Apple Surprises With New Airpods
Talk of Apple's new AirPods for 2019 has been rife for some time now, but this morning's announcement ahead of next week's media event has taken all by surprise, but on paper also delivers in spades.
Apple's AirPods pioneered the true wireless earbud market and has since been copied over and over by competitors, but now in its second generation the 'pods are "more magical than ever".
With one-tap setup, the AirPods are automatically on and always connected.
Apple tells the story:
Using them is just as easy. They sense when they’re in your ears and pause when you take them out. And the AirPods experience is just as amazing whether you’re using them with your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac.
With an industry-leading listening time of five hours from one charge and up to three hours of talk time, simply drop them back into the charging case for a top up, claimed to allow up to 24 hours of listening time. Apple says a 15-minute charge is good for up to three hours listening time, and up to 50% more talk time than the previous model.
The new AirPods feature Apple's newly-designed H1 chip, developed specifically for headphones which Apple says "delivers performance efficiencies, faster connect times, more talk time and the convenience of hands-free.
AirPods now feature the convenience of “Hey Siri” making it easier to change songs, make a call, adjust the volume or get directions simply by saying, “Hey Siri.”
The new release brings choice for consumers. In addition to the standard charging case, a new Wireless Charging Case is said to hold additional charge capacity for up to 24 hours listening time. It also offers the freedom of wireless charging with Qi-compatible charging solutions. An LED light indicator located on the front of the case indicates the charge status with just a glance.
Quite amazing also is that customers can add personal engraving to the AirPods for free at the time of purchase online.
The good news is existing AirPods customers can purchase the standalone Wireless Charging Case for $79 RRP.
2019 Apple AirPods will be available online for ordering today. With a standard charging case they will sell for $159 RRP, or with the Wireless Charging Case, they will be $199 RRP.
For more information visit Apple.
Marc Rushton
StereoNET’s Founder and Publisher was born in England and raised on British Hi-Fi before moving to Australia. He developed an early love of music and playing bass guitar before discovering the studio and the other side of the mixing desk. After writing for print magazines, Marc saw the future in digital publishing and founded the first version of StereoNET in 1999.
Posted in: Headphones | Technology
JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION
Want to share your opinion or get advice from other enthusiasts? Then head into the Message
Forums where thousands of other enthusiasts are communicating on a daily basis.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE MEMBERSHIP
Trending
applause awards
Each time StereoNET reviews a product, it is considered for an Applause Award. Winning one marks it out as a design of great quality and distinction – a special product in its class, on the grounds of either performance, value for money, or usually both.
Applause Awards are personally issued by StereoNET’s global Editor-in-Chief, David Price – who has over three decades of experience reviewing hi-fi products at the highest level – after consulting with our senior editorial team. They are not automatically given with all reviews, nor can manufacturers purchase them.
The StereoNET editorial team includes some of the world’s most experienced and respected hi-fi journalists with a vast wealth of knowledge. Some have edited popular English language hi-fi magazines, and others have been senior contributors to famous audio journals stretching back to the late 1970s. And we also employ professional IT and home theatre specialists who work at the cutting edge of today’s technology.
We believe that no other online hi-fi and home cinema resource offers such expert knowledge, so when StereoNET gives an Applause Award, it is a trustworthy hallmark of quality. Receiving such an award is the prerequisite to becoming eligible for our annual Product of the Year awards, awarded only to the finest designs in their respective categories. Buyers of hi-fi, home cinema, and headphones can be sure that a StereoNET Applause Award winner is worthy of your most serious attention.