transparency mode Archives

New Features for AirPods Pro in iOS 17

Bluetooth headphones, noise cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds

The release of iPhone 15 also brought some remarkable new features for AirPods Pro in iOS 17 (mainly for AirPods Pro 2).

This AirPods guide explains the new features for AirPods Pro in iOS 17: mute and unmute, adaptive mode, conversation awareness, and personalized volume to help you effectively use your AirPods Pro, especially AirPods Pro 2.

Please note the USB-C version of AirPods Pro 2 does not add any new features other than the USB-C port, compared to the old lightning port version. None of the AirPods products support Hi-Res Audio. They only support SBC and AAC codecs.

What are the top 4 new features for AirPods Pro in iOS 17?

After updating your iPhone to iOS 17, firmware for AirPods Pro should be updated automatically. You can then access the new features for AirPods Pro in iOS 17, in addition to the existing features of AirPods Pro 2 (2nd Generation) or AirPods Pro (1st generation).

The top 4 new features for AirPods Pro in iOS 17 include:

Mute and Unmute during a phone call.
Adaptive Mode.
Conversation Awareness.
Personalized Volume.

Let's go through them one by one now.

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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Ear Buds with USB-C Charging, Up to 2X More Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Spatial Audio

RICHER AUDIO EXPERIENCE — The Apple-designed H2 chip helps to create more intelligent noise cancellation and deeply immersive sound. The low-distortion, custom-built driver delivers crisp, clear high notes and full, rich bass in stunning definition.
NEXT-LEVEL ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation for dramatically less noise when you want to focus. Transparency mode lets you hear the world around you, and Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode for the best listening experience in any environment.
CUSTOMIZABLE FIT — Includes four pairs of silicone tips (XS, S, M, L) to fit a wide range of ears and provide all-day comfort. The tips create an acoustic seal to help keep out noise and secure AirPods Pro in place.
DUST, SWEAT, AND WATER RESISTANT — Both AirPods Pro and the MagSafe Charging Case are IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistant, so you can listen comfortably in more conditions.
PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — With sound that suits your unique ear shape along with dynamic head tracking, AirPods Pro deliver an immersive listening experience that places sound

… Read the rest

AirPods Pro 2 New features explained

Bluetooth headphones, noise cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds

You should understand AirPods Pro 2 new features before deciding whether to upgrade or switch to it.

As the 2nd generation of AirPods Pro, you'd expect many cool new improvements and upgrades in the AirPods Pro 2 (aka AirPods Pro 2nd Gen).

This AirPods guide explains the major AirPods Pro 2 new features you should know, including the H2 chip, touch control, skin-detection sensor, adaptive transparency mode, improved noise cancellation, personalized spatial audio, longer battery life, a speaker and U1 chip in the case.

Update: with the release of iOS 17, some new features were added to AirPods Pro 2, including mute and unmute, adaptive mode, conversation awareness, and personalized volume. Please read this guide for a detailed explanation of these new features in iOS 17.

H2 chip

H2 chip is the heart of AirPods Pro 2.

Most of the AirPods Pro 2 new features and improvements can be traced back to the new chip.

Among Apple silicon, the “H” series is dedicated to headphones. Except for the original AirPods, all prior AirPods (AirPods 2, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max) were powered by the H1 chip.

AirPods Pro 2 is the first AirPods powered by the latest H2 chip. Most of the AirPods Pro 2 new features rely on this new chip.

Apple did not release the technical specs of the H2 (and H1) chips. But the improvements can be read from the claimed 2x noise cancelling capability, adaptive transparency mode, better sound quality, and lower power consumption (longer playtime).

Please note AirPods Pro 2 still does not support any advanced codec, e.g., aptX or LDAC. So, you are still limited by the AAC regardless of the music source. In comparison, Galaxy phones with Galaxy Buds 2 Pro can enjoy Hi-Fi level music with Samsung Seamless Codec. Sony WF-1000XM4/XM5 with Android phones can even enjoy Hi-Res audio with the LDAC codec.

Touch controls

Although AirPods Pro 2 looks similar to AirPods Pro with stems, touch controls were added to AirPods Pro 2's stems.

Instead of relying on pressing force sensors, AirPods Pro 2 adds touch sensors and therefore, you can have more controls from the stem.

One of the most welcomed new controls from the touch sensor is volume adjustment. You can swipe up and down … Read the rest

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

Bluetooth headphones, noise cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds

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

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

Bluetooth headphones, noise cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds

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 S p ort 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.

Compared to using buttons or touch … Read the rest

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

Bluetooth headphones, noise cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds

AirPods 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

transparency mode

What are the top 4 new features for AirPods Pro in iOS 17?

H2 chip

Touch controls

AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: What are shared?

AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: Advantages of AirPods Pro

Silcion tips

What is Force Sensor on AirPods Pro?

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

#2. Transparency mode

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