Apple's AirPods are now making their way into the hands of the first round of customers who ordered the wireless headphones last Tuesday, and more tidbits of information about the device have been shared online as users play around with Apple's newest product.
Apple Watch Features
One Apple Watch wearer noticed that when a call comes in through the wearable, there's a custom AirPods button when the headphones are connected and playing music. The AirPods button replaces the usual green answer button, simply designating that the call will be relayed through the AirPods and not through the Apple Watch speaker.
Users of Apple's wearable can also swipe up from their watch face, tap battery percentage in control center, and check on their AirPods' battery levels from the Watch. Otherwise, the AirPods' battery levels can be checked in the iPhone's battery widget.
Durability Test
As is the case with most new Apple devices, durability tests are also underway, and YouTube channel EverythingApplePro this week shared one of the first major real-world drop and water tests with the AirPods. In the video, the headphones are put through basic drop tests from waist and ear height, and then to upwards of ten feet. Scuffs and marks hit the charging case hardest, but the AirPods themselves made it through largely unscathed thanks to their lightweight build. Most importantly, both the AirPods and the charging case continued to work normally after each drop.
Water tests were also conducted on the AirPods, including a washing and drying cycle that confirmed the headphones and the case will survive and function as expected even after accidentally including them in a load of laundry. The channel's ultimate stress test was five minute submersion under one foot of water. Even with those extreme conditions, the AirPods synced up with the iPhone immediately after submersion, and both headphones were "working perfectly."
Resale Prices
Naturally, with so many people looking to gift the AirPods to family and friends for Christmas, resale prices are rising on eBay. Most auctions are sitting around the $250 mark with hours left to go, and guaranteed shipping by Christmas, but some Buy it Now prices are set at upwards of $350 and $500. Prices will only continue to inflate as Christmas grows closer and shipping costs rise to overnight packages.
Availability and Tracking
Certain retailers like Best Buy in the United States and Carphone Warehouse in the United Kingdom have restocked AirPods throughout the week, but Apple's online website now has an estimated delivery in mid-February for most countries. Anyone who wants to keep as up to date as possible on AirPods availability can use iStockNow's tracking map to see where the headphones are currently available.
Users are likely to glimpse a map filled with red pins indicating no stock available, but we've seen occasional green pins show up throughout the morning. You'll have to be fast though, as they sell out very quickly.
Article Link: AirPods Tidbits: Hidden Apple Watch Features, Durability Test, and High Resale Prices
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AirPods Tidbits: Hidden Apple Watch Features, Durability Test, and High Resale Prices
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I was lucky enough to buy these on Monday and that night I had such buyer's remorse. I was bothered by battery life (adding to whatever battery anxiety already have), and slight drops here and there. Fear of losing them. And the price. Oh lord, the price.
But now, after, you know, actually using them, I have to say—the AirPods are one of my favorite Apple products. Like the AirPort Express or Apple Pencil. "It just works." And it's "seamless." I've actually been more impressed by their accessories than computers since the first AirPort base station.
It's not so much about the features. It's about benefits. And for me the benefit of wireless far outweigh the cons.
But now, after, you know, actually using them, I have to say—the AirPods are one of my favorite Apple products. Like the AirPort Express or Apple Pencil. "It just works." And it's "seamless." I've actually been more impressed by their accessories than computers since the first AirPort base station.
It's not so much about the features. It's about benefits. And for me the benefit of wireless far outweigh the cons.
Do you actually think apple would release a product that 50% of potential customers can't use? What absolute nonsense you are spreading. Why do you do this? Do you hate apple so much that you would just invent and propagate lies. That's so despicable.
I've had many earbuds that do have trouble staying my ears. But these are just a perfect fit. Not even close to having one of the airpods drop out.
Getting slammed. From myself! I'll edit my original post to keep you all happy...
Have you just joined an Apple forum to slate AirPods?
No, actually I joined to learn and because I like the spirit here more than on Dutch Apple sites. But, seriously, $500?
Doesn't affect the use or function...but just a mis-match and has the author questioning if Apple had other port plans for these airpods.
https://9to5mac.com/2016/12/20/airpods-originally-meant-to-charge-via-usb-c/
Haha. I didn't mean to quote you twice. I was distracted and thought someone else had posted it and quoted it again. Lols.
Apple Store talked me out of them
He said basically if you do not like the headphones that come with iPhone ( I do not and that's why I have a bose ) then do not buy these. He convinced me to look at Bose newest version or Jaybirds? . Ended up with Bose because I really like the noise cancellation and the comfort. I agree that people buy apple like my wife buys shoes, but since most people replace the ones that come with phone why would u buy these just there are no wires ?
You answer and end the call by double tapping, just like invoking Siri. I've done it several times.
loving mine still and those apple watch features are great. Going gym and using these air pods are amazing. worth every penny. The sound is good and no wires...thank god.
get through all my podcasts with ease each day and have more reason to listen to them. using those wires put me off alot of the time.
get through all my podcasts with ease each day and have more reason to listen to them. using those wires put me off alot of the time.
I've owned mine since Monday . Personally I feel they look kinda goofy , not that I care , have long hair.
Of all the people I have talked to since owning them , the looks, is a split divide , some think they look great, others think they look silly. As design is such a personal preference I doubt we can convience each other in weather these look great or crap.
Earpods don't stay in even a little bit. These look exactly the same so I can infer that it's probably not going to be better.
Must admit I'm finding the double tap really hit and miss. Sometimes it works. usually it doesn't. You have to try and find the exact right spot and I just can't seem to nail it consistently.
And when I ask Siri to turn the volume up she turns it down. Every time.
Also switching from iPhone to watch has not been smooth. I have to keep restarting the iPhone to get it to re recognise the pods. Hoping I'm doing something wrong or it will be fixed in an update.
For me personally? I love EarPods. I'm not an audiophile by many means. I have never liked most foam cover earbuds (they itch) and no matter how I mess with in-ear buds they always fall out on my runs and never feel comfortable. EarPods have been my favorite earbuds since I first tried them—and this is totally personal. I like the feel, they stay in, and the sound is fine.
And yeah, I'd get these because they're a wireless version of my favorite earbuds. Ha. And as someone who uses a bluetooth headset to talk on the phone quiet a bit, they cover that too.
There's no perfect headphone/headset because individual needs and preferences vary. The only thing I don't like about these thus far (I still need to actually try them) is the price. I don't even think it's unfair, I just don't like spending too much on headphones. It's the sort of thing I'll have to convince someone to get me as a gift, lol.
I second this. I stood in line Monday for 1.5 hours for 2 pair after already having a pair on order with a 12-Jan delivery date. I am using a pair, am giving away the other as a holiday gift, and the third will be a spare, a gift, or for sale (but for purchased price because I don't have kind words for scalpers).
Love mine so far.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
I was exactly the same. I thought they were a crap idea, and after being underwhelmed by the new macbook pro, I thought what the heck, order them for a laugh and return them, and boy was I surprised , they actually brought a smile to my face, you hardly notice you are wearing them, the case/charger is a great idea and they are perfect for my gym sessions. Have no intention of returning them, sure I have my Shure in ears for listening to music, but for commuting and gym, and phone calls around the house, these rock.
Ive owned/own quite a few BT headsets, and these have the best connection.
Disappointed they don't pair with my Sony ZX2, as in the volume does not work, but hey like it matters, the SQ on these can using the ZX2 is silly to be honest
One thing it does not play nice with is my iPod nano.
Wow. I know from the past that you are not one of the "Apple is always right" (and thus Apple products are perfect in every way) guys, so how about commenting on sound quality? Is is great, good, so so, etc? You imply that they are good for general audio but you favor your Shures for listening to music, which I'm reading as these definitely do not compete with your Shures. How close? What's the biggest difference to your ears?
How does the same stuff sound through these vs. the stock (included) wired buds? Any major differences you can hear?
And how about latency when watching video? In other words, a typical gripe about bluetooth in general is how latency will tend to delay the audio when watching some video: lips move then voice is heard a little later. Are you seeing that with these or has Apple perhaps addressed that better than competing bluetooth products?
Are they clinging well or have you already had them fall out (or maybe a close call) in normal activities?
I've seen plenty of gushing reviews around here- no surprise- but I'd love to see a fellow consumer review from someone known to be more objective.
I posted that information here on macrumors several days before it appeared on reddit.
It seems like it only becomes front page news on macrumors when it appears on other websites. Never mind if the information has already been here on macrumors forums several days before. Apparently macrumors news authors would rather read forums on other websites instead of their own forums!
Thanks, but can you answer a call, then adjust the volume via Siri, that was the question.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Of course, what we don't know is what happens 5 or 10+ days later. I definitely wouldn't take the "water test" reports as some kind of concept of waterproof or even water resistant. In other words, that part should have had the disclaimer of "don't try this at home."