Tag: AirPods Max

Continuing its transparent design language, Nothing introduces its first over-ear wireless headphones, Headphone (1), boasting up to 35 hours of active noise cancellation battery life, support for spatial audio and Hi-Res Audio playback, and tuned in collaboration with the high-end British audio brand KEF. At a price of £299, it aims to deliver a unique and high-quality listening experience, and can also serve as an alternative to Apple AirPods Max. Continuing the transparent design, Headphone (1) incorporates mixed metal elements. It features Nothing's signature transparent design, combining an aluminum frame with visible structural components. The earcups have an oval shape to showcase the internal acoustic structure. Weighing only about 329 grams, it is about 50 grams lighter than AirPods Max, making it more comfortable for extended wear. Available in white and black, it features PU leather ear pads and a headband padding layer, emphasizing sweat and oil resistance for easy cleaning, but the ear pads are not replaceable. Regarding battery life, Nothing claims that it can be used continuously for 35 hours with ANC active noise cancellation enabled, and up to 80 hours with ANC active noise cancellation disabled. It also supports fast charging, which provides 2.5 hours of use with just 5 minutes of charging. The Headphone (1) will be available for pre-order on July 4th, simultaneously with the Nothing Phone (3), and will be officially launched on July 15th, with a suggested retail price of £299. Physical control design: scroll wheel + lever + custom buttons Nothing has opted to abandon the touch panel and instead use a more intuitive combination of physical controls to avoid user operation errors. This includes a volume scroll wheel (which can be pressed to switch between ANC active noise cancellation and transparency modes), a sliding audio lever (for skipping tracks and fast/reverse), a set of shortcut function keys (preset to call the voice assistant, or for Nothing's Essential Space application), and also provides a Bluetooth button for pairing. When used with Nothing Phone (3), Headphone (1) can automatically switch to the most recently played audio app, supporting mainstream platforms such as Audible, SoundCloud, and Patreon, without requiring manual operation of the phone. Tuned by the KEF acoustics team, it supports Hi-Res audio...

Apple announced that starting in April, AirPods Max, which now features a USB-C port, will support lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio. However, a wired connection is required to use them on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Following the 24-bit/48kHz lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio modes previously offered on AirPods Pro, Apple will now add these features to the USB-C AirPods Max via a firmware update in April. However, this functionality will not be available wirelessly and must be achieved via a wired USB-C connection. The lossless audio performance can be combined with Personalized Spatial Audio for a more accurate, uncompressed, and immersive listening experience. It will also support lossless audio from over 100 million songs included in Apple Music, allowing gamers and streamers to enjoy lower latency audio content through AirPods Max. In addition, Apple has also added support for lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio modes to its own Logic Pro and other music creation apps, allowing creators to listen to their creations more instantly and clearly through AirPods Max. At the same time, AirPods Max can also use head tracking to allow music creators to create and mix with personalized spatial audio.

I recently obtained a pair of Apple's fourth-generation AirPods, specifically the model with active noise cancellation, to compare the user experience with previous versions. ▲This review focuses on the fourth-generation AirPods with active noise cancellation. Following the second-generation AirPods Pro's adoption of a USB-C connection, the fourth-generation AirPods also use USB-C, making it more convenient for users to charge with the now widely available USB-C cable. The fourth-generation AirPods come in two versions. The advanced model (active noise cancellation) adds active noise cancellation and transparency mode, uses the same sound algorithm as the AirPods Pro 2, and includes wireless charging in the charging case. It also features a built-in speaker and supports the "Find My" feature. ▲The fourth-generation AirPods come in two versions. The advanced version (active noise cancellation) adds active noise cancellation and transparency mode, and also uses the same sound algorithm as AirPods Pro 2. The charging case also adds wireless charging, and has a built-in speaker and supports the "Find My" function. The advanced version follows the AirPods Pro user experience. The standard version, like the advanced version, is upgraded to the H2 processor, which supports interaction with Siri by nodding, shaking and other gestures. It can also detect quick operation gestures through the force sensor built into the ear stem. The charging case has also been changed to a USB-C connection interface. However, the standard charging case does not provide wireless charging, a speaker, or support the "Find My" function (but it is compatible with charging case accessories that support wireless charging). ▲The fourth-generation AirPods are upgraded with the H2 processor, supporting interaction with Siri via head nods and shakes. They also utilize force sensors built into the ear stems to detect quick gestures. ▲The charging case now features a USB-C interface. The active noise-canceling model tested here supports Qi wireless charging, has a built-in speaker, and a "Find My" function to locate lost items. ▲Compared to the previous generation AirPods (left), the fourth-generation AirPods charging case is slightly smaller. ▲Unlike the previous generation, the fourth-generation AirPods charging case does not have a pairing button on the back. ▲Compared to the previous generation AirPods (left), while the fourth-generation AirPods earbuds are similar in appearance, there are still some differences in sensor components and earbud design. Furthermore, the fourth-generation AirPods maintain a semi-open design and do not use the in-ear design of the AirPods Pro series. Therefore, although active noise cancellation is available in advanced models, the semi-open design means that the actual noise cancellation performance is naturally not as good as the in-ear AirPods. Pro, or AirPods designed as full-coverage headphones...

With the unveiling of the fourth-generation AirPods in September, along with the AirPods Max featuring a USB-C port and new colors, it seems unlikely that there will be any major updates to the AirPods Max. In the latest "Power On" column, Bloomberg News reporter Mark Gurman stated that Apple will not be making significant updates to the AirPods Max for the time being, meaning that the over-ear headphones will not see any changes in appearance, nor will the built-in processor be upgraded. The AirPods Max was first launched in December 2020, and was only updated on September 10th of this year along with the fourth-generation AirPods, featuring a USB-C port and five new colors: Midnight, Blue, Purple, Orange, and Starlight. It also added Personalized Spatial Audio to iOS 18, but did not upgrade the built-in processor to the H2 specification. The suggested retail price is $549, or NT$17990. However, it seems that Apple does not currently plan to significantly update this over-ear headphone. Therefore, it will continue to sell existing products in the market for the time being, with the main products still being the standard AirPods and the AirPods Pro with advanced features. However, the AirPods Max can still attract a specific user group.

This update to audio and home devices adds head-nodding and head-shaking controls to the AirPods series and enhances the user experience on Apple TV. ▲This update to audio and home devices includes head-nodding and head-shaking controls for all AirPods, which can be used to answer or reject calls. Future APIs may allow developers to create more interactive experiences with AirPods. The update to AirPods Pro adds Voice Isolation, allowing users to eliminate ambient noise in noisy environments and ensure clear communication. Regarding gaming, Personalized Spatial Audio is added to the third-generation AirPods and headphones including AirPods Pro and AirPods Max that support head motion tracking. This provides a more immersive soundstage in games. Tencent Games' "Speedy Assemble," scheduled for release in July, will be the first mobile game to support this feature. Additionally, the update for Apple TV adds the "InSight" feature during video playback. This feature uses artificial intelligence and deep learning to provide information about the actors and music playing in the current video clip. The same function can be used in the mobile app to view actors and background audio, but currently this feature is limited to Apple-created original videos. ▲The "InSight" feature uses artificial intelligence and deep learning to provide information about the actors and music playing in the current video clip, but currently it is limited to Apple-created original videos. Regarding other viewing experience aspects, when video subtitles are enabled, the app automatically jumps back to the previous clip, allowing users to follow the storyline before the subtitles appeared. The update also optimizes the display for 21:9 aspect ratio projectors and screens. The standby screen now includes more screen saver options, including personal photos, slideshows, more landscape content, personalized portraits, and even Snoopy-themed content. ▲When users select to display subtitles, the video content will scroll back, allowing users to connect to the storyline before the subtitles. ▲Personalized portrait content has been added to the Apple TV home screen. ▲Snoopy screen saver has been added to the Apple TV home screen. Other updates include integrating Siri into Apple TV's on-device computing, bringing SharePlay to HomePod, adding AI-powered real-time captioning to FaceTime, and redesigning the Fitness+ interface on Apple TV. Regarding home connectivity, new features include allowing visitors to access control functions, potentially for future applications such as hotels. Other updates include unlocking via UWB, real-time monitoring of home power consumption, and adding a new type of robot vacuum cleaner to the connected device list.

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman reports that Apple's product focus in 2024 will shift away from primarily the iPhone, potentially concentrating more on wearable devices, including the Vision Pro. Gurman states that the Vision Pro is expected to launch in the US market in early 2024, with global sales anticipated in the second half of the year, making it a key product for Apple. AirPods may also see significant upgrades, with AirPods Max expected to switch to a USB-C port and offer more new colors. The fourth-generation AirPods may also add more audio features. The Apple Watch series, expected to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2024, may see further design changes and added health tracking features, continuing to drive growth in Apple's smart wearable applications market. As for iPhones, they will remain a key product for Apple, but significant changes to the iPhone 16 series are not anticipated. These changes may include a larger screen on the Pro models (through a narrower bezel design), and the Action button being included in the standard models. In addition, Mark Gurman also expects various changes to the iPad models, including adding a larger screen option to the iPad Air, upgrading the processor of the iPad mini, replacing the MacBook Air with an M3 processor, and planning to launch a new MacBook Pro model.

In his "Power On" column, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman stated that Apple will not update the AirPods Max until at least the end of 2024, which will include a new color scheme and a switch to USB-C connectivity. However, compared to the AirPods Max released in 2021, the upcoming AirPods Max seems unlikely to have significant specification changes, and may even retain its current name. Apple may change its plans later, perhaps by introducing a new processor or adding new features. In addition to the AirPods Max, Apple also plans to release a fourth entry-level AirPods model with a completely redesigned and upgraded charging case, along with a USB-C port and improved sound quality. Apple also appears to be preparing to add a new AirPods model between the entry-level and the advanced AirPods Pro, incorporating active noise cancellation and a ringtone function in the charging case. The upgraded AirPods Pro is expected to be released in 2025, featuring a completely redesigned design and a new processor. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Apple is expected to switch many peripheral accessories to USB-C ports, including the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse, which previously used Lightning ports. Furthermore, charging accessories that also used Lightning ports, such as the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Stand and the MagSafe Power Bank which uses a MagSafe magnetic interface to charge iPhones, are also expected to be relaunched with USB-C ports.

Beats, a subsidiary of Apple, recently announced its new flagship full-coverage active noise-canceling headphones, the Beats Studio Pro. Like Apple's AirPods Max, it features spatial audio playback and, more importantly, lossless audio playback. However, this is limited to wired USB connection via a USB DAC and does not support wireless access to lossless audio. The Beats Studio Pro uses 40mm dual-diaphragm dynamic drivers with enhanced magnets and convection design to minimize distortion, offering approximately 80% better distortion performance than its predecessor, the Beats Studio 3 Wireless. A digital signal processor further enhances digital audio clarity. The Beats Studio Pro also features adaptive active noise cancellation, which monitors ambient noise and filters out unwanted noise. It allows switching between ambient sound modes, supports spatial audio and head tracking, and supports the Dolby Atmos spatial audio format. Personalized spatial audio settings can also be achieved with devices like iPhones. In terms of functionality, the Beats Studio Pro features a built-in USB DAC, allowing for wired connection via USB-C. It supports three sound modes—Classic, Entertainment, and Call—for devices like iPhones, and can be used for charging while connected. It can also be used with a 3.5mm headphone jack. Battery life is up to 40 hours, which can be reduced to 24 hours with active noise cancellation or ambient sound mode enabled. It supports fast charging, providing 4 hours of use in just 10 minutes. Like Apple products, the Beats Studio Pro is built to environmental standards, using 100% recycled rare-earth magnets in its dynamic driver and 100% recycled tin as solder. The components are free of mercury, beryllium, PVC, and brominated flame retardants—materials with significant environmental impact. The packaging is made from 100% wood pulp. Furthermore, although Beats Studio Pro is designed for iOS devices, it also supports Android platforms and Google's Fast Pair feature. It allows seamless switching between Android devices and Chromebooks, and can even locate lost devices using Android's "Find My Device" feature. Beats...

In addition to updating the operating systems for its main products, Apple has also updated features for the AirPods and Apple TV series. The update for AirPods Pro adds a new Adaptive Audio feature, allowing AirPods Pro's active noise cancellation to automatically detect ambient sound and adjust the output volume. It also uses machine learning to recognize whether the user is speaking, automatically lowering the headphone volume, improving ambient noise cancellation, and amplifying the voice of the person being spoken to, allowing users to communicate normally without removing the headphones. New gestures have also been added for AirPods Pro, AirPods 3, and AirPods Max, allowing users to press the earpiece stem or digital knob to adjust ambient noise cancellation and improve call clarity during calls. Apple also announced improvements to the speed of switching between AirPods on different devices, making the cross-device listening experience more intuitive. Other audio updates include a partnership between Apple and IHG Hotels & Resorts, allowing users to quickly log in to other IHG hotels such as Holiday Inn, Regent, Intercontinental, and Crowne Plaza by scanning a QR code to access Wi-Fi and AirPlay connectivity. Apple emphasizes that this collaboration will not involve any privacy issues. Apple also brings FaceTime and video conferencing capabilities to tvOS 17, allowing users to connect their iPhones to Apple TV 4K for FaceTime interactions or online meetings via Zoom and Webex. This update also includes redesigned tvOS 17's user interface and the addition of features such as simplified Siri activation and a more transparent AirPlay interface.

Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo not only believes the new high-end iPhone 15 Pro may adopt a more fixed button design, but also revealed earlier that Apple is developing new AirPods Max over-ear headphones and plans to launch a more entry-level, lower-priced AirPods. The new AirPods Max over-ear headphones may maintain the existing design, but adjustments may be made to details such as wearing comfort and sound performance. The naming convention for the more entry-level, lower-priced AirPods is currently unconfirmed, but it is likely to be priced around $99, thereby competing with most true wireless Bluetooth earphones on the market. Compared to the currently released AirPods, the lower-priced AirPods may replace its original product positioning, while the existing AirPods may differentiate themselves more significantly by incorporating active noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro, on the other hand, will retain active noise cancellation and support for spatial audio. However, the new AirPods Max and the lower-priced AirPods won't be available until the second half of 2024 or the first half of 2025 at the earliest, and won't be on the market anytime soon. (4/5) The next-generation AirPods will likely begin mass shipments in 2H24 or 1H25, including more affordable AirPods (with Apple targeting a ...