NFC Expert Equipment
Traditionally for Beats products, Pill comes in a large box, which in itself can be considered a work of art. There is a cardboard box under the white cover with a photo of the column. The unpacking process is similar to parsing a doll.
As soon as you open the box, all the attention is captured, packed in a plastic blister, like a huge capsule with a medicinal potion, an audio system hidden in a protective cover.
The case is made of Kevlar, so it is incredibly durable. So, it will reliably protect the column. A special eyelet is designed for a carabiner, thanks to which you can hook the cover on a belt or backpack harness. Despite the fact that the case tightly fits the column, it will fit all the necessary cables.
In the front compartment, behind the quick start guide, there are compactly packaged microUSB and AUX cables, 1.2 meters long. And below them, in a small niche, an oval aluminum carabiner for a case is packed. In the box next to it, there is a branded power supply with a USB connector, which can be used to charge the battery not only of Pill, but also of any other mobile devices.
Design
The solid body of the speaker is made of plastic with a soft-touch coating, and the speakers are protected by metal grilles.
And on the bottom panel there is a rubber pad, which provides good stability, prevents slipping and reduces vibrations if the speaker is on the table. The device weighs almost 310 g, and the diameter does not exceed 4.5 cm.
The center strip features a white backlit multi-function button stylized as the Beats logo, with a barely visible microphone hole below it, and a pair of glossy volume controls and an NFC contact area icon at the top. In the same row with the power button there is a microUSB connector for charging, a Bluetooth indicator and two 3.5 mm slots for connecting devices via wire.
Classic Beats Pill colors: black, white and red. Limited versions are presented in bright blue – Neon Blue and youth hot pink – Neon Pink. In addition, the model range includes Pill Nicki Pink in a more discreet pink color, which is sure to please not only Nicki Minaj fans, but also stereotypical strawberry blondes.
Functionality
In addition to portability, Beats Pill has a lot of other positive qualities. For example, when turned on and off, the speaker plays “welcome” and “farewell” melodies that leave no doubt about the state of the device.
The built-in Bluetooth module allows you to output sound from any mobile device from a distance and without wires. To do this, you need to enable this technology on your device, hold down the Beats key on the front panel of the speaker for pairing for a few seconds. In this case, the indicator on the back side will flash blue.
In addition to playback, the speaker can be used as a speaker during calls when connected to a smartphone. And the built-in microphone in Pill will allow you to talk without taking your mobile out of your pocket. To answer and end a call, the same multifunctional round button is used.
The built-in NFC-module will make the process of the first connection incredibly easy, because for this it will be enough just to bring your smartphone or tablet to the mark on the top panel.
One of the two 3.5 mm jacks allows you to connect absolutely any device to play music. And the second output connector allows you to transmit sound to another speaker or audio system. For example, you have old but solid computer speakers. You can connect to Pill via Bluetooth, and from it transmit sound to these same speakers and calmly move around the house with your smartphone or tablet, enjoying the music.
The built-in battery is charged via a regular microUSB connector equipped with a backlight. We don’t have data on the battery capacity, but it is enough for continuous audio playback for 7 hours.
Sound
The total power of 4 speakers with a diameter of 1″ is 12W! A small Pill is enough to fill a medium-sized room with sound! There are two speakers for the right and left channels, so the stereo effect is well felt and the sound is very voluminous.
Not only high frequencies, but also low frequencies are perfectly reproduced. The bass is just over the top in places. However, it cannot be said that the speaker sounds equally good for different styles of music. In addition, it is sensitive to even the slightest changes in the equalizer.
Beats Pill supports aptX technology, which ensures that the sound quality does not degrade even when connected via Bluetooth instead of wired.
Impressions
Beats by Dr. Dre has fulfilled all of our wildest wishes for a portable wireless speaker. Pill is lightweight and compact, has 12 watts of power, spacious and incredibly high-quality sound. At the same time, the built-in microphone allows you to answer calls, while Bluetooth and NFC modules make it easy to connect and eliminate the need to leave your smartphone in one place near the speaker.
FEATURES
• Catchy design •
• Compact body •
• Great sound quality •
• Bluetooth •
• NFC •
• Carry case •
• Support for aptX codec •
SPECIFICATIONS
- Model Beats By Dr. Dre Pill Neon Blue
- Dimensions 19 x 4.5 cm
- Weight 310 g
- Output power 12 W
- Speakers 4, 1″
- Mains powered, built-in battery
- Interfaces microUSB, Bluetooth, NFC, 2 x AUX (input and output)
- Optional transport case, carabiner, 1.2 m AUX cable, microUSB-USB, charger