Earlier this month we shared that Apple would soon begin allowing customers to try in-ear headphones at its retail stores. As we mentioned then, Demo Kits include six models of in-ear headphones, half of which are Beats-branded:
The following headphones are available to try out with Demo Kits (Apple’s prices listed, but linked to better prices at Amazon): RHA MA450i ($49.95), urBeats ($99.95), Beats Tour ($149.95), JayBird BlueBuds X ($169.95), PowerBeats 2 Wireless ($199.95), and the Bose QC20i ($299.95).
Japanese blog Macotakara has now shared an image of the Demo Kits including each headphone model reported before. The Demo Kits include replaceable ear tips for each customer that requests a try-on and alcohol wipes are available to keep the headphones clean between uses. This, of course, addresses the sanitation concerns that trying in-ear headphones presents while allowing customers to hear sound quality before spending $50 or $100 or more on a product. Apple has long made available demo units of on-ear and over-ear headphones at its retail stores including various models of Beats connected to iPhones and iPods.
Ahead of the Demo Kit introduction, Apple cited its own survey to employees that over half of their customers would prefer to try in-ear headphones before buying them. Notably absent from the kit is Apple’s own in-ear headphones, although its Apple Watch-compatbile PowerBeats 2 Wireless headphones are present.
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Looks very un-Apple. You would think that they would have a better cable management system to keep the cords looking neat.
This isn’t a display – This is the kit stored underneath the showcase or in one of the side storage cubbys where a sales rep can get out the pair to be tried on…This is obviously a closable box that needs to be pulled out when a demo is requested. There wouldn’t be a self-service tryout for buds – eww!
I frankly hope they use Purel or some cleaning fluids on those things between use.
They’re thrown out
“alcohol wipes are available to keep the headphones clean”
Amazing thing can happen when you taste cinnamon toast cr- I mean, when you read the article..
I’ve tried the Beats Wireless v2, and wrote a little review:
I’ll be returning these earphones, but not for the reason some might think.
This is the first time I’ve tried wireless earphones. While the prospect sounded nice, especially for me as a cyclist and the cable often is too short to go under my jersey and then back out at the bottom, into my pocket, wireless just isn’t for me.
The need to charge them over a micro USB, or whatever the plug is, it actually looks like proprietary, which becomes a problem when you loose the cable, and putting the plug in is no joy. It’s flimsy, only goes in one way, and, well, I’d rather have an inductive charging method. Simply come home, drop them on a plate or something and be done with it. That is why I like sport watches that automatically sync over ANT+ or WiFi when coming home. No need to plug in a USB cable.
My other annoyance with wireless is the lost connection. This happens quite frequent, as in a few times per hour. With my iPhone either around my waist when running, or in my jersey when cycling, it still drops the connection. It became annoying for me.
The sound on the other hand is good. It’s clear, though I was expecting way more bass as this was a key feature. But I think my ears are simply too wide, even with the largest earbuds they still didn’t snugly fit into my ears. Which is why 1) I’m missing out on the bass, and 2) I hear more wind coming into my ears than music while cycling, even with the wind in my back. I’m sure that they sound great, full bass, for people with smaller ears. The in-ear phones from Apple remain my preferred ones, as they not only sound good but fit perfectly with the largest earbuds.
Last thing: the 6 hours on a single charge isn’t enough for me. I’m a cyclist, and do 8, 10, sometimes 12 hour bike rides during summertime. My iPhone and GPS device last long enough, pity these phones don’t. But I’m weird, and I don’t think many people will think the 6 hour listening limit will limit them in enjoying these earphones from Beats. Because they are good, just not for me