Beats’ Capsule (2024) does not function AirPlay 2

2024 marks an enormous yr for Beats: the resurrection of its beforehand discontinued Beats Pill. Launched in 2013, refreshed in 2015, and discontinued in 2022, the Beats Capsule has at all times been an fascinating product to me. Being an Apple fanatic, the Beats Capsule felt just like the moveable speaker I ought to need to use. My problem with the Beats Capsule on the time was that it was an overpriced Bluetooth speaker with less-than-stellar sound. So, I wasn’t shocked when Apple discontinued it — I definitely wasn’t inserting any bets that it’d be introduced again.

In any case, the Bluetooth speaker market is fairly saturated with extra rivals than I can depend. Apple isn’t essentially the most feature-rich or price-competitive with its merchandise, nevertheless it does take pleasure in working in markets the place it has one thing distinctive to supply. So, as soon as rumors began showing of Apple’s worst-kept secret, a brand new Beats Capsule, my curiosity peaked. Would this lastly be the moveable Apple speaker of my desires? Would Apple have one thing fascinating, recent, or aggressive to supply?

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The Beats Capsule makes its 2024 comeback loud and clear.

Beats’ “dedication” to AirPlay

It by no means confirmed up

Pocket-lint

There’s actually just one factor I needed to see from a brand new Beats Capsule — AirPlay 2. Apple introduced AirPlay 2 in 2018 alongside the HomePod as an improved option to stream media from Apple units to suitable accomplice equipment. A large advantage of AirPlay 2 is multi-device output, which permits the number of a number of audio targets from one machine. Throughout WWDC 2017, 14 firm logos have been proven on stage as dedicated companions for AirPlay 2; one was Beats. Nonetheless, in 2024, a Beats speaker with AirPlay 2 has by no means materialized. Much like next-generation CarPlay, generally partnerships fizzle out, and merchandise don’t come to market. But, Beats isn’t a standard accomplice; it’s an Apple subsidiary.

One firm proven on stage that did ship an AirPlay 2 speaker was Libratone. The Libratone ZIPP is a reasonably good speaker. I usually used it as a conveyable, battery-powered AirPlay 2 speaker–and it was nice. In comparison with AirPlay, Bluetooth sucks, and the Libratone ZIPP bolstered that perception. AirPlay 2 permits for HomeKit automations, simpler connection through Management Heart, and higher audio high quality.

As an individual who fairly likes his HomePods, I’d’ve jumped at a conveyable Beats speaker with AirPlay 2, so I believed a brand new Beats Capsule is perhaps the long-overdue dedicated speaker. Sadly, that is not the case.

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Sonos is healthier at supporting Apple’s options than Apple

The Sonos Transfer and Roam kick the Capsule’s butt

Sonos / Pocket-lint

Humorous sufficient, Sonos wasn’t even one of many accomplice corporations introduced on stage with Beats and Libratone. Nonetheless, the audio-focused firm helps AirPlay 2 throughout its lineup. Two Sonos audio system that significantly caught my curiosity are the Sonos Move and Sonos Roam. Whereas the Beats Capsule is $149, helps line-in through USB-C, has IP67 water resistance, and 24-hours of battery, the Sonos Roam is $179 with no line-in, the identical IP67 water resistance, 10-hours of battery, and, in fact, AirPlay.

For $449, the Sonos Transfer is an much more highly effective speaker with USB-C line-in assist, IP56 water resistance, 24-hours of battery, and, once more, AirPlay.

These Sonos wi-fi audio system supply nearly every part the Beats Capsule does or extra, together with AirPlay 2. Sonos is making every part that the Beats Capsule needs to be, granted at the next worth level. That’s humorous, contemplating Apple is often the corporate charging exorbitant costs for area of interest, ecosystem-specific options. Whereas the brand new Beats Capsule is a good speaker, in the event you’re invested within the Apple ecosystem and might afford it, contemplate an choice from Sonos or Libratone that gives a extra versatile function set.

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