This review is for the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 S2 (Blue).TL;DR │ I have the original PI7. Like the PI7, These are frustrating to use in real-life — you can't practically use transparency (pass-through) mode⁽ⁿ⁰⁾. The touch controls are non-customizable with stupid functions.⁽ⁿ¹⁾ On the flip side, Bluetooth finally works⁽ⁿ²⁾, and these sound a bit louder⁽ⁿ³⁾. The battery is a little better as well, according to them.⁽ⁿ⁴⁾CONTENTS: Intro │ What I Like │ What I Don't Like │ Package │ Outro │ Notes │ Verdict- - - - -I've been using the PI7 (which I'll refer to as "S1") for quite a while. It's a good-sounding pair of earphones but it only worked in a vacuum. In the real world? Bluetooth drops, sound levels are low, and transparency mode takes 1 minute to activate. And why on earth would I need a dedicated, non-configurable [touch] button for a voice assistant? I bought these thinking they solved the frustrations I had.Sadly, not really. In my opinion, this should not have been an "S2". These are more of an... "S1.1" — it's just a tweak. An incomplete tweak with a fresh coat of paint. An update, not an upgrade. Kinda like a "refresh" and not a "redesign" (in automotive). This product feels like it's been designed in a vacuum.WHAT I LIKE │ + │+ IMO, the sound signature is still the best in class.+ Audio retransmission is actually useful.+ aptX Adaptive.+ Solid build on metallic parts.+ USB-C (yes, this is a big pro).+ Case supports wireless chargingVS. PI7 S1:++ Bluetooth finally works. But what a low bar this is.⁽ⁿ²⁾++ Sound is subjectively better and objectively louder.⁽ⁿ³⁾++ Tiny bit better battery, but almost insignificant.⁽ⁿ⁴⁾++ Uses the newer app.⁽ⁿ⁵⁾++ Better color choices. I like blue.++ Charging case is lighter.WHAT I DON'T LIKE │ × │× Expensive for something unpolished.× No ANC/transparency quick toggle.⁽ⁿ⁰⁾× Non-customizable functions.⁽ⁿ¹⁾× App issues.⁽ⁿ⁵⁾× This is the third B&W app I had to use.⁽ⁿ⁵⁾× Non-braided cables.× No LDAC.× Bluetooth 5.0? Really?VS. PI7 S1:×× Charging case feels cheaper.×× Case magnet is stronger; harder to take earbuds.×× All things considered, feels less premium.PACKAGE │ ✓ ✗ │✓ Bowers & Wilkins PI7 S2 earphones.✓ Silicone ear tips (S, M, L - color matched).✓ Charging case (color matched).✓ USB C to C cable.✓ USB C to 3.5mm TRS audio cable.✓ Printed materials.✓ Small box.✗ NO Foam TipsThink about this: I stopped using the PI7 in favor of a pair of Pixel Buds Pro (about AirPods Pro equivalent). Even with the S2, I'd likely still use the "cheaper" earbuds I have. I usually get really good-sounding headphones which is why I got the PI7. But it stinks to actually use it as a set of "wireless" earphones because it's hard to use, in practice, the way you a person would use a wireless earphone.- - - - -NOTES⁽ⁿ⁰⁾ When do you practically need to turn transparency (passthrough) mode on? "Immediately when needed", right? It happens when you need to quickly hear what is happening around you, or if someone starts talking to you. Well, guess what, you take your phone out, you unlock it, you navigate to the app, you wait forever for the app to load, you navigate to turn transparency mode on, and you press it. And that is if the app even "sees" your device.⁽ⁿ⁵⁾ It's faster to just take off the earphones, which defeats the purpose of transparency mode. Then you have to do it all over again to turn it off. REALLY, Bowers and Wilkins? Who's in charge of these things? I do not understand. They have solved this in the PX7 S2.⁽ⁿ¹⁾ The touch functions are non-customizable. The transparency mode function could have been accommodated through this. I do not care about the voice assistant. I am outside with people using my wireless earphones, not trying to control my smart devices or do a google search. I can use my phone screen for that. It's fine cont being able to customize the play/pause control, but the press-and-hold? Why not give us the option? (For reference, others like the Pixel Buds Pro have this customizable option).⁽ⁿ²⁾ The other major complaint I have was the abhorrent Bluetooth signal. I essentially CANNOT use the PI7 S1 earphones with my phone in my pocket. Period. I have to lay my phone on my driveway (concrete) when trying to do yard work, and even that does not work 100%. Seems to be fixed on the S2. Will update here if I encounter a bad connection again.⁽ⁿ³⁾ My last major complaint with the PI7 S1 was how weak the sound output was. Abnormally low in volume, in my opinion. The S2s kinda improved on that issue, but... still lacking relative to other earphones.⁽ⁿ⁴⁾ I usually do not use my earphones all day, but when I do, I notice the short battery life. In my usage, these still do not last, especially if you need ANC. The "extra" juice in the S2 is negligible and won't positively affect your unbiased perception if you care about the battery. Personally, I do not see the difference.⁽ⁿ⁵⁾ This is the THIRD app from B&W I had to use. Although it seems like it's the best, they're all the same with just different skins. The app still has this issue: The app sometimes could not find the headphones, EVEN WHEN IT IS ALREADY CONNECTED and playing music. At least now that I only use PX7 S2 and PI7 S2, I'll only have to have one app.- - -VERDICT: I "kinda" recommend this product★★☆☆☆ | 2 stars out of 5. Great earphones, ruined by the lack of quick transparency+ANC switch. 4 stars if you do not care about transparency. Maybe 5 if you're also wealthy.Questions? Hit the comments!This review is for the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 S2 (Blue).