AirPods 3 Feature Improved In-Ear Detection, Don't Have Conversation Boost

[MacRumors]

Apple's third-generation AirPods feature a new skin-detect sensor for improved in-ear detection, according to Apple's tech specs page and Taiwanese research firm TrendForce.

In a press release earlier this week, Apple confirmed that the third-generation AirPods feature a new skin-detect sensor that accurately discerns if the AirPods are in the ear — versus in a pocket or on a table — and pauses playback when removed. Industry insiders told TrendForce that the new skin-detect sensor may allow the third-generation AirPods to detect water content in the wearer's skin for this purpose.

Meanwhile, Apple's tech specs page indicates that the third-generation AirPods do not support Conversation Boost, a feature designed to help people with mild hearing challenges stay more connected in conversations. Conversation Boost is only available on the AirPods Pro following a firmware update earlier this month.

Conversation Boost uses the AirPods Pro's beam-forming microphones to boost the volume of a person talking in front of you, making it easier to listen to a face-to-face conversation, and there is also an option to reduce ambient noise.

Apple unveiled the third-generation AirPods on Monday with a similar design as the AirPods Pro, but no active noise cancellation or silicone ear tips. Key features include improved sound quality with Adaptive EQ and spatial audio, longer battery life, a MagSafe charging case, IPX4-rated water and sweat resistance, and more. The third-generation AirPods are available to order now for $179 and will launch on Tuesday, October 26.

Article Link: AirPods 3 Feature Improved In-Ear Detection, Don't Have Conversation Boost

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Very nice! I just wish Apple had introduce the AirPods in color black or product red.

 

[contacos]

Apple needs to come up with a way to filter out tinnitus noise. That would be revolutionary

 

[icolove]

I'm surprised that they continue with the crappy form factor.

 

[icolove]

Apple needs to come up with a way to filter out tinnitus noise. That would be revolutionary

That already exists

 

[zorinlynx]

My big question is, are the batteries more durable? I don't want to spend $179 on something that will be e-waste in three years.

I'm surprised that they continue with the crappy form factor.

Everyone's ears are different. There are a lot of earbud options out there. Just buy what works for you!

 

[hcherry]

Bought a pair to replace my 2nd gen AirPods. I'm hoping the slight adjustment in shape doesn't affect how well the 3rd gens stay put. I might be in the minority, but the regular AirPods fit great in my ears. Never once had them fall out while exercising.

 

[gmarm]

I hope using silicon covers is not going to be an issue.

I am unable to use other AirPods models without them.

 

[visualride]

With a little research I found that AirPod 2's are also IPX4-rated. Just a marketing technique looks like. Still, when my 2's die, I'll be getting the 3.

 

[Prof.]

Very nice! I just wish Apple had introduce the AirPods in color black or product red.

Matte black would be sick.

 

[PsykX]

These look so amazing. If only they had Active Noise Cancelling...
I don't want AirPods Pro. I don't want silicone tips in my ears.

 

[zorinlynx]

Bought a pair to replace my 2nd gen AirPods. I'm hoping the slight adjustment in shape doesn't affect how well the 3rd gens stay put. I might be in the minority, but the regular AirPods fit great in my ears. Never once had them fall out while exercising.

I have the opposite problem, the old design doesn't stay put unless I put foam covers on them. The covers interfere with ear detection and made them a bit of a pain to use.

Hopefully this redesign stays put better in my ears!

 

[darcyf]

All I want to know is if the change in shape that’s been described as improving the direction of the sound will also make it stay in my ears.

I’m one of those weirdos for whom EarPods and AirPods just fall straight out with the slightest head movement, and having something jammed in my ear canal ala the AirPods Pro is just far too uncomfortable. If this turns out to make fall-out a thing of the past, Apple can very much take my money.

 

[fel10]

Hmmm I already got a new phone, watch and the new MacBook Pro this year, I need to save money for Christmas. I think I need to ask for this as a present.

 

[klasma]

Very nice! I just wish Apple had introduce the AirPods in color black or product red.

Or in earwax yellow starlight.

 

[Haiku_Oezu]

Skin detection has to be one of the most terrifying things I’ve heard in a while

 

[Jws]

I think I’ll get these whenever my pros die. I find the lack of silicone tips much more comfortable and the noise cancelation hasn’t been that useful for me.

 

[_Spinn_]

I'm definitely picking up a pair next month.

 

[CarpalMac]

Very nice! I just wish Apple had introduce the AirPods in color black or product red.

I wanted black but it'll never ever happen. Because = Marketing.

 

[BulkSlash]

But will this fix the AirPods deciding to disconnect from the device I was listening to something on and connecting to another device I wasn’t even using just because I took a bud out of my ear? Will it fix the AirPods completely ignoring that I’ve hit play on a device forcing me to manually connect to them?

Auto-switching/connection has been a total disaster for ages now. It was perfect when iOS14 released but since then it’s just become so unreliable and flaky.

 

[Tozovac]

That already exists

What are you referring to, an app or setting for airpods, or?

I'm surprised that they continue with the crappy form factor.

What changes would you propose?

 

[827538]

Bought a pair to replace my 2nd gen AirPods. I'm hoping the slight adjustment in shape doesn't affect how well the 3rd gens stay put. I might be in the minority, but the regular AirPods fit great in my ears. Never once had them fall out while exercising.

I'm in the same bought, just ordered these to replace my gen 1 AirPods which fit perfectly. I do a lot of running and weight lifting and never had an issue with them falling out. Feel very comfortable too.

 

[Korican100]

I'm surprised that they continue with the crappy form factor.

what form factor earbuds do you like?

 

[QuarterSwede]

Ear detection on my gen 2 non-pros has never been an issue for me. In fact, it’s too good because when I take one out to hear someone I often cover the detectors and it starts playing again. Maybe this fixes that? However, I don’t see how it would.

Anecdotally, I’m also one of those that hates things in their ear canals. It’s a tactile thing, not a suction thing so the Pros wouldn’t be any better. I’m super glad they still have a non-ear canal version and I’d also like to have noise cancellation, etc.

 

[Eso]

These look so amazing. If only they had Active Noise Cancelling...
I don't want AirPods Pro. I don't want silicone tips in my ears.

Noise cancellation doesn’t do anything unless sound is dampened to something akin to pressing your fingers up against your ear canal.