AirPods Delay Attributed to Apple Ensuring Both Earpieces Receive Audio at Same Time [Updated]

[Mac 128]

Like I said, product launches are very complex. It doesn't work the way you think it does. You don't lock things down well ahead of time and then launch them. You have a project timeline with a lot of moving pieces and there's usually a mad dash to the finish line.

Someone was clearly confident that part of the tech could be completed in time so Tim announced it on stage. It didn't work out that way. It happens. They're human too.

Steve Jobs announced a white iPhone that took a year to finally hit the streets. And that's just paint! Admittedly, a pristine white is the hardest color to produce but it goes to show you not everything always goes according to plan... sometimes even the simplest things can trip you up.

The white iPhone color option was NOT essential to the core functionality of the iPhone. They didn't start with the idea of a white iPhone and fill it with the rest of the technology. They designed the phone and decided to offer white likely late into the process, and discovered it wasn't as simple as they expected.

In this case, the ability for the two buds to stay in sync is critical to the functionality of the device. If the prototype couldn't at least do that, they didn't have a product.

What you're suggesting is like a car maker designing an engine for a car that doesn't work properly and decide to keep building the car it will power, and introduce it, even though the engine doesn't work, hoping it will all work out before the have to start delivering them in massive scale. Add to that the new car is critical to the success of the car maker, just as the AirPods are to the removal of the headphone jack.

If this rumor is true, then it's absolutely stupid that they didn't get the synch problem solved before they introduced them. If it's something else, as you seem to be suggesting -- like a part not being ready for mass production; then that's a different issue. I'm commenting on the rumor.

 

[Rcypher3]

I'm sure the future is indeed wireless. I want wireless. But the 8 pair I have only sound OK.... Maby. If I'm sitting in a car, or on a plane or on my couch... Nothing sounds like my QC's, which I plug in, and never cut out or lag while watching video.

Imo they should have left the headphone jack alone. Released their new Super duper airpods and prove they actually are better, then maby removed it in the next version. I predict they will be another mediocre at best sounding experience.

Looks like Samsung is going to follow suit as well. They will look even dumber after making fun of apple then following suit. I would love apple to patent the no headphone jack Smart phone. Let them duke it out in court for a few more years and maby then the wireless revolution will have caught up.

Brilliant. Then we could go back to wires on the phones too. Better quality sound, no charging required. Truly revolutionary. You could even put them on every street corner for people on the move. Put a shelter over the top to keep the rain off. Maybe some walls, perhaps a sort of upright box, to provide privacy. iPhones totally lack that too.

 

[Apple Corps]

Lol at all the people who rushed in to reply prior to John Gruber weighing in on the issue. Their responses of quality assurance lacking at Apple really sound hollow and ridiculous next to his findings of manufacturing issues.

To the contrary - reported sync issues were bad. Not being able to manufacture them in a timely fashion consistent with the launch announcement is even worse. The function is called manufacturing engineering. Whichever one, it underscores how far Apple is falling under "Timmy's leadership".

 

[HopefulHumanist]

On the contrary, this doesn't sound (no pun intended) anything like a manufacturing problem.

It feels more like independent stereo output buffers are being used, and they can get out of sync.

Again, then those with pre-production units should have reported the same issues but none have.

 

[Gav2k]

I call bs on the sync issues. Apple fabbed a chip specifically for this purpose. Manufacturing issues make a lot more sense.

 

[sudo1996]

Don't Bluetooth speakers always have a noticeable delay? One of the reasons to stay wired.
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Tim Cook should really step down. Whoever he put in charge of product testing/development should be fired.

Yeah, I'm taking a vacation from Apple products until they get their **** straight.

 

[Karma*Police]

The white iPhone color option was NOT essential to the core functionality of the iPhone. They didn't start with the idea of a white iPhone and fill it with the rest of the technology. They designed the phone and decided to offer white likely late into the process, and discovered it wasn't as simple as they expected.

In this case, the ability for the two buds to stay in sync is critical to the functionality of the device. If the prototype couldn't at least do that, they didn't have a product.

What you're suggesting is like a car maker designing an engine for a car that doesn't work properly and decide to keep building the car it will power, and introduce it, even though the engine doesn't work, hoping it will all work out before the have to start delivering them in massive scale. Add to that the new car is critical to the success of the car maker, just as the AirPods are to the removal of the headphone jack.

If this rumor is true, then it's absolutely stupid that they didn't get the synch problem solved before they introduced them. If it's something else, as you seem to be suggesting -- like a part not being ready for mass production; then that's a different issue. I'm commenting on the rumor.

I think you're making some wild assumptions about how product development should work, primarily based on your false assumption that audio sync is the only tech that's fundamental to the AirPods. There's a lot of tech that's fundamental to how the AirPods work; from the battery pack to the W1 chip to the accelerometer to the beamforming mics to the optical sensors... If any one of those things didn't work, the AirPods couldn't work as advertised.

A product starts out as an idea and evolves over time. I'm sure all of the above ideas were working in prototypes at some point but if prototypes worked perfectly then they wouldn't be called prototypes. A lot of engineering problems pop up last minute and/or are fixed last minute before launch.

I wasn't suggesting anything other than the fact that any number of things can go wrong with a product launch because it's a very complex process, and an audio sync issue is no different than a manufacturing issue or a white paint issue... you expect to have all those things locked down before launch but sometimes not everything goes according to plan.

 

[jigar7]

I really REALLY hate Tim Cook for the way he has been gradually lowering Apple's standards over the years.
Starting with the headphone jack and screwing up the Macbook lineup with the 'All USB-C' port approach... the words 'quality' & 'innovation' have been completely wiped off from his d**k-tionary.

Next they will remove the charging port from the iPhones... oh wait... they won't pay for NFC license... they will come up with some of their own proprietary wireless charging s**t forcing people to only buy products belonging to the apple ecosystem.

 

[Ghost31]

I really REALLY hate Tim Cook for the way he has been gradually lowering Apple's standards over the years.
Starting with the headphone jack and screwing up the Macbook lineup with the 'All USB-C' port approach... the words 'quality' & 'innovation' have been completely wiped off from his d**k-tionary.

Next they will remove the charging port from the iPhones... oh wait... they won't pay for NFC license... they will come up with some of their own proprietary wireless charging s**t forcing people to only buy products belonging to the apple ecosystem.

I was wondering lately what was going on with that. I just got a new pair of nose qc35 headphones and when setting up. They allow Easy NFC pairing with devices that allow it. Aka. Not my iPhone 7 plus. Why? I don't really know. Is there a reason Apple hasn't opened up NFC? Because it looks pretty crappy when there is a wide use for a technology that is literally built inside the iPhone that android users can use no problem but we are locked out for some reason. I remember at the airpod announcement Apple bragging about how easy it was to pair the airpods. Yeah? Well NFC tapping is just as easy and not enabled on iPhone. Which could work for a lot more headphones than just apple's

 

[Tech198]

"But Apple must ensure that both earpieces receive audio at the same time to avoid distortion,"

Apple really likes to box themselves in to case a delay. If users loose one earphone, then the audio gets distorted... so what's the problem ? Hardly an effort to delay a product.. if one earphoe is already lost for and re-pairing is required, then as a "convenient" solution it should just fall back to paring only one earpiece after set time interval...

That's how i would do it

And if the batteries die, why would u even want them to still function or go into a "low power mode" for they'd just drain more battery and it's alerting u to a problem, you choose to ignore

Just ship them already,,, they were complete back in October, but now Apple's using excuses to delay them.

 

[wigby]

On the contrary, this doesn't sound (no pun intended) anything like a manufacturing problem.

It feels more like independent stereo output buffers are being used, and they can get out of sync.



Got any backing for this? Thanks!

(From the insider books I've read, Apple is famous for NOT using consumer surveys ahead of time. Rather, they make a decision, implement it, THEN LATER do tests to see how people liked it.)

What do you think they do with all that data they collect from users that opt. They know everything millions of users do everyday. You don't build products in the dark when you have that much data.
[doublepost=1481352365][/doublepost]

You're quoting Apple's reasoning? I'm confused. What reasoning are you referencing? Any links b/c I'd be interested in those demographics. Not sure what iPhone 7 sales have to do with anything, but okay. Brother you can use the word "most" as much as you like. Your prerogative. It' just makes it sound as if you're trying to represent obvious opinion as fact.

Why would Apple publish links to secret data? This is data worth billions to competitors.

 

[69Mustang]

What do you think they do with all that data they collect from users that opt. They know everything millions of users do everyday. You don't build products in the dark when you have that much data.
[doublepost=1481352365][/doublepost]
Why would Apple publish links to secret data? This is data worth billions to competitors.

So... please forgive me if I'm wrong, but it seems that you're saying you just made up some stuff, and for added gravitas attributed it to Apple. The data can't be that secret if you know about it and as you said, you're quoting Apple. You answered me and @kdarling with some vague questions as if we're supposed to supply our own answers to queries about your claims. I'm gonna let it go though. I only see this devolving.

 

[Gav2k]

Don't Bluetooth speakers always have a noticeable delay? One of the reasons to stay wired.
[doublepost=1481345089][/doublepost]
Yeah, I'm taking a vacation from Apple products until they get their **** straight.

The little chip that Apple showed in the keynote insures everything stays in sync.

 

[bollman]

This makes no physical sense what so ever. These buds are, what a foot apart and bluetooth happens at the speed of ***** light. Receiving the signal at the same time is nonsense. If it is two independent signals and the problem is that the earbuds aren't receiving the right signals at the right time, its because the right signals aren't being broadcast at the right time.

And honestly, how is such a simple problem such a huge obstacle for Apple? For how long have we been broadcasting simultaneous stereo radio signals?

Thanks for my laugh of the morning. I love people finding simple solutions to problems they clearly don't understand.

Read up on FM stereo transmissions. Spoiler: it's just one signal, not two, even if it's stereo in both ends (gasp!).
The speed of light has absolutely nothing to do with the problem at hand! Do you really think that the speed of light is the cause when "live" transmissions show a delay?
And finally, a flash of the obvious: "If it is two independent signals and the problem is that the earbuds aren't receiving the right signals at the right time, its because the right signals aren't being broadcast at the right time" Wow! Great man, you really nailed it there!
Do you really think the multi-billion dollar company Apple with decades of experience and an army of top notch programmers and engineers would fail to find the solution you found without even trying?

 

[masteroflondon]

I'm sure the future is indeed wireless. I want wireless. But the 8 pair I have only sound OK.... Maby. If I'm sitting in a car, or on a plane or on my couch... Nothing sounds like my QC's, which I plug in, and never cut out or lag while watching video.

Imo they should have left the headphone jack alone. Released their new Super duper airpods and prove they actually are better, then maby removed it in the next version. I predict they will be another mediocre at best sounding experience.

Looks like Samsung is going to follow suit as well. They will look even dumber after making fun of apple then following suit. I would love apple to patent the no headphone jack Smart phone. Let them duke it out in court for a few more years and maby then the wireless revolution will have caught up.

I really want these Airbuds and look forward to having them. But I really do not think they are intended to address the sound quality issue that much. The technology they contain should improve the Bluetooth induced issues, but the pieces themselves are not the type to offer brilliant sound, are they?

I think the W1 chip is intended to fix the Bluetooth problems and the Airbuds to provide a brilliantly convenient implementation of that, making more traditional sacrifices to the audio along the way.

The real quality audio stuff is left to 3rd parties, as always with Apple, who can offer over the ear types with quality A/D convertors etc in combination with the W1.

 

[MH01]

Solutions to what what happens when you loose one or battery dies, you purchase a new set.

 

[ryanwarsaw]

Should't have rushed to announced them. Waste of momentum big time.

They had to announce them. They painted themselves in the corner once they removed the jack from the phone. They should have left the jack in another year but had to do something to make the design seem new. By Apple standards this was a pretty sloppy launch.

As I have said before these things better work perfectly when they do launch or it will be scandalous later.

 

[masteroflondon]

They had to announce them. They painted themselves in the corner once they removed the jack from the phone. They should have left the jack in another year but had to do something to make the design seem new. By Apple standards this was a pretty sloppy launch.

As I have said before these things better work perfectly when they do launch or it will be scandalous later.

PLEASE explain why, I really don't understand why Apple HAD to announce any such thing. Immediately or even ever.

There are already many, many Bluetooth options available. I have 1 right here.

Genuinely asking for explanation.

 

[clauzzz203]

Because he made that statement...I would like to know how it's advanced.

http://www.apple.com/lae/airpods/
[doublepost=1481358758][/doublepost]

PLEASE explain why, I really don't understand why Apple HAD to announce any such thing. Immediately or even ever.

There are already many, many Bluetooth options available. I have 1 right here.

Genuinely asking for explanation.

Tim has a checklist… “we have to introduce x pieces of *** each launch, we'll call them innovations. That surely will appease our KPIs, that’s what matters"

 

[Bacillus]

They had to announce them. They painted themselves in the corner once they removed the jack from the phone. They should have left the jack in another year but had to do something to make the design seem new. By Apple standards this was a pretty sloppy launch.
As I have said before these things better work perfectly when they do launch or it will be scandalous later.

Therefore I am feeling so happy in this season WITHOUT Apple keynotes.
Where Moron and master Guinea Pig assure us how great they are.
Where the small guinea pigs must applaud on command - but raise their shoulders walking out.
With mere millions of streaming viewers slowly falling asleep - finding comfort with just the feature that they FORGOT to kill.
Today, I am so thrilled with plugging an ORDINARY USB-3 cable into my old MBAir. With the graphics still working.
No, its not perfect - but Oeeeeuaaah..........such great feeling.
The true value of something that just works, next to pouring 100 billion R&D expenditures into their ocean of abundance, their Spaceship, their stellar renumerations

 

[masteroflondon]

http://www.apple.com/lae/airpods/
[doublepost=1481358758][/doublepost]

Tim has a checklist… “we have to introduce x pieces of *** each launch, we'll call them innovations. That surely will appease our KPIs, that’s what matters"

I'm not talking about Tim, I'm talking about commentators HERE who say dropping the jack and promoting Bluetooth meant Apple HAD to announce Bluetooth headsets. Apple dropped the jack in favour of Bluetooth, an EXISTING standard with plenty of industry standard support. Why do people think Apple had to offer such a headset at all?

 

[Bacillus]

I'm not talking about Tim, I'm talking about commentators HERE who say dropping the jack and promoting Bluetooth meant Apple HAD to announce Bluetooth headsets. Apple dropped the jack in favour of Bluetooth, an EXISTING standard with plenty of industry standard support. Why do people think Apple had to offer such a headset at all?

Because of something once named "Vision" - declaring Oral-B the New Standard of Ear Decoration, surprisingly leading to teething issues.
(no I don't blame you - so many others are spoiled in those Keynotes of Misery described above)

 

[Tiger8]

It's disappointing they're delayed but I can wait. People are freaking out over this. I'll keep saying it until it gets into people's thick heads. If they released them in October and had issues, people would get grumpy. Apple made a mistake announcing these when they did but admitted they needed more time. Guess what? They're PEOPLE. People make mistakes. Get over it.

Oh and, there's nothing out there like this. It's a brand new product and teething issues were bound to happen.

They are not 'only human', they used to be the world most innovative company before google Microsoft and even Amazon gave them a run for their money. Beyond airpods, this indicates a seniors 'aging' company trouble, one that's clearly losing its touch.

The financial implications if this are huge too, they missed their best selling quarter

 

[LDN]

Boy I sure am glad I have common sense. I said from the beginning that this was nothing but a quality control issue. I'm not dumb enough to think a company like Apple wouldn't have worked out technical issues in headphones before they released them. Wasn't this even explained in the keynote? The W1 chip does all the synchronisation magic necessary.

I can't believe how easy it is to troll the internet these days. People know nothing of Apple and believe anything they read.

 

[redheeler]

How dare the Wall Street Journal want paying for their work. Because, clearly, all their staff work for free.

Anyone know how I can get an iPhone without the greedy purchase price?

Did you pay nothing for access to the MacRumors summary, or the ability to use these forums? Because, clearly, all their staff work for free.

I really hate posts like this...