In 2016, Apple pleased its fans with a new gadget - miniature wireless AirPods headphones. They immediately gained popularity among a large part of consumers, as in some way they are unique. Their main advantage is that now they do not need to be connected to a phone or other device, that is, with them the consumer has received the desired mobility. However, the new gadget has other advantages. Consider how they work, what devices they connect to, how to properly configure them.
How AirPods work
It's worth starting with the principles of Apple branded headphones, the technologies involved in them, as well as with the capabilities of the gadget. From a technical point of view, AirPods are not much different from other wireless headphones. The Bluetooth protocol is used for data transfer and connection.
This is a standardized technology that works in all such devices. The difference is that AirPods use not only Bluetooth, but also the Wi-Fi connection on your smartphone and tablet to sync data withvarious players, be it a computer or a phone. Also, AirPods differ from competitors by instant automatic connection. As soon as you open the case from the headphones, they will immediately try to connect to the nearest iPhone or iPad.
You can use tapping to control the headphones. By default, two taps on AirPods will activate Siri, but this can be changed in the settings. You can make it so that double-tapping will pause music or video or play the next track in the playlist. You can assign different actions to different headphones.
Stuffing
How AirPods work is clear. The technology is the same as 10 years ago. What makes them special? The most important thing in a gadget is its hardware along with software. AirPods are equipped with the W1 processor, which opens up new possibilities for the owner of the headphones.
First of all, the processor helps to maintain a stable connection. Unlike many other models of Bluetooth headphones, AirPods are much more stable and rarely disconnect from your phone or computer.
Also, the processor has a positive effect on their efficiency: battery life and connection distance. The distance at which AirPods wireless headphones work can be considered a truly important advantage of the gadget. An Apple device keeps an active connection up to 10 meters away.
Design and appearance
AirPods are visually almost identical to EarPods. These are the same inserts that were presented at the 2012 conference. Of the differences, in addition to the absence of wires, we can note only additional holes in the body of each earphone. They are necessary so that an increased air flow comes out of them. This has a positive effect on the sound quality.
At the same time, like 6 years ago, AirPods differ from other similar devices in a bizarre (at first glance) shape. According to Apple, its engineers have been studying different forms of the auricle for a long time in order to create something that is most versatile and comfortable. This is how the design of EarPods was born, which AirPods inherited. Therefore, wireless headphones are just as light, comfortable and cute.
Battery and Charging
When choosing headphones and considering the option from Apple, you need to think not only about how AirPods work. Wireless headphones should last long enough to not cause discomfort.
Nobody wants to charge them all the time, so we need the most "long-lasting" options. Apple headphones are a real engineering breakthrough. This tiny gadget can work up to 5 hours of listening to music. How many AirPods actually work is hard to say.
It all depends on the volume of the sound and the wear of the battery. Apple tested the device at 50% volume. If you like it louder, then you will have to put up with the fact that AirPods will work an hour less than the advertised time.
Alsoautonomy may decrease after prolonged use. Already a year later, they will be discharged faster than in the first days after purchase.
In talk mode, the headphones work for about 2 hours. If you need to extend the conversation, you can use one earphone, and then the second. AirPods work individually. Therefore, one of the earphones can be charged while the other is in use.
Included with the earbuds is a special charging case. With it, you can extend the operating time up to 24 hours. The case itself can be recharged with a standard Lightning cable, which you use to charge your iPhone and iPad.
How to set up AirPods
Apple hates instructions, assuming their devices are easy enough to use. Therefore, you will not find it bundled with AirPods. Actually, you really don't need it. The setup process is extremely simple. The only thing that can stop you is marriage.
So, to connect headphones to iPhone, you need:
- Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your phone.
- Open headphone case.
- Wait until a notification appears on the phone screen that the headphones are set up and ready to use.
In rare cases, the initial setup fails, so you have to redo it. Luckily, this is pretty easy to do. You need to hold down the key on the back of the AirPods case and hold it for 10 seconds.
To connectheadphones to a Mac computer, you need:
- Open Bluetooth options in system settings.
- Find AirPods in the device list.
- Select them.
- Launch iTunes player.
- Press the AirPlay button.
- Select AirPods from the list.
To connect headphones to an Android smartphone, you need:
- Go to your phone settings.
- Select Bluetooth submenu.
- Get the AirPods out of the case.
- Find them in the list on your phone and select to connect.
After that, you can turn on the music and listen. It is important to note that you will need to download a special application to track the charge level and work with some other functions of the headphones.
What devices does AirPods work with
Despite the fact that AirPods are more convenient to use with iPhone and iPad, they remain Bluetooth headphones. This means they can be used with any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and computer.
That is, both "Android" and Windows are in the ranks. You can connect an Apple gadget to either system. Some features, such as automatic connection, will not work, but the sound will not be worse. Therefore, AirPods may well be considered for purchase.
It is important to note that there is a restriction on connection to some models of Apple smartphone. Therefore, the question arises which iPhones AirPods work with. According to the manufacturer, you need to have any phonesupporting iOS 10 operating system. These are all models starting from 5S.
Worth buying
How AirPods work, we now know. Should you buy them right now? Of course, we have the best wireless headphones on the market without a single worthy competitor. However, it's been 2 years since they were announced. It is likely that this year Apple will show a new generation of AirPods. This may be a reason to wait a bit with the purchase.
At the same time, do not forget that AirPods are a unique gadget, not headphones that will conquer with their sound. Yes, they have a good balanced sound, but many may not like it. These headphones are considered "flat".
If convenience is more important to you, then you can safely buy this product. The main thing is not to make a mistake. Due to the high popularity of headphones, fakes often come across. It's best to purchase AirPods directly from Apple. This is usually cheaper than retail and 100% safer. However, the cost varies between 13,000 - 13,500 rubles. Another option is to visit the radio market. Here AirPods can be found much cheaper. Usually their price is about 9500-10000 rubles.
User reviews
Usually, people's opinions about any device vary greatly. Fans of companies always defend the development of their idols, and competitors and detractors leave negative reviews, regardless of the quality of the products. Therefore, looking at the reviewsAirPods, you need to focus on the opinions of real users. As a rule, they post unique photos of their headphones online, and sometimes selfies with gadgets in their ears. Many of those who have ever interacted with AirPods have unequivocally concluded that this is an amazing device.
Of course, there are those who really don't like AirPods. What shortcomings have such users found in them? We list those that are found most often in reviews:
- Very high price.
- Does not fit all ears. Many write that AirPods fall out when tilting the head and active physical exercises. Therefore, when buying headphones, be sure to try them on.
- Because there are no wires, the headphones are easily lost and stolen. If one earphone is missing, it is necessary to buy it (so that there are two again) at a rather high price, and it is inconvenient to use those left without a pair.
- When using the headphones, all the sounds around are heard, which is very inconvenient.
Analogues
Really worthy analogues of AirPods do not yet exist. However, there are a number of devices that you may like if AirPods are not to your liking.
- Jabra - if the sound of an Apple device is not at all satisfactory, and you are looking for wireless vacuum headphones with sound isolation, then you should pay attention to the solution from Jabra. Their product features high-quality sound at the level of the market's flagships equipped with wires. However, these headphonesmuch less work on a single charge (only about 1.5 hours).
- Beats X is another option for those looking for quality sound. This is also an Apple development, it is also equipped with a W1 processor. But these headphones differ in their design. First, they have a wire. Secondly, they are vacuum. Therefore, the sound in them is slightly better for those who like powerful bass. In addition, they have higher autonomy. Beats X can operate up to 8 hours on a single battery charge.
- FreeBuds is Huawei's cheap alternative to AirPods, which is suitable for those who are unable to buy very expensive gadgets.
- Pixel Buds are Google branded headphones. They have an unusual design, a tight holder, and a built-in Google translator.
