AirPods Deliveries Arrive Across Europe as Retail Store Stock Dwindles

[Quu]

Try taking one out of your ear when the music is playing.

Good point though, I wonder if the AirPods could be updated later via software update to allow changes?

I think they probably can, inside the about menu on your iPhone a new section appears called Airpods and it lists the software and hardware revision. I imagine there is some kind of way to update them.

Also I'm aware of the pulling one out thing, but I really would prefer just being able to tap them to pause/play.

 

[AdonisSMU]

Overall, I don't like them so far. I got mine delivered this morning, and they pair alright as others have said, but the double-tap thing just isn't reliable for either Siri or Play/Pause or answer/end call usage.

For example, I'm often left trying to answer a phone call double-tapping, then double-tapping again, and double-tapping again, and double-tapping ...you get the idea. By the time it may/may not finally work, I've often missed the call or it's gone to answerphone!

Same with Siri or play/pause... double-tape, double-tap, double-tap, double-tap...aaargh?!?!?!? It's just too finicky to make them useful for everyday usage.

The worst thing though, is that I really also don't like that when I tap on them, my eardrum feels like someone is banging on my ear each time. This is surely a personal tolerance thing, but for me, I hate the banging effect on my eardrums every time I need to do something — it's more irritating than anything.

Attractive looking though they may be, as they do sit in the ear well, and sound reasonably ok for commuting usage (when you want to hear stuff going on around you), if tap is unreliable and annoys my ears when doing it, these aren't going to cut it regardless, at any price.


PS: Anyone keeping them, I'd recommend getting a back-of-neck chain of some kind, as I can see loss and/or, even worse, thief snatches from people's ears(!) possibly being a 'thing'.

I just wonder how someone is going to get to my ears without my fists getting in the way first.

 

[BvizioN]

Wow - people queue for headphones now? Maybe they don't know that bluetooth headphones aren't exactly a new thing.

So does it have to be a thing for people to order something they like to buy? Or do they have to ask for a permit from some forum members here as to what to do with their time and money?

 

[AEdouard]

Happy about the long range. I've had two bluetooth headsets and the newest one really has good range and it's really useful to not have sound constantly cut out when you move a little.

 

[BvizioN]

There's already something similar. They're called Bluetooth headphones and you can get a pair for $20. That doesn't seem to be stopping those lovely folks from standing in line to pay $159.

There is a difference between a $20 crap that doesn't work too well and $159 that works fine. Some folks are not into crap stuff.

 

[anubis1980]

Gotta love how these things sync

I want your dog, you can keep the pods ha.

 

[Porco]

I'm happy for people who were excited for these if they have lived up to expectations.

Even without my misgivings about bluetooth audio quality and needing to recharge regularly, I think these look like they would probably fall out my ears all the time anyway. Literally not a good fit for me.

 

[TigerWoodsIV]

The above is obvious.
Maybe they only had cheap earbuds after losing or destroying their Apple earpods.
Maybe they never owned a of Bluetooth headset and want to give Apple a try, since you know, they may own an iPhone.

Subjective, anecdotal, assumed, take your pick.

If they sound at all like the earpods, which apparently they do but a little better based on reviews, they're mediocre at best. Then again, people pay $300 for Beats, so sound quality clearly isn't paramount for most.

 

[The Game 161]

I want your dog, you can keep the pods ha.

Ha If only he stayed that size forever.

 

[JosephAW]

Hopefully they are better than the wired buds. I bought an iPhone 6 two years ago and this last summer I got them out of the box to use them for the first time and I played some music and one ear died in no less than 30 seconds later. Junk.

 

[AEdouard]

There's already something similar. They're called Bluetooth headphones and you can get a pair for $20. That doesn't seem to be stopping those lovely folks from standing in line to pay $159.

You're the 97986th person to say this, but you're still wrong. All similar products, meaning true wireless earbuds that have about the same features as the airpods, are pretty freaking expensive. The airpods are expensive, but not a ripoff compaired with competing devices.

 

[Rafterman]

Woof.

Dogs rule, cats drool.

 

[AEdouard]

Handy tip: tape some string to them just like your mum did to your school mittens
[doublepost=1482154040][/doublepost]
What other bluetooth headsets - Apple only sell the plastic overpriced beats ones these days.

That kinda defeats the purpose of these things though. If I wanted a wire between the earbuds, I would have bought some of the much cheaper options out there. The wireless part is a big part of whatbmakes them interesting.

 

[kissmo]

While waiting for them like crazy I can't help but wonder - Will I be able to use them during a flight?
Or I need to go back to wired earbuds?

 

[Traverse]

My store only had 8 and I was 11 in line.

:/. Aww well

 

[dantracht]

Mine are out for delivery, two days early!!

 

[djcerla]

I think these look like they would probably fall out my ears all the time anyway. Literally not a good fit for me.

This is literally never going to happen. There's a video of a guy running for an hour with AirPods, and they did not move at all.

 

[lyngo]

Just got to wonder why people who comment on sound quality and comfort didn’t go for Beats Solo Wireless 3 instead. It has the same tech (Apple W1 chip) but they are actually decent headphones for consuming content.

I agree and I actually went that route!

 

[RowellE]

People lined up for this? That's crazy!
BTW, those nets remind me of the anti-suicide nets at Foxconn.

 

[unclemax]

If they sound at all like the earpods, which apparently they do but a little better based on reviews, they're mediocre at best. Then again, people pay $300 for Beats, so sound quality clearly isn't paramount for most.

I disagree about Beats. Solo 2 (or Solo2 Wireless plugged through the wire) is featured on the Wall of Fame of Innerfidelity, the website that reviews high end headphones. True, Bluetooth audio tech is simply not good for high-end audio yet, but Solo 2 wireless sound better than any other (mostly cheap) bluetooth headphones I have owned.

 

[Zedcars]

Those complaining about quality not being much better than the Earpods are really missing the point and asking for Apple to break the laws of physics.

1. People who buy these are not audiophiles. They want convenience and ease of use first. Not having wires is a massive advantage. Couple that with easy pairing and you have something that is enough for people to sacrifice sound quality for convenience.

2. If you are expecting a vast improvement in sound quality from such a tiny wireless set of earphones, then you really are asking Apple to bend the laws of nature. There is only so much you can deliver with such tiny in-ear speakers.

 

[dannyyankou]

Got to the store when they opened. They put 15 out and sold out within 5 minutes, then they put out a bunch more. Demand seems strong.

 

[Slevin]

Is it possible to order online and pick up in store?

 

[dumastudetto]

And Apple delivers yet another blockbuster smash hit product that has demand far outstripping supply.

Doomed? Ha. Tim wins yet another round against the doom and gloomers.

 

[Chicane-UK]

So does it have to be a thing for people to order something they like to buy? Or do they have to ask for a permit from some forum members here as to what to do with their time and money?

People can do what the hell they want - I really don't care that much. I just don't understand it.