Bowers & Wilkins Unveils Premium Headphones: Pi6 and Pi8

Bowers & Wilkins, a renowned British audio equipment manufacturer, has recently introduced two new wireless headphones, Pi6 and Pi8, designed to cater to the premium market. The company’s flagship model, Pi8, will be available at a price point of $1,750, while the Pi6 model will be sold for $1,150.

Redefining Design

In a comprehensive research effort, Bowers & Wilkins studied the variations in ear shapes among different genders and ethnicities. This research led to a significant redesign of their headphones, addressing issues encountered in previous models. The new design optimizes antenna positioning and microphone placement within the earcup, minimizing the likelihood of unintended signal disruptions. Furthermore, an advanced infrared proximity sensor enhances wear detection and responsiveness.

The headphones support simultaneous connections to two devices, such as a laptop and smartphone, via upgraded Bluetooth antennas. They also support the Made For iPhone standard, ensuring seamless integration with iOS devices, and will soon offer Google Fast Pair compatibility for Android devices.

Smart Carrying Case

The Pi8 model comes with an innovative carrying case that incorporates wireless charging and audio transmission capabilities. This feature allows users to transmit audio from in-flight entertainment systems or gym equipment directly to their headphones. The case also supports the aptX Adaptive codec for enhanced audio quality.

Noise-Cancelling Technology

Both Pi6 and Pi8 models feature microphones that reject external noise during voice calls. The Pi6 model utilizes the noise-cancelling platform from the Pi7 S2 model, while the Pi8 incorporates the advanced noise filtering technology found in the flagship Px8 series Rainbow headphones. This technology includes a proprietary algorithm developed by Bowers & Wilkins to improve noise filtering capabilities.

Audio Quality

The headphones boast new 12mm drivers, with the Pi8 model featuring a Carbon Cone driver made of laminated carbon fiber, allowing for higher-quality sound with reduced distortion. The Pi6 model uses a Bio-Cellulose type driver, composed of biological fibers that provide high-quality sound. Both models support aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs for listeners of high-quality streaming services.

Battery Life

The Pi8 model offers 6.5 hours of playback with ANC enabled, and an additional 13.5 hours from the carrying case, totaling 20 hours. The Pi6 model provides up to 8 hours of playback and an additional 16 hours from the carrying case, totaling 24 hours. Both models feature fast charging, with 15 minutes of charging providing energy for two hours of use.

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 and Pi8 headphones

Wireless headphones with advanced noise-cancelling technology

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 headphones with smart carrying case

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 headphones with Bio-Cellulose type driver

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 headphones with Carbon Cone driver

‘The new design also repositions the antennas and microphones inside the earcup to eliminate the possibility of unintentionally blocking wireless or audio signals, while a new infrared proximity sensor provides more reliable and responsive wear sensing.’ - Bowers & Wilkins

Wireless headphones with advanced infrared proximity sensor

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 and Pi8 headphones with simultaneous connections to two devices

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 headphones with smart carrying case and wireless audio transmission

‘The headphones support connection to two devices at the same time (for example, a laptop and a smartphone) using upgraded Bluetooth antennas, they support the Made For iPhone standard that ensures a smooth connection with iOS devices and there is also support for Google Fast Pair for Android devices which will come later.’ - Bowers & Wilkins

Wireless headphones with advanced noise-cancelling technology and simultaneous connections

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 and Pi8 headphones with fast charging

‘Both models come with new 12mm drivers, with the Pi8 coming with a Carbon Cone driver (the speaker’s cone is made of laminated carbon fiber, which allows it to produce higher quality sounds with low distortion). The Pi6 model comes with a Bio-Cellulose type driver (the driver is made of biological fibers that make them thin and flexible that can provide high quality sound). Both support aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs for listeners of high-quality streaming services (Pi8 only).’ - Bowers & Wilkins

Wireless headphones with advanced drivers and aptX Adaptive codecs

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 and Pi8 headphones with advanced noise-cancelling technology and simultaneous connections

‘The battery time of the Pi8 including ANC is 6.5 hours and another 13.5 hours from the carrying case, a total of 20 hours. The Pi6 model provides up to 8 hours of playback and another 16 hours from the carrying case, a total of 24 hours. Both models include fast charging, 15 minutes of charging provide energy for two hours of work.’ - Bowers & Wilkins

Wireless headphones with advanced battery life and fast charging