Headphone Guide Pro

You are here: Home / Archives for AirPods 2

AirPods 2

Top 10 new features of Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

Bluetooth headphones, Headphone 101, noise cancelling headphones, Samsung Galaxy Buds, wireless earbuds

Top 10 new features of Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

Samsung finally revealed the latest Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, on July 10, 2024. The new radical design and the new features of Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have gained mixed receptions.

This Galaxy Buds guide explains the top 10 new features of Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: the new radical design, stem control, Interpreter, Super Wide Band call, 24-bit/96kHz Samsung Seamless Codec, voice command, LE audio (Auracast)support, adaptive ANC, adaptive EQ, and the IP 57 rating.

These features are available on both Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. The unique features of Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and the differences between Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro will be discussed in a separate post are discussed in this page.

Radically new (not necessarily better) design

Samsung has departed from the traditional pure in-ear design found in previous generations of Galaxy Buds (e.g., Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds+, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds 2, and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. The Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro now feature a new stemmed design, resembling the design of Apple's AirPods and AirPods Pro.

Moreover, Galaxy Buds 3 matches the open-ear design of Airpods without the ear tips. Galaxy Buds 3 Pro looks like a clone of AirPods Pro, especially for the white model.

Both in-ear and stemmed designs have advantages and disadvantages. So, some will welcome this new design, and some will surely not.

Stem control: one of the most useful new features of Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

One drawback of in-ear wireless earbuds is the touch control. Due to the small sensor area, it is hard for many users to control the earbuds easily. Often, frustrated owners have to pull out their smartphones to control or adjust the earbuds, e.g., with the widget.

The design with the stem provides convenient controls for the earbuds. Apple, like it or not, has demonstrated the ease of controlling wireless earbuds using the force sensor on the stem.

Samsung copied and tweaked these stem controls in Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. You can control the buds with the swipe and the pinch gestures.

For Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, Samsung also added a cool (and maybe disturbing) feature: you can … 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.

In iOS 17, both AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro can now use the force sensor to mute and unmute during a call.

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, and 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 … 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.

Update: in iOS 17, Apple added some new features to AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods Max. You can now use the force sensor to mute and unmute during a phone call.

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.

In iOS 17, you can now press the force sensor to mute or unmute your microphone during a call.

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

… 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.

Update 2: the 2nd generation of AirPods Pro (aka AirPods Pro 2) added touch controls to the stem. In addition to all the features included in this guide, AirPods Pro 2 allows you to adjust the volume by swiping up and down.

Update 3: in iOS 17, some new features were added to AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, and AirPods Max. You can use the force sensor to mute and unmute yourself during a call now.

What is Force Sensor on AirPods Pro?

Due to its tiny size, it is usually hard to control 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. And actually Samsung just shamelessly copied the stemmed design and control on its latest Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.

You need to “press” the Force Sensor, which is located in the recessed area near the end of the … Read the rest

5 best new features and improvements of Galaxy Buds Plus (Galaxy Buds+ vs Galaxy Buds)

Bluetooth headphones, wireless earbuds

5 best new features and improvements of Galaxy Buds Plus (Galaxy Buds+ vs Galaxy Buds)Galaxy Buds+ (Galaxy Buds Plus) may look physically similar (almost identical) to the 2019 version of Samsung Galaxy Buds. But there are many new features and improvements of Galaxy Buds Plus (vs Galaxy Buds).

This wireless earbuds guide explains the five best new features and improvements of Galaxy Buds Plus: longer battery life (11-hour non-stop playtime ), 2-way speaker. 3-microphone system, Spotify integration, and the Galaxy Buds+ app for iOS.

Although Galaxy Buds Plus was announced together with Galaxy S20, it works with all Android devices with Android 5 (Andriod Lollipop) or newer versions and most iOS devices. You can also use Galaxy Buds Plus as a universal Bluetooth headphone on almost all platforms with Bluetooth audio support.

Of course, like Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds+ works best with Samsung Galaxy phones with Android Nougat 7.1 or later with the Samsung Scalable Codec. Samsung Seamless Codec, the new generation of Scalable Codec is currently only supported on Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. You may check this guide on Bluetooth codecs for wireless earbuds.

Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds Pro, and Galaxy Buds 2 (all with active noise cancelling) were released as an upgrade for Galaxy Buds Plus.

Longer battery life: the best improvement of Galaxy Buds Plus

Samsung Galaxy Buds already has a decent battery time. You can use the buds for about 6 hours in one charge. The charging case offers an additional 6 hours of playtime.

Now, Samsung further improved the battery life for the Galaxy Buds+ for about 50%.

You can continuously use the Galaxy Buds+ for more than 11 hours in one charge. The charging base gives another 11+ hours.

In addition to the longer battery life, Samsung Galaxy Buds+ also charges faster. You can use the Galaxy Buds+ for one hour after charging it for 3 minutes. As a comparison, you need to charge the Galaxy Buds 15 mins to get a battery life of 100 mins.

Anyway, no other wireless earbuds can match the battery life of Galaxy Buds Plus currently. We consider the longer battery life is one of the best new features and improvements of Galaxy Buds Plus.

Please note, you can ow check the battery level of the earbuds and the charging case with a widget on your Android phone.

2-way speaker

The tiny Galaxy Buds+ now features a 2-way speaker, which is seldom … Read the rest

Top 10 new features of AirPods Pro (vs AirPods 2)

Bluetooth headphones, noise cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds

Top 10 new features of AirPods ProAirPods Pro is the lastest wireless earbuds offered by Apple. It complements AirPods 2 in the high-end market with some useful new features.

This wireless earbuds guide explains the top 10 new features of AirPods Pro (compared to AirPods 2): active noise canceling (ANC), wireless charging, in-ear design, transparency mode, force sensor, adaptive EQ, Sweat and water resistance with IPX4 rating, ear tip test, secure fit, and a $249 price tag.

Please note, the direct competitor to AirPods Pro is Sony WF-1000XM3, which offers better noise-cancelling and better audio quality (at $229). Samsung Galaxy Buds Live offers similar features with a lower price tag.  Samsung Gallaxy Buds+ offers better battery life and cheaper price. Jabra Elite Sport offers a heart rate monitor and a companion workout app (Jabra Sport Life).

AirPods 3 (2021), the successor of AirPods 2, is the cheap alternative to AirPods Pro without active noise cancelling and transparency mode, as explained in this post.

AirPods Pro 2 (the 2nd Gen of AirPods Pro) now replaces AirPods Pro with some new features and improvements.

With the release of iOS 17, some new features were added to AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Max. You can now use the force sensor to mute and mute during a call.

#1.Active noise canceling (ANC): the best new feature of AirPods Pro

As explained in this guide in detail, active noise canceling (ANC) uses special sound waves to cancel the ambient noise and, therefore gives you an immersive and quiet listening experience.

Bose and Sony are the indisputable industrial leaders in ANC for consumer headphones. It is unclear whether Apple licensed some technology from third parties or developed their own ANC technology in-house.

If you compare AirPods Pro with Sony WF-1000XM3, Sony is a clear winner in most situations. Please do NOT compare AirPods Pro with the first generation of WF-1000, whose noise canceling was a failure.

Samsung also offers a bunch of wireless earbuds with active noise-cancelling, including Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds Pro, and Galaxy Buds 2.

Anyway, for many Apple users, ANC is probably new to them. They will enjoy this feature gradually.

Please note, if you want to get better ANC, you may consider an over-ear headphone, like Sony WH-1000XM3, Bose Quite 35, or Bose 700.

#2. Transparency mode

Transparency mode is the opposite of … Read the rest