Beats’ Tablet (2024) does not function AirPlay 2

2024 marks a giant 12 months for Beats: the resurrection of its beforehand discontinued Beats Pill. Launched in 2013, refreshed in 2015, and discontinued in 2022, the Beats Tablet has at all times been an fascinating product to me. Being an Apple fanatic, the Beats Tablet felt just like the transportable speaker I ought to wish to use. My problem with the Beats Tablet on the time was that it was an overpriced Bluetooth speaker with less-than-stellar sound. So, I wasn’t stunned when Apple discontinued it — I actually wasn’t inserting any bets that it’d be introduced again.

In spite of everything, the Bluetooth speaker market is fairly saturated with extra rivals than I can rely. Apple is rarely probably the most feature-rich or price-competitive with its merchandise, however it does get pleasure from 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 Tablet, my curiosity peaked. Would this lastly be the transportable Apple speaker of my desires? Would Apple have one thing fascinating, recent, or aggressive to supply?

Beats’ “dedication” to AirPlay

It by no means confirmed up

Pocket-lint

There’s actually just one factor I wished to see from a brand new Beats Tablet — AirPlay 2. Apple introduced AirPlay 2 in 2018 alongside the HomePod as an improved method to stream media from Apple gadgets to appropriate companion equipment. A large advantage of AirPlay 2 is multi-device output, which permits the choice of a number of audio targets from one gadget. Throughout WWDC 2017, 14 firm logos had 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. Just like next-generation CarPlay, typically partnerships fizzle out, and merchandise don’t come to market. But, Beats isn’t a conventional companion; 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 transportable, 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 Middle, and higher audio high quality.

As an individual who fairly likes his HomePods, I’d’ve jumped at a transportable Beats speaker with AirPlay 2, so I assumed a brand new Beats Tablet is likely to be the long-overdue dedicated speaker. Sadly, that is not the case.

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Apple AirPlay 2 vs AirPlay: Differences and perks explained

AirPlay 2 improves upon Apple’s unique AirPlay, together with multi-room audio, listening to completely different songs on completely different audio system, and extra.

Sonos is healthier at supporting Apple’s options than Apple

The Sonos Transfer and Roam kick the Tablet’s butt

Sonos / Pocket-lint

Humorous sufficient, Sonos wasn’t even one of many companion firms introduced on stage with Beats and Libratone. Nonetheless, the audio-focused firm helps AirPlay 2 throughout its lineup. Two Sonos audio system that notably caught my curiosity are the Sonos Move and Sonos Roam. Whereas the Beats Tablet 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, after all, 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 the whole lot the Beats Tablet does or extra, together with AirPlay 2. Sonos is making the whole lot that the Beats Tablet 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 Tablet is a superb speaker, if you happen to’re invested within the Apple ecosystem and might afford it, think about an choice from Sonos or Libratone that gives a extra versatile function set.

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After trying the Sonos Roam 2, I’ll never need another wireless speaker

From the wonderful sound high quality to its ultra-portable weight and dimension, Sonos’ Roam 2 is really one of the spectacular audio system I’ve ever used.