Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) has completely overhauled its wireless earbuds, introducing a new design for improved comfort, high-res and lossless audio quality, enhanced battery life on a single charge, and the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously. The flagship model, Pi8, will be released on August 21 for $399, followed by the midrange Pi6 in early September for $249. Both models will be offered in a selection of four colors.
B&W conducted an extensive research project on the diversity of human ear shapes across genders and ethnicities to inspire the new earbud design. The outcome is a shape that offers exceptional comfort, fit, and noise cancellation. The charging cases have also been redesigned to be slimmer.
Both Pi6 and Pi8 feature Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec, capable of transmitting high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz with compatible smartphones. The Pi8 also supports aptX Lossless, a CD-quality codec that requires a smartphone with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound platform.
The internal hardware of the new earbuds has been significantly upgraded. The Pi6 features new 12mm bio-cellulose drivers for premium audio quality, while the Pi8 is equipped with 12mm drivers utilizing B&W’s Carbon Cone technology, similar to the Px8 over-ear headphones. These drivers are supported by dedicated digital signal processing (DSP), digital-to-analog conversion (DAC), and amplification.
Both Pi6 and Pi8 maintain IP54 protection against dust and water, with improved battery life. The Pi6 now offers 8 hours of ANC listening on a single charge, with a total of 24 hours including the case. The Pi8 provides 6.5 hours of usage on a charge and 20 hours total with the case, along with fast-charging support.
The addition of Bluetooth Multipoint allows simultaneous connection to two devices, a feature absent in previous models. B&W also promises Google Fast Pair through a future firmware update.
For those not interested in the new models, discounted prices are available for previous models like the Pi7 S2 for $259 and the Pi5 S2 for just $129.
