In the spring of 2021, Bowers & Wilkins unveiled their first fully wireless earphones. In reality, at the time, it introduced two models: the Pi7 and the Pi5. Today, Bowers & Wilkins announced revised versions for both, which will bear the S2 branding, which the firm generally employs for retooled but not fully new items. While the Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2 have not been completely redesigned, both have received significant enhancements.
Both the Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2 now have a five-hour battery life. This is an increase from four hours on the Pi7 and Pi5. A 15-minute quick-charge function still provides two hours of usage, while the supplied cases provide an extra 16 hours of battery life for the Pi7 S2 and 19 hours of battery life for the Pi5 S2. Both continue to support wireless charging, while the Pi7 S2 casing has Wireless Audio Retransmission. The case, like the Pi7, may connect to an external audio source — such as in-flight entertainment — and wirelessly deliver music to the earphones. This isn’t a new function for Bowers & Wilkins earphones, but it’s useful. Bowers & Wilkins also claim that the antenna design on the Pi7 and Pi5 has been upgraded to boost Bluetooth range by up to 25 metres.
Audio quality is the main difference between the two versions. The Pi7 S2 supports aptX Adaptive streaming at 24-bit/48kHz from supported devices and services. 9.2mm balanced armature dynamic drivers are combined with Bowers & Wilkins’ digital signal processing technology for better audio quality than the Pi5’s CD-class sound and conventional aptX. The Pi7 S2 has one extra microphone per earphone, making it the preferred choice for phone conversations. While both include active noise cancellation (ANC), the Pi7 S2 features an adaptive configuration that analyses your surroundings and adjusts the audio as required for “the greatest possible, uninterrupted listening experience.”
The Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2 are now available, replacing the Pi7 and Pi5. The $399 Pi7 S2 is available in black, white, and dark blue, while the $299 Pi5 S2 is available in light grey, dark grey, and purple. The Pi5 S2 in green will be available later this spring.
