AirPods Launch at Apple Stores in United States as First Online Orders Delivered

[BuddyTronic]

They sell replacements for iPhones, too. That doesn't mean it's a "haha" moment when you realize you have to buy another one!

Yah! It's SUCH a tragedy

 

[Night Spring]

You are correct. I am searching for a reliable pair of Bluetooth headphones but am just trying to understand why these are so hyped? Does it have amazing ergos, sound quality, new tech, or great battery life? Is it just because Apple makes them? Maybe I'll buy two pairs, who knows? Any good product reviews yet?

Just google "AirPods review" -- that's how I find the reviews.

As for why the hype, it's the ease of pairing, plus the convenience of truly wireless earphones, and all day battery life courtesy of the carrying case doubling as a charger. I think it's just a product where all the small details add up to create a very desirable product. Add to that it's the holiday season, the longish wait since it was first announced, and yes, I can see why people are lining up for it. I would have lined up too if I hadn't decided to get the Bose SoundSport instead. It's just the same thing as why would people line up to see a movie on release day when if you wait a week you can see it without waiting in line. You can wait a week, but you've been anticipating it so long, you want to see it now.

 

[BuddyTronic]

...

 

[alecgold]

What aren't they updating their stock in the app?

They just did update the store in the Netherlands: pick up February 3th it says. So that doesn't help very much either.
[doublepost=1482227171][/doublepost]

Just google "AirPods review" -- that's how I find the reviews.

As for why the hype, it's the ease of pairing, plus the convenience of truly wireless earphones, and all day battery life courtesy of the carrying case doubling as a charger. I think it's just a product where all the small details add up to create a very desirable product. Add to that it's the holiday season, the longish wait since it was first announced, and yes, I can see why people are lining up for it. I would have lined up too if I hadn't decided to get the Bose SoundSport instead. It's just the same thing as why would people line up to see a movie on release day when if you wait a week you can see it without waiting in line. You can wait a week, but you've been anticipating it so long, you want to see it now.

I have the Bose qc35 and hope to get the AirPods this afternoon. The Bose is really great because it blocks all the sounds in the office and when I'm outside or in a plane/train. It's great when I want to concentrate! And I don't get nauseated like I did with the qc25 my coworker has. But they block the sound so well I can't hear anything and even when I see a coworker talking to me, I can't hear it. It's great! Except when you want to have a bit of awareness like when I'm in my car, or just want to drown the office noises a bit but not block them completly. And that is where the AirPods come in handy. I can use Siri with a double tap (e.g. In the car) it pauses when a coworker starts to talk to me and I pick one bud out of my ear and I can still hear somebody talking to me when I have both in. And in the summer they are less sweaty. Because the Bose is pretty darn hot at those times. So the Qc35 and the AirPods will live together really nicely, I think.

 

[Night Spring]

I have the Bose qc35 and hope to get the AirPods this afternoon. The Bose is really great because it blocks all the sounds in the office and when I'm outside or in a plane/train. It's great when I want to concentrate! And I don't get nauseated like I did with the qc25 my coworker has. But they block the sound so well I can't hear anything and even when I see a coworker talking to me, I can't hear it. It's great! Except when you want to have a bit of awareness like when I'm in my car, or just want to drown the office noises a bit but not block them completly. And that is where the AirPods come in handy. I can use Siri with a double tap (e.g. In the car) it pauses when a coworker starts to talk to me and I pick one bud out of my ear and I can still hear somebody talking to me when I have both in. And in the summer they are less sweaty. Because the Bose is pretty darn hot at those times. So the Qc35 and the AirPods will live together really nicely, I think.

Did you consider the qc30?
https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/headphones/earphones/quietcontrol-30.html#v=qc30_black

In any case, I'd love to hear your opinion of how the AirPods compare to Bose in terms of sound. Most of the comparisons I've seen so far has been with EarPods or Beats -- but I don't use either. I mainly use Bose because I find their headphones and earphones most comfortable to wear, but I also like their sound.

 

[rockyromero]

Come on. The $15.00 from Amazon will not be better and you know that. It reminds me of what a guy said to me when I was thinking about getting a cheaper helmet for car racing. He said to me "Cheap Head - Cheap Helmet". He was a good salesman I realize, but it made sense. You have one life. If you can afford to get the best - go for it. If you want to spend more than $15.00 for headphones, it's OK - everything will be fine

It would cost me a lot more to build my own Airpods.

The time would be a lot longer also because of my learning curve.

Probably a few light years.

➰

 

[symphara]

As for why the hype, it's the ease of pairing, plus the convenience of truly wireless earphones, and all day battery life courtesy of the carrying case doubling as a charger. I think it's just a product where all the small details add up to create a very desirable product.

I find the "truly wireless" thing decidedly inconvenient. When stationary (i.e. working or on the plane), I prefer to use wired headphones since the sound quality is much, much better, plus I have some headphones with very good ambient noise reduction.

I really like wireless headphones while cycling, but then I want them to be tied together with a wire, so I don't lose them. These Apple wireless headphones seem very bad from this point of view.

I don't think they're a desirable product. Quite the contrary. They're almost the typical Apple product: gimmicky, overpriced, mediocre (sound quality), with the exception that unlike most Apple products, these look about as dorky and uncool as they come.

They are extremely desirable for a few people. Those you see lining outside to throw away their cash. Big difference.

 

[3NV7]

It doesn't matter the topic. Most, not all, of it is from folks who are here to compensate for a feeling of powerlessness in their lives. If you can come here and "shout" to the large group of Apple fans that they are stupid or "tell" the CEO of the most valuable and influential company on earth that he is an idiot and should be fired it gives you a temporary, though fleeting, sense of power. Sadly, being a keyboard warrior doesn't ultimately meet their need for a sense of power, so they continue to show up and troll no matter the topic. I've wanted MR to run a news article that Tim Cook saved an orphan from a burning building just to see how the trolls would struggle to still spin it in a negative light.

LOL. Leave the psychoanalysis to the professionals next time.
[doublepost=1482236673][/doublepost]

What I don't understand is that Apple's pack-in earbuds have been almost universally dismissed for years.

In the early days of the iPod, and maybe for the iPhone 2G and 3G, NYC subways were a sea of white cord commuters.

But the smart phone market quickly gave rise to a burgeoning headphone market, and earbuds and full headphones of all shapes, sizes, and colors overtook the white cords. This was probably partly backlash to the homogenization effect, but it was also about people seeking better sound quality and more personalized comfort than Apple could offer with cheap buds. The subway cars became a showcase for every headphone imaginable BUT Apple's.

But now people are lining up for them because they're wireless?

I predict AirPods will go the way of Apple's short lived Bluetooth headset and balanced armature earbuds. That is to say, discontinued sooner than later and destined for the discount bin, then the collector's shelf.

Yeah, that's what's truly baffling here- the apple earbuds have been universally terrible for over a decade, but *now* they've cracked the code (for the low, low price of $160, natch)? Color me very skeptical.

But I'm sure its a combination of Apple true believers and eBay scalpers. Most sane people aren't lining up for earbuds.

 

[newellj]

What I don't understand is that Apple's pack-in earbuds have been almost universally dismissed for years.

In the early days of the iPod, and maybe for the iPhone 2G and 3G, NYC subways were a sea of white cord commuters.

But the smart phone market quickly gave rise to a burgeoning headphone market, and earbuds and full headphones of all shapes, sizes, and colors overtook the white cords. This was probably partly backlash to the homogenization effect, but it was also about people seeking better sound quality and more personalized comfort than Apple could offer with cheap buds. The subway cars became a showcase for every headphone imaginable BUT Apple's.

But now people are lining up for them because they're wireless?

I predict AirPods will go the way of Apple's short lived Bluetooth headset and balanced armature earbuds. That is to say, discontinued sooner than later and destined for the discount bin, then the collector's shelf.

I've never been able to get the wired earbuds to stay in my ears. They just don't work for me. On the other hand, the AirPods stayed in this morning even while I was exercising. I'll return them if they don't work for me, but the first impression is very good.
[doublepost=1482237552][/doublepost]

#1. Your comment has no purpose other than to be smart-alecky because while I am not going to justify my being on Macrumors during a "workday" as you put it, I can easily take 5 minutes to browse news sites and post. Not to mention that you are doing the same thing so the same can be said about your "working habits".

#2. Lining up for some headphones in the cold on an early Monday morning is an indication of poor self-worth and sheep mentality when a more convenient and more practical way to order exists.

#3. I was not commenting on the U.K. article, I was commenting on this one which shows a photo from the US. Having missed my point, I will explicitly state it for you: The mentality of lining up for a gadget started in North America so the fact that it has spread to other parts of the world only adds to the idiocy.

I am not blind to anything. My commenting doesn't stem from my supposed ignorance of these so-called facts of yours but rather it expresses my opinion of the ridiculousness behind this concept.

Wow, great psychoanalysis. Where can we mail our checks? You know what they say about people who have a compulsive need to attack and belittle other people?

 

[BrandonC]

Sooooo....

I ordered yesterday from Best Buy with a Thursday delivery. It just updated and they're coming today!!! YES!

 

[Abazigal]

LOL. Leave the psychoanalysis to the professionals next time.
[doublepost=1482236673][/doublepost]

Yeah, that's what's truly baffling here- the apple earbuds have been universally terrible for over a decade, but *now* they've cracked the code (for the low, low price of $160, natch)? Color me very skeptical.

But I'm sure its a combination of Apple true believers and eBay scalpers. Most sane people aren't lining up for earbuds.

I am not using the Airpods for the sound quality, but more so for the convenience of wireless earbuds.

It's like saying the Apple Watch is inferior to a normal watch because I have to charge it every day. That may be so, and it's also besides the point. I know the Apple Watch has its limitations, but I still got one because I see value in its functionality and I believe that it will benefit me overall. And I will gladly put up with any drawbacks the device has.

Same here. It's about choosing the compromises I can best live with. And for the AirPod, I am willing to shell out the extra money and put up with okay sound quality for the convenience of having a pair of wireless earbuds I can take out and keep and switch amongst my Apple devices with ease.

Because for me, the best sound in a pair of headphones is meaningless if using it is such a hassle that I end up not touching it at all.

 

[ghostface147]

They'll NEVER be included with iPhone. Nowadays we're lucky Apple includes a charger with the iPhone. Not going to get $159 set of AirPods ever. Stand alone purchase only.

That's not what I was implying. I'll purchase them when I get the next iPhone.

 

[rysmtihaz]

Sooooo....

I ordered yesterday from Best Buy with a Thursday delivery. It just updated and they're coming today!!! YES!

Same here! It's a Christmas Miracle!

 

[alecgold]

Did you consider the qc30?
https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/headphones/earphones/quietcontrol-30.html#v=qc30_black

In any case, I'd love to hear your opinion of how the AirPods compare to Bose in terms of sound. Most of the comparisons I've seen so far has been with EarPods or Beats -- but I don't use either. I mainly use Bose because I find their headphones and earphones most comfortable to wear, but I also like their sound.

I have the QC20, but I juist don't like in-ear silicone or rubber, so I'm going to flog them or give them to a coworker.

The AirPods compared to the QC35.
It's really no comparison in sound quality. Simply put, the QC35 has a much better, fuller sound, wider stage is what they call it, I believe.
But, that being said, the sound of the AirPods is really not bad. These are pods, they hang in front of you ear so there is no seal, but for a pod it has a good balance between Bass, mids and highs. The bass is nowhere near as pronounced as the QC35, but IMHO it's a bit much bass on the QC35. And in that respect the AirPods are perhaps better balanced.
From a few minutes listening to the AirPods I also noticed that the detailing is a bit lacking, but again what can you expect? These are simple earpods without a wire.

I will listen to them this night and give an update.
Oh, I did listen to some popular music, little mix, GRL, Sia. Not really my cup of tea, I prefer mark Knopfler or some piano violin music. I'll get back.

 

[Applefan4515]

I was walking out of Walmart today, and had my AirPods in. Guy stopped me.
Him: "excuse me sir"
Me: "yes?"
Him: "I don't know if you knew this or not, but your headphones are broken"

 

[newellj]

I was walking out of Walmart today, and had my AirPods in. Guy stopped me.
Him: "excuse me sir"
Me: "yes?"
Him: "I don't know if you knew this or not, but your headphones ar broken"

Too funny. You'd have to be really somewhere else mentally to not notice that your earbuds weren't playing anything at all.

 

[Keirasplace]

What I don't understand is that Apple's pack-in earbuds have been almost universally dismissed for years.

In the early days of the iPod, and maybe for the iPhone 2G and 3G, NYC subways were a sea of white cord commuters.

But the smart phone market quickly gave rise to a burgeoning headphone market, and earbuds and full headphones of all shapes, sizes, and colors overtook the white cords. This was probably partly backlash to the homogenization effect, but it was also about people seeking better sound quality and more personalized comfort than Apple could offer with cheap buds. The subway cars became a showcase for every headphone imaginable BUT Apple's.

But now people are lining up for them because they're wireless?

I predict AirPods will go the way of Apple's short lived Bluetooth headset and balanced armature earbuds. That is to say, discontinued sooner than later and destined for the discount bin, then the collector's shelf.

Huh, you forgot the fact that the main reason people buy it is not for the sound itself, but because its a wearable that integrates into the Apple ecosystem. That alone means that these things are there for the long haul.

Oh, and well, they do own Beats which have a huge part of the headphone profits.... That's something too!

 

[carletonguy]

Just went to a YouTube video, none.

Awesome, thanks!

 

[cyberslammer]

You must be mistaken. My Universe Rotates soley around My Airpods. Then perhaps I will get my priorities straight. Let me know how you like your Skull Candy earphones.

I don't have Skull Candy headphones I have Beats 2 wireless. Oh no I'm poor trash for not having Airpods.

 

[jdclifford]

That's not what I was implying. I'll purchase them when I get the next iPhone.

Got it! Mine arrived yesterday. So far pretty good sound and easy pairing. I don't know how anyone could run with these in. I expect them to fall out anytime I move my head sitting at my desk. Third party lanyard or something similar probably will be marketed to keep them from falling on the ground. Still have Christmas return policy to decide if they're keepers.

 

[Two]

Count me in for a pair from Best Buy due here on the 21st (had to pay a whole 5 bucks extra to get on wednesday).


Thanks markemery!

Well, ordered mine about 5pm last night. They arrived at noon today. Just plain awesome job on Best Buy's part.

 

[Night Spring]

It's about choosing the compromises I can best live with. And for the AirPod, I am willing to shell out the extra money and put up with okay sound quality for the convenience of having a pair of wireless earbuds I can take out and keep and switch amongst my Apple devices with ease.

Because for me, the best sound in a pair of headphones is meaningless if using it is such a hassle that I end up not touching it at all.

Yes, exactly. For me, I decided I wanted better sound quality, so I went with Bose SoundSport, which has a wire attaching the two ear pieces. I do think that the true wireless design of AirPods offer more freedom of movement, but I'm more than willing to live with the wire around my neck to get the sound quality of the Bose. It's an individual choice.

I have the QC20, but I juist don't like in-ear silicone or rubber, so I'm going to flog them or give them to a coworker.

The AirPods compared to the QC35.
It's really no comparison in sound quality. Simply put, the QC35 has a much better, fuller sound, wider stage is what they call it, I believe.
But, that being said, the sound of the AirPods is really not bad. These are pods, they hang in front of you ear so there is no seal, but for a pod it has a good balance between Bass, mids and highs. The bass is nowhere near as pronounced as the QC35, but IMHO it's a bit much bass on the QC35. And in that respect the AirPods are perhaps better balanced.
From a few minutes listening to the AirPods I also noticed that the detailing is a bit lacking, but again what can you expect? These are simple earpods without a wire.

I will listen to them this night and give an update.
Oh, I did listen to some popular music, little mix, GRL, Sia. Not really my cup of tea, I prefer mark Knopfler or some piano violin music. I'll get back.

Thanks for the review. I like to listen to classical symphonic pieces, like the Beethoven and
Mozart concertos. Also, when I get a new earphone / headphone, I test them by listening to the Broadway cast recording of Circle of Life from the Lion King. I think the opening chorus is a good test of whether the sound provides fullness and depth.

It's interesting to hear you don't like in-ear silicone. I really love them for the feeling of secure fit I get from them. I'm afraid that the feeling of AirPods just hanging in front of your ear without a seal, as you put it, will make me feel uncomfortable, even if they never actually fall out. There's no way to tell for sure without trying them, of course. But for now, I'm happy with the Bose SoundSport. I think true wireless is the future, though, and I'm looking forward to where Apple and other manufacturers will go with this.

 

[kwikdeth]

You're making the perfect science denial argument-- conflating fact with opinion. Arguing against science is arguing against the best currently available facts about objective things while the people you quoted are all clearly saying that differences of opinion exist about subjective things.

"I think they're uncomfortable" is not peer reviewed science.

This literally makes no sense, one is fact and the other is subjective.

one guy simply asked for someone to explain the appeal of this product. the reply was "if you have to ask, then they arent for you" - how exactly is that fact? or anything other really than just being an elitist jerk?

 

[Analog Kid]

one guy simply asked for someone to explain the appeal of this product. the reply was "if you have to ask, then they arent for you" - how exactly is that fact? or anything other really than just being an elitist jerk?

It's not a fact, which is my point.

Science denial: "I don't personally believe the earth revolves around the sun regardless of what you see through your telescope."
Differing opinions: "If you don't think they're cool then maybe you shouldn't buy them, no matter what I think."

Science denial is a scourge upon society, while acknowledging that tastes differ is not. Please don't conflate them.

 

[BrandonC]

Got mine! Ordered yesterday, shipped last night, delivered today, and sitting comfortably in my ears this evening!!!