Headphone Guide Pro

How to use widgets to check battery levels and control Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, and Galaxy Buds?

Bluetooth headphones, wireless earbuds

use widgets to check battery levels and control Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, and Galaxy Buds

You can use widgets on Android devices to check battery levels and control Galaxy Buds devices, including Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, and Galaxy Buds.

So, you may save some time by skipping the Galaxy Wearable app to check battery levels and quickly control Galaxy Buds devices directly from the home screen of your Android phones.

This Galaxy Buds guide explains how to add the widget to the Home screen of your Android devices, how to customize it, and how to use the widget to check battery levels and control your Galaxy Buds.

Please note, this feature is only available on Android devices (not just on Samsung Galaxy phones). And it is available for all Galaxy Buds released so far. However, Samsung hasn’t released this feature to iOS users.

What Galaxy Buds devices are supported by the widget?

Currently, all Galaxy Buds, including Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds+, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds Pro, and Galaxy Buds 2, are supported.

But each model has its own plugin in the Galaxy Wearable app. And therefore, each model of these buds needs separate widgets.

For example, if you have both Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds 2, you will have to add the widgets for these two earbuds separately.

Again, although iOS 14 and later versions support widgets, Samsung hasn’t added widget support in iOS. So you cannot use the widget to control any Galaxy Buds on iOS.

Please note, on iOS, only Galaxy Buds+ and Galaxy Buds Live are supported. Other Galaxy Buds can only be used as a normal Bluetooth headset (without any additional controls).

Steps to add Galaxy Buds widget to the Home screen

To add the Galaxy Buds Live widgets, for example, on Galaxy S21, you can tap and hold (or pinch) any blank area on the Home screen to enter the Home screen edit mode.

This method works on all Samsung Galaxy phones and the majority of other Android devices.

Once in the home screen edit mode, you can tap the Widgets button, as shown below.

Home screen edit mode on Samsung Galaxy phones (S21 as an example).
widget screen on Samsung Galaxy S21

Now, on the widgets screen, you can find all available widgets that could be added to the Home screen. Widgets are organized by the parents’ apps, which are listed alphabetically.

In this guide, we are trying to add widgets for Galaxy Buds Live. So, you may … Read the rest

AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: which one should you choose?

Bluetooth headphones, noise cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds

AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: which one should you choose?

As AirPods 3 is the latest model of Apple’s wireless earbuds for the mass market, you may want to know how it compares to AirPods Pro (i.e., AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro).

This AirPods guide explains the shared features of AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro (the Force Sensor, Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, IPX4 rating and wireless charging), advantages and disadvantages (silicon tips, ANC, transparency mode, battery life, and price) of AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro.

The comparison of AirPods 3 to AirPods 2 is discussed in this post.

AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: What are shared?

AirPods 3, which is the successor of AirPods 2, is not a replacement for AirPods Pro. Instead, it targets a different audience with some shared features with AirPods Pro.

Here is the list of shared features of AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro

These features were explained in the Top 10 new features of AirPods Pro, and AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2: Top 8 improvements and new features of AirPods 3.

AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: Advantages of AirPods Pro

You may find the new AirPods 3 lacks the following three features when comparing AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro.

Silcion tips

Although AirPods 3 looks closer to AirPods Pro than to AirPods 2 (for example, the shape, the length of the stem/leg), you can easily differ AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro due to lack of chargeable silicon tips.

The small silicon tips actually mark a fundamentally different design.

AirPods 3 adopts the “open” design, as in AirPods 2. This design does not create a “sealed” space for the sound from the wireless earbuds.

On the contrary, the silicon tips and other parts in the AirPods Pro create (at least attempt to) a sealed environment in the canal for the earbuds. Such a sealed environment is usually needed for active noise cancelling (ANC). Samsung Galaxy Buds Live is the only exception combining open design and ANC.

Some users may feel more comfortable with the open design, especially if they need to wear the earbuds for an extended period every day.

But if you prefer a quiet environment, then AirPods Pro is an obvious choice.

Active noise-cancelling

One of the flagship features of the AirPods Pro is ANC.

It seems Apple still sees the demands … Read the rest

AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2: Top 8 improvements and new features of AirPods 3

Bluetooth headphones, noise cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds

AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2: Top 8 improvements and new features of AirPods 3

AirPods 3, the successor of the 2-year-and-7-month old AirPods 2, was officially announced on October 18 2021. So many users are wondering about the new features of AirPods 3 (vs AirPods 2).

This AirPods guide explains the top 8 improvements and new features of AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2: the Force Sensor, IPX4 water-resistance rating, longer battery life, Spatial audio, wireless charging, adaptive EQ, Find My Network, and improved design.

A comparison of AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro is discussed in this post.

As mentioned, AirPods 3 is the successor to AirPods 2 with considerable upgrades. They share a similar design and use the same H1 chip. But Apple managed to add some exciting new features to AirPods 3. Some are ported from AirPods Pro and AirPods Max.

Compared to AirPods 2, you may find the following 8 improvements and new features of AirPods 3.

Force Sensor: the best of the new features of AirPods 3

Force Sensor is one of the most well-received features of AirPods Pro.

As explained in this guide in detail, the Force Sensor is superior to “touch” (as in Samsung Galaxy Buds) or “button (press)” controls (e.g., in Jabra Elite Sport) for in-ear wireless earbuds.

In AirPods 2, you have to tap (mostly, double-tap) to control the earbuds. With AirPods 3, you can now press the Force Sensor at the stem of the earbuds. More gestures (single, double, triple presses, and long-press) can be used.

Personally, I would rate this Force Sensor as the No.1 new feature of AirPods 3.

Sweat and Water Resistance

AirPods 3 has an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance. So, it is safe to use these wireless earbuds in a heavy workout or even on rainy days.

As a comparison, AirPods 2 has no official rating for sweat and water resistance, although many AirPods 2 owners use them in the workouts without issues.

The IPX4 is surely one of the most wanted new features of AirPods 3 for many AirPods or AirPods 2 owners.

Longer battery life

AirPods 3 offers a playtime of 6 hours on a single charge (or 5 with spatial audio enabled). The talk time is about 4 hours.

As a comparison, AirPods 2 can last about 5 hours on one charge. The talk time is about 3 hours only.

The charging case of AirPods 3 can provide about 30 hours … Read the rest

How to Use and Adjust Force Sensor on AirPods Pro like a Pro?

Bluetooth headphones, noise cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds

AirPods Pro Force Sensor

Force Sensor on Airpods Pro is one of the most meaningful innovations for wireless earbuds control. It is a far superior solution compared to the touch control as in most other wireless earbuds.

This AirPods Pro guide explains what the Force Sensor on AirPods Pro is, how to use the Force Sensor to control music playing, handle calls, switch noise control modes, and launch Siri. The customization of the press speed and press duration of the Force Sensor on AirPods Pro is also illustrated.

Update: the latest AirPods 3 also features an almost identical Force Sensor. So, this guide also applies to AirPods 3 if you want to learn to use Force Sensor on AirPods 3.

The differences between AirPods Pro and Air Pods 3 are discussed in this guide.

What is Force Sensor on AirPods Pro?

Due to the tiny size, it is usually hard to control the wireless earbuds easily.

For example, Jabra Elite Sport used the old-style buttons (Multifunction button, Sports button, volume up button, and volume down button). Many owners complained it is too painful when pressing these buttons.

Most other wireless earbuds (including Apple’s own AirPods 2) in the market use touch control. For example, all Samsung’s wireless earbuds, including Galaxy Buds, Buds+, Buds Live, Buds Pro, and Buds 2, use similar touch controls. The most common issue with touch control is inadvertent touch. For this reason, Samsung added the “block touches” option in the Galaxy Wearable app to turn off the touch control.

Now, you may understand the powerfulness of the Force Sensor on AirPods Pro.

You need to “press” the Force Sensor, which is located in the recessed area near the end of the stem, to control AirPods Pro, as shown in the picture below.

Force Sensor on AirPods Pro
Force Sensor on Apple AirPods Pro

Compared to using buttons or touch control, the Force Sensor at least solves the following four questions.:

  1. It will not cause any pain fopr your ear. You just press the Force Sensor.
  2. It will not dislodge AirPods Pro in your ear,
  3. It will nor push AirPods Pro further into the ear.
  4. It will not be pressed inadvertently.

Technically, the Force Sensor is similar to touch control. It only adds a force threshold. If the force (pressure, to be precise) is lower than the threshold, no action is taken. The … Read the rest

Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: the Top 8 Pros and Cons

Bluetooth headphones, noise cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds

Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: the Top 8 Pros and Cons

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 is a significant upgrade of Galaxy Buds+. Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy Buds Live are also major upgrades of Galaxy Buds+. So what are the significant differences between Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro?

This wireless earbuds guide explains the top 8 major differences of Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 has advantages in the 4 aspects (weight, price, battery life, ear-fit test ), and Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro wins in the other 4 categories (water resistance rating, 360 audio, voice detect, and better ANC and ambient sound controls).

Please note, Galaxy Buds Live is substantially different from Galaxy Buds + and Galaxy Buds Pro, as explained in this guide.

Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: Galaxy Buds 2 wins

Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds Pro look similar and share many common features. However, Galaxy Buds 2 is NOT an upgrade to Galaxy Buds Pro. In fact, Samsung positions Galaxy Buds 2 as the successor to Galaxy Buds+.

Although Galaxy Buds 2 is a cheaper version of Galaxy Buds Pro, it has advantages in the following 4 aspects when comparing Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro.

20% Lighter

 At 6.3g, Galaxy Buds Pro is not heavy and is very comfortable to wear. But Galaxy Buds 2 is about 20% lighter.

The design of Galaxy Buds 2 and Pro is very similar, although the material and finishing are slightly different.

So, most users will find it is even more comfortable to wear the Galaxy Buds 2 for an extended period.

Cheaper

 As mentioned, Samsung designed Galaxy Buds 2 as a “lite” version of Galaxy Buds Pro so that Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Buds+ users will feel it is natural to upgrade to Galaxy Buds 2.

The MSRP of Galaxy Buds 2 is $149.99. The street price is around $100 currently. So, it is very affordable.

As a comparison, the MSRP of Galaxy Buds Pro is $199.99. Of course, now you can get a new one for around $150.

The sound quality and active noise cancelling (ANC) on Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy Buds 2 are comparable. However, Galaxy Buds 2 uses a less powerful chip BES2500ZP, from a not-well-known vendor. FYI, Galaxy Buds Pro uses a popular chip Broadcom BCM43015.

Ear-fit test

Galaxy Buds 2 offers an ear-fit test to help you check whether … Read the rest

4 ways to check Galaxy Buds Live battery level

Bluetooth headphones, noise cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds

Check Galaxy Buds Live battery level

When using (or planning to use) the earbuds for an extended period, you may want to know Galaxy Buds Live battery level to see whether you need to charge it now for continuous usage in the next few hours.

This Galaxy Buds Live guide explains 4 different ways to check Galaxy Buds Live battery level and the charging case battery level in both Android and iOS devices, including:

  1. Using Galaxy Wearable app (or Samsung Galaxy Buds app on iOS).
  2. Using LED colours in the charging case..
  3. From Bluetooth settings in Android devices.
  4. Using Galaxy Buds Live widget on Android devices (or the Battery widget in iOS devices).

Method 1: Check Galaxy Buds Live battery level and charging case battery level in Galaxy Wearable app (or Galaxy Buds app on iOS)

As explained in this guide, you can manage and customize Galaxy Buds Live in the Galaxy Wearable app (with the Galaxy Buds Live plugin).

In the app, you can also check the battery level of Galaxy Buds Live and the charging case, as shown in the screenshot below.

Check Galaxy Buds Live battery level and charging case battery level in Galaxy Wearable app (or Galaxy Buds app on iOS)
Galaxy Buds Live battery level in Galaxy Wearable app.

For example, as shown in the screenshot below, the L and R earbuds are fully charged (100%). The charging case has 55% battery left.

On iOS devices, the corresponding app is the Samsung Galaxy Buds app. You can find similar information, as shown in the screenshot below.

Of course, you can check the battery level of Galaxy Buds Live in the app only when the buds are connected to the device.

Galaxy Buds Live battery level in Samung Galaxy Buds app in iPhone
Galaxy Buds Live battery level in Samsung Galaxy Buds app in iPhone.

Method 2: Estimate Galaxy Buds Live battery level and charging case battery level from LED colours

If the buds are not connected to any devices, the only way to estimate Galaxy Buds Live battery level and charging case battery level is through the LED light colours.

When you open the charging case, the earbud battery indicator LED, as shown below, will light up automatically with 2 possible colours.

The LED light does not tell you exactly the better level. Instead, it tells you the charging “status” of the buds:

  • Green. It means the buds are fully charged.
  • Red. It means the buds are being charged.
  • Flashing red, if charging is blocked due to abnormal temperatures.
  • No light. It means the buds run out of
… Read the rest