Apple releases new version AirPods
Apple is launching the second generation of AirPods Bluetooth earplugs. Interested parties may also receive a storage box with support for the Qi charging standard, in which the earplugs can be charged wirelessly.
The new generation of AirPods is equipped with a new H1 headphone chip that should provide, among other things, an improved battery life. In combination with the new charging case, according to Apple, a usage time of more than 24 hours or up to 18 hours of talk time is possible. Without the box, you’re left with 5 hours of listening time and up to 3 hours of talk time. The manufacturer says that 15 minutes in the charging case equals 3 hours of listening or 2 hours of speaking. As far as the listening time is concerned, this corresponds almost entirely to the duration that was possible with and without the box of the AirPods from 2016.
The new box supports Qi charging, so it can be used with a variety of wireless chargers. The charging box is largely identical in shape and appearance to the storage box of the AirPods that Apple released in 2016, except for a small, round LED. This shows the status of the battery.
The new H1 chip should also lead to shorter connection times and faster switching between devices. In addition, the chip offers support for the voice command ‘hey Siri’, to call up Apple’s digital voice assistant. This allows you to adjust the volume, play a different song or get directions.
The chip automatically activates the microphone and also automatically directs the audio to one or two earbuds, depending on how many are worn. Play music or podcasts and fast forward with a double touch. The AirPods turn on automatically and through sensors the earplugs ‘know’ when they are removed from the user’s ears, after which the audio is immediately paused.
Earlier there was a rumor that Apple would integrate noise canceling with the new AirPods, but Apple makes no mention of that. Nothing is said about an earlier report that they would be splash-proof.
Apple releases the new AirPods including wireless rechargeable storage box for 229 euros, but interested parties can also opt for a 179 euros option, where the earplugs are bundled with a regular storage box. The latter price corresponds to the price of the original Apple AirPods. The new storage box for wireless charging can also be ordered separately for 89 euros, so that it can be used in combination with the already existing AirPods of the first generation.