Are you among the many Beats Pill fans who’ve lost track of which model they own? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! With multiple releases and revisions, it’s easy to get confused. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the key differences between Beats Pill models, helping you identify which one you have.
Beats Pill: A Brief History
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a brief look at the Beats Pill’s evolution. The first Beats Pill was released in 2012, designed to be a compact, portable, and stylish wireless speaker. Since then, Beats has released several iterations, each with its unique features and improvements.
The Original Beats Pill (2012)
The original Beats Pill was announced in October 2012, featuring a sleek, compact design and a rechargeable battery that provided up to 7 hours of playback. It was available in three colors: black, white, and red. The device supported Bluetooth connectivity and could be paired with up to eight devices.
Design and Build
The original Beats Pill had a distinctive design, with a rounded, cylindrical shape and a flat top. It measured 1.9 inches tall, 6.5 inches wide, and weighed around 1.5 pounds. The device had a built-in microphone, allowing for hands-free phone calls, and a 3.5mm audio jack for wired connections.
Beats Pill 2.0 (2013)
Just a year after the original, Beats released the Pill 2.0, also known as the New Beats Pill. This updated model brought several significant improvements, including a longer battery life, improved sound quality, and a more durable design.
Upgraded Battery and Sound
The Pill 2.0 boasted up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge, a significant increase from the original’s 7 hours. Beats also improved the speaker’s sound quality, with deeper bass and clearer highs.
New Colors and Design
The Pill 2.0 introduced new color options, including metallic blue, metallic red, and titanium. The design remained largely unchanged, but the device was slightly heavier and larger than its predecessor.
Beats Pill XL (2013)
In addition to the Pill 2.0, Beats released the Pill XL, a larger, more powerful sibling. The Pill XL was designed for bigger sound and longer playback, making it a great option for those who wanted more oomph from their wireless speaker.
Bigger and Louder
The Pill XL boasted impressive specs, including up to 15 hours of playback and larger drivers for more powerful sound. The device was significantly larger than the standard Pill, measuring 3.8 inches tall and 12.4 inches wide.
Design and Build
The Pill XL maintained the same sleek design as the standard Pill, but with a more premium feel. It featured a sturdy metal grille and a larger, more prominent Beats logo.
Beats Pill+ (2015)
After Apple acquired Beats Electronics in 2014, the company released the Beats Pill+, which marked a significant departure from its predecessors. The Pill+ was designed to be more compact, lightweight, and feature-rich, with a focus on seamless integration with iOS devices.
New Design and Features
The Pill+ boasted a sleek, pill-shaped design with a smooth, rubberized exterior. It featured a USB-C charging port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a battery life of up to 12 hours. The device also introduced Near Field Communication (NFC) for easy pairing and a built-in microphone for Siri and Google Now support.
Improved Sound and Compatibility
The Pill+ delivered improved sound quality, with deeper bass and more detailed highs. It was also compatible with Apple’s W1 chip, making it easy to pair with iOS devices and enjoy seamless connectivity.
How to Identify Your Beats Pill Model
Now that we’ve covered the different Beats Pill models, let’s dive into the identification process. Follow these steps to determine which Beats Pill you own:
Check the Bottom
Turn your Beats Pill upside down and look for the model number, serial number, and other identifiers printed on the bottom. You can find the model number on a small label or engraved onto the device.
Compare with Official Documentation
Cross-check your model number with Beats’ official documentation or website to identify your specific model. You can also refer to the user manual or packaging that came with your device.
Look for Physical Characteristics
Inspect your Beats Pill’s design, color, and size. Compare it with the descriptions and images of the various models mentioned above. This can help you narrow down the possibilities.
Check the Charging Port
If your Beats Pill has a USB-C charging port, it’s likely a Pill+. The older models used a micro-USB port.
Check the Sound Quality and Battery Life
Play some music and pay attention to the sound quality and volume. If your device is producing loud, rich sound with deep bass, it might be a Pill XL or Pill+. Check the battery life by playing music continuously and noting how long it lasts.
Check Online Marketplaces
If you’re still unsure, search online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon for your model number or a description of your device. Look for reviews, product listings, and images to help identify your Beats Pill.
Conclusion
Identifying your Beats Pill model might seem overwhelming, but by following these steps, you’ll be able to determine which one you own. Remember to check the bottom of your device for the model number, compare it with official documentation, and examine the physical characteristics, charging port, sound quality, and battery life. With a little patience and detective work, you’ll be able to pinpoint your Beats Pill model and enjoy your music with confidence.
What is a Beats Pill and why do I need to identify it?
The Beats Pill is a portable Bluetooth speaker designed by Beats Electronics. It’s a compact, cylindrical device that allows users to stream music wirelessly from their devices. Identifying your Beats Pill model is essential to ensure you get the right accessories, firmware updates, and troubleshooting solutions. This identification process also helps you determine the speaker’s features, specifications, and capabilities.
Knowing your Beats Pill model enables you to make the most out of your device. You can explore compatible accessories, such as cases, chargers, and adapters, which are often model-specific. Moreover, identifying your Beats Pill model helps you stay updated with the latest software updates, which can improve performance, fix bugs, and add new features.
How do I find the model number of my Beats Pill?
The model number of your Beats Pill can be found on the device itself or on the packaging it came with. Check the bottom or back of your Beats Pill for a small label or engraving that includes the model number. It usually starts with “M” or “B” followed by a series of numbers and letters. If you no longer have the packaging, you can try checking the manufacturer’s website or contacting their customer support for assistance.
Make sure to note down the entire model number, including any suffixes or prefixes, as this information is crucial for identifying your Beats Pill model accurately. If you’re still having trouble finding the model number, consider consulting your user manual or online documentation for guidance.
What are the different Beats Pill models available?
Over the years, Beats Electronics has released several models of the Beats Pill, each with its unique features, designs, and improvements. Some of the most popular Beats Pill models include the original Beats Pill, Beats Pill 2.0, Beats Pill+, Beats Pill XL, and Beats Pill+. Each model has its own distinct characteristics, such as color options, battery life, and sound quality.
Knowing the different Beats Pill models available helps you understand the evolution of the product line and identify which model you own. This knowledge also enables you to compare features and specifications, making it easier to choose the right accessories or upgrade to a newer model if needed.
Can I still use my old Beats Pill with newer devices?
While newer devices and operating systems may have changed, your old Beats Pill can still be compatible with them. Most Beats Pill models support Bluetooth connectivity, which is a widely adopted technology across various devices and platforms. However, you might need to check the Bluetooth version and compatibility of your Beats Pill model with your newer device.
In some cases, you might need to update your Beats Pill’s firmware or reset the device to ensure seamless connectivity with your newer device. It’s essential to check the Beats Electronics website or consult with their customer support to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
How do I update my Beats Pill’s firmware?
Updating your Beats Pill’s firmware is a relatively simple process that can be done using a computer and the Beats Updater tool. First, download and install the Beats Updater software from the Beats Electronics website. Next, connect your Beats Pill to your computer using a USB cable and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
It’s essential to update your Beats Pill’s firmware regularly to ensure you get the latest features, improvements, and bug fixes. Firmware updates can also improve your speaker’s performance, stability, and compatibility with different devices and operating systems.
What if I’m still unsure about my Beats Pill model?
If you’re still unsure about your Beats Pill model, don’t worry! There are several resources available to help you identify your device. You can start by visiting the Beats Electronics website and consulting their support section, which often includes model identification guides and tutorials. You can also contact their customer support team directly, and they’ll be happy to assist you in identifying your Beats Pill model.
Additionally, you can try searching online for your specific Beats Pill model number or checking online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon, which often have product listings and reviews that can help you identify your device. By gathering more information and consulting with experts, you can accurately identify your Beats Pill model and get the most out of your device.
What’s the latest Beats Pill model available?
The latest Beats Pill model available is the Beats Pill+, which was released in 2015. The Beats Pill+ features a bigger sound, longer battery life, and a sleek, compact design. It’s available in several colors and comes with a range of accessories, including a charging cable, power adapter, and carrying case.
The Beats Pill+ is a significant upgrade from its predecessors, offering improved sound quality, longer battery life, and a more durable design. If you’re in the market for a new Beats Pill or looking to upgrade from an older model, the Beats Pill+ is definitely worth considering.