On Tuesday, Apple announced its long-awaited AirPods are finally available, and just in time for Christmas. Well, kind of. The highly contentious wireless headphones were revealed earlier this year, and after its untimely delay, they’re finally shipping this week. Online orders might get you yours by early January, but Apple says they’ll be selling AirPods in authorized resellers and “select carriers” next week.
Among concerns of them falling out, getting lost, and just plain looking weird, the masses will now decide the fate of the AirPods. According to those who have already unboxed the specimens, like 9-to-5 Mac, “they look weird, the sound is just okay, but the technology inside is what’s impressive.” At a $159 price tag, let’s take a look at some of the technology behind this innovative new product:
The Tap: Apple says it just takes one simple tap to set up the Bluetooth connection, and once it’s on, you can double-tap to activate Siri. This simple feature blurs the line between your everyday, run-of-the-mill headphones and an interactive wearable. Seems like the AirPods are smarter than your average “pair.”
The Sensors: Like your iPhone, the sensors on the AirPod are pretty incredible. Optical sensors, along with motion accelerometers, help determine whether your headphones are in your ears or not, and they automatically pause your audio once you take them out. Magic. Plus, if only one AirPod is in, its volume can adjust for a better sound experience.
The Chip: According to Apple, “the groundbreaking things AirPods can do are driven by the custom-designed Apple W1 chip.” This chip technology provides better connectivity and sound quality while managing battery power (Apple says you can listen for 5 hours on a single charge).
The Case: One of the biggest weaknesses of wireless headphones is the battery life. Who wants to charge headphones? To alleviate some of that mess, Apple has developed a charging case where “just 15 minutes gives you 3 hours of listening time”.
The Cons: While the AirPods are innovative, interesting and powerful, they do come with some very legitimate concerns. For example, replacing a lost AirPod will set you back $69. Same goes for the charging case. Another issue is for those who are active. Staying in place during a quick jog or even shooting hoops might pose a problem. Depending on how much money you have to burn this time of year, and how active your life is, this new technology is exciting, but maybe not as prudent as other holiday purchases.