Beats Pill x Pokemon review: peak portable audio with a splash of Pikachu's charm

appleinsider.com Oct 16, 2026

Beats Pill x Pokemon review: peak portable audio with a splash of Pikachu’s charm

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 16, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The 2024 Beats Pill has been relaunched with a USB‑C port, IP67 rating and a more rounded chassis. Beats partnered with the Pokémon franchise to release a limited‑edition gray speaker featuring Mimikyu on the grille and a full‑color Pikachu accent, plus a lanyard with Beats and Poké‑ball charms. Audio performance mirrors the standard Pill: upgraded tweeter delivers richer highs, while the bass‑heavy woofer remains powerful enough for outdoor use. Users can link two Pill units in Amplify Mode for stereo playback, though activation requires multiple button presses rather than an app. The collaboration adds only visual flair; the speaker’s sound quality, durability and portability stay consistent with the regular 2024 model. Collectors enjoy novelty, yet colorway restricts pairing for stereo.

💡 Why It Matters

· The tie‑in proves that branding can drive sales without enhancing core performance, turning a solid portable speaker into a must‑have for nostalgia‑hungry collectors.

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You might see audiobooks in YouTube Premium next year if all goes…

YouTube is reportedly preparing to add audiobooks to its Premium service, targeting a 2027 rollout for the ad‑free $16‑per‑month plan. The move, cited by a Wall Street Journal report and echoed by GSMArena, follows Google’s ongoing talks with publishers to secure licensed titles and replace the platform’s current AI‑generated, often pirated audiobook content, which accounts for roughly 45 % of YouTube’s audiobook listening. By integrating a legitimate catalog, YouTube would join competitors Spotify— which launched a paid audiobook tier in 2023— and Amazon’s Audible. The initiative remains unconfirmed by YouTube, and its success will depend on negotiating rights and delivering a user experience that rivals established services.

💡 Offering licensed audiobooks could transform YouTube from a piracy hotspot into a legitimate streaming hub, expanding its subscription value proposition and challenging entrenched audiobook platforms.

androidcentral.com · Oct 15

Your dusty Nest and Home speakers just got a surprise firmware lifeline

Google has released firmware version 3.79.550760 for its older Nest speakers, including the original Google Home, Home Mini, Nest Mini, and Nest Audio. The update is available through the Home Preview Program and aims to improve smart‑home integration and reliability. It does not cover the Home Max. Users can enroll via the Home app, after which the firmware installs automatically overnight. Google plans a broader rollout in the coming weeks, with an additional October update targeting Gemini and voice‑control features.

💡 The update extends the life of legacy Nest devices, allowing users to keep functional smart speakers without purchasing new hardware. It demonstrates Google’s ongoing commitment to supporting older products amid rapid platform evolution.

appleinsider.com · Oct 15

Latest HomePods can output Mac system audio in compatible configurations

Apple announced the HomePod mini 2, featuring an updated S10 chip and new audio capabilities. The device can now serve as a system audio output for Macs equipped with Wi‑Fi 6E, mirroring the functionality of the second‑generation HomePod. Compatible Macs include 2023‑2024 MacBook Pro, Air, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro models. Users can pair a stereo HomePod or HomePod mini 2 pair to route all system sounds, including notifications, to the speakers. The feature will be managed in System Settings → Sound, pending macOS updates.

💡 This integration expands the HomePod ecosystem into everyday computing, offering a seamless, high‑quality audio experience for Mac users without additional hardware. It also positions Apple’s smart speakers as a primary audio solution for professional and home environments.

windowscentral.com · Oct 14

Elgato releases new Wave Go wireless microphone — here’s how it works

Elgato has unveiled its first wireless microphone, the Wave Go, priced at $99.99. The device features a convertible design that functions as a clip‑on mic or a handheld interview mic, both connected to a phone via a USB‑C receiver. It offers studio‑level audio with automatic EQ, gain, and noise cancellation, and can run up to eight hours on a single charge, extending to 48 hours with its Smart Handle. The mic integrates with Elgato’s free Wave Link software for routing and effects.

💡 By combining portability with professional‑grade sound, the Wave Go lowers the barrier for creators to produce high‑quality audio on the go, potentially reshaping how livestreamers and podcasters manage field recordings.

appleinsider.com · Oct 14

Beats x Pokemon collaboration reveal Beats Pill with Pikachu and Mimikyu art

Beats by Dre, an Apple subsidiary, has released a limited‑edition Beats Pill speaker featuring Pikachu and Mimikyu artwork on the grill and custom packaging that displays the Pokémon’s ears. The gray speaker, priced at $149, retains standard Beats Pill specs: 24‑hour battery, IP67 resistance, and lossless USB‑C audio. The launch coincides with a new charms set for the lanyard, including a Pokéball, lightning bolt, and Beats “b” logo. Availability begins October 15 at Apple Stores and Target.

💡 The collaboration taps a massive fan base, turning a popular audio device into a collectible that blends tech and pop culture, potentially boosting sales and brand visibility.

9to5google.com · Oct 14

Nothing’s CMF launches new wireless speakers that look like milk cartons

Nothing’s CMF brand has introduced its first wireless speakers, the CMF Speaker S and CMF Speaker M, both styled like milk cartons. The S delivers 10 W output, 18‑hour battery life, and supports Google Fast Pair, stereo pairing, and party mode. The M adds a 25 W woofer, 10 W tweeter, and IP68 water resistance for outdoor use. Both use NFC pairing, the Nothing X app, and feature a customizable multi‑function knob. Prices start at $59 for the S and $109 for the M, available immediately.

💡 The milk‑carton design signals Nothing’s push into affordable, distinctive audio hardware, expanding its ecosystem beyond earbuds. This move could reshape how consumers perceive value and style in portable speakers.