After Apple’s big September rah-rah launch event for the latest iPhone 11 Pro, it seemed uncharacteristic of them to not even mention their latest AirPods. But just like that, with no fanfare whatsoever, they launched their AirPods Pro.
https://youtu.be/IC9urbiVp4M
Priced at a cool $379 (you can get 1/4 of an iPhone 11 Pro!), it costs about $80 more than the current $299 AirPods.
So, what’s new?
A quick glance at the list below and know that you’ll be forking out nearly $400 for essentially ANC, adaptive EQ, sweat and water resistance and… And that’s it, nothing industry-changing. And if you look even closer, you’ll be getting 0.5 hours lesser of listening time. For a supposedly new and improved version of the AirPods no less! That could be due to the wireless earphones’ upgraded features though, which we’ll elaborate on later.
Before you raise your pitchforks, there’s actually more under the hood of the AirPods than you realise. But whether you personally think it’s worth it, is another question.
1. Customised fit
Not new to other wireless earbuds out there, but for what it’s worth, the AirPods Pro comes with three different sizes of soft, flexible silicone tips.
There’s even an Ear Tip Fit Test to help you find the right fit.
2. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The AirPods Pro 4.5 hours of use versus the AirPods’ 5 hours is probably due to the new and welcomed ANC feature. Basically the two inward and outward-facing microphones work together to cancel any noise and create the perfect seal for the listener’s ears. According to Apple, the ANC is “continuously adjusted at 200 times per second for truly immersive sound, so you’re fully tuned in to your music, podcasts and calls.”
On the other hand, if you’re out cycling or running and need to be aware of your surroundings, there’s also a Transparency mode. Pressing and holding the stem (where the force sensor is embedded) switches between the two modes.
Applying other gestures to the force sensors also lets you navigate music or handle your calls.
3. Adaptive EQ
Just like how the microphones help with ANC, it can also intelligently fine-tune your audio according to the shape of your ear for more immersive sound.
4. IPX4 sweat and water-resistant
You can now complete your gym-look with the new AirPods Pro. The IPX4 rating means it can take some splashes of water and sweat, but not for prolonged periods of course.
Until we get our hands on the AirPods Pro and thoroughly put its audio quality to the test, this is our first look at Apple’s latest AirPods. But for now, if Apple’s ANC and Adaptive EQ works as good as they say, it might be worth considering.
The Apple AirPods Pro will be available for $379 from 30 Oct 2019 onwards on Apple online and in stores. For more info, please click here.
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