Apple didn't launch its new AirPods Pro during its event this year, but the company announced the new earbuds today. Google and Microsoft also announced its new line of products and they both launched Pixel Buds and Surface earbuds. There is some competition between these tech giants.
However, Apple made sure their AirPods are universally recognised thanks to its trademark design. One amazing feat about the AirPod Pro is its noise cancellation feature with a better sound experience all in a light-weight design. The AirPods comes with in-built microphones that detect external sound and the earbuds cancel them out, exactly how the Beats Solo Pro headphones operate. The only difference is the miniaturized nature of Apple's device.
Apple has also maximised comfortability of the AirPods Pro. With its sweat and water-resistant, it makes it ideal for active lifestyles. This is good for gyms or elsewhere. It also comes with a sensor system that allows you to adjust volume, play, pause or skip tracks and answer or hang up phone calls. Just like the second-gen AirPods, AirPods Pro supports hands-free "Hey Siri" commands.
Unlike the current AirPods, these are more secure and sealed in-ear fit. There's also a software that can tell you if you have chosen the right sized tip by "measuring the sound level in the ear and comparing it to what is coming from the speaker driver". You can enjoy up to 4.5 hours of continuous listening battery life, but as usual, the case has an extra battery life for around 24 hours of total listening. They still charge via the lightning connector, but they now come with lightning to USB-C cable in the box.
Modes
The AirPods Pro comes with two nodes, something that is new to the AirPods family.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Transparency Mode
Even though they may be new to the AirPods range, they are not new to the world of headphones and earphones. In terms of structure, the AirPod Pro takes on ANC involves two microphones combined with advanced software to continuously adapt to each individual ear and headphone fit, as such removing background noise.
How the background noise is cancelled
The microphone which is outwardly positioned detects external sound to analyze environmental noise. AirPods Pro then create an equivalent anti-noise that cancels out the background noise before it reaches the listener's ear. Another microphone which is inward-facing listens into the ear and the remaining noise detected is cancelled by the microphone.
Transparency Mode is fairly self-explanatory, providing users with the option to simultaneously listen to music while still hearing the environment around them. Switching between ANC and Transparency is simple; merely through the Control Centre on an iPhone or iPad
Pricing and release
Apple is set to release the earbuds on October 30th for $249, with preorder starting today. It comes in its traditional white.
Well, the earbuds competition keeps getting better. Apple has been vocal about machine learning experience this year and it has been integrated into most of its devices with the AirPods no different.