fully depleted pair of Powerbeats 4 gaining one hour of use from a five-minute charge.
Powerbeat 4 is now available for $149. Users who don’t mind using last-generation Powerbeat 3 can find the earphones for as low as $69.99.
The new headphones went on sale at Walmart a bit prematurely, over the weekend.
