After unveiling the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, Apple also announced a new Bluetooth headset during their event, the AirPods.
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus doesn’t have a headphone jack anymore. So when you want to use a headset, you’ll need to use the lightning headset or use a lightning converter (if you want to use the traditional 3.5mm jack headsets). Or you could also opt for a wireless headset if you don’t want any wires to get in the way of your movement. And so Apple released the AirPods.
The AirPods are Apple’s new wireless EarPods which cost about USD 159. Unfortunately it doesn’t come with the iPhone 7 nor the 7 Plus, it will be sold separately.
The AirpPods uses bluetooth but unlike with other bluetooth devices, it is easier to pair it with your iPhone, Mac, or even your Apple Watch. It has a chip called W1 which enables pairing with your iPhone so much easier. But that’s not all what the W1 chip has to offer. It also helps the device manage power in order to have longer battery life. The chip also enables the AirPods to detect if it is in your ear. It can even detect if you’re only wearing one AirPod at a time.
It can also be used on other phones through bluetooth.
The device comes with a magnetic carrying case that also acts as its charger. Whenever you open the case, a window will pop up in your iPhone which prompts you to connect, making it easier rather than fiddling on the settings menu.
It also has an accelerometer inside that can detect when you tap it. Double tapping the device launches Siri, so you don’t have to reach for your phone every time. You can also set it play/pause your music instead of launching Siri. But you can’t have them both. You can answer phone calls by tapping it once.
There are, however, no physical way to control the volume when you’re listening to music. Instead you’ll have to double tap and use Siri for it.
Now the question still remains, should you buy it? In my own opinion, it isn’t really a necessity since you can use your old headsets just fine with the Lightning adapter. It is a bit expensive, but I think the features make up for its USD 159 price. I personally don’t like the aesthetics though. For me they look weird, but that is just my taste. Regarding buying one, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you need or really, really, really want it. But if you can afford it, then why not.
Apple’s AirPods is said to be on pre-order on October. No specific release date as of yet, but they should announce it within this week or the next.
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