Why am I carrying an AirPod Carrying Case? (And why doesnt it do more?)

[urkel]

I love the tech of the AirPods. But I'm noticing a very silly trend with the AirPod users I know. We aren't leaving the AirPods in our ears all day. So Most of the time we're carrying our carrying case because we need quick access in putting the headphones away or else we risk losing them.

Now, I'm not saying anything negative about using the AirPod cases (new habits come with new tech). But I think that if users are carrying the case more then why not make it more functional but putting all those "missing" physical buttons were on the case. The case is a part of the AirPod package so Skip, Pause, Volume, Siri etc would make this a more complete product.

 

[profets]

I've been using Bluetooth only for many years as well. I've found that I really like the case as it's a way to store the AirPods since they're so small. And just by storing them they're always charged. Nice idea (though others have done this before).

But you're on to something there - people were thinking about making a Bluetooth clip of some sort for the playback controls. Why not use the case for the playback controls, maybe even a click wheel? Hah

 

[megapopular]

I love the tech of the AirPods. But I'm noticing a very silly trend with the AirPod users I know. We're more wireless than ever, but we're often times carrying our carrying case.

- If we're walking then we need it close by for when we take the AirPod out and dont want to drop it
- If we're working then we put it on our desk to store them it if coworkers pass by
- If we're driving then theyre removed from Pocket and put in cup holder because its uncomfortable

Maybe I'm being overly critical because I've been wireless for years with LG Tone headsets (those horseshoe styled things that look like electric shock collars). They were ugly, but they were also "set it and forget it" products where you put it on in the morning and forget you're even wearing them. AirPods definitely require a lot more awareness and care so it's been a jarring transition.

Now, my complaint isn't so much about the AirPod cases (new habits come with new tech). But I think that if users are carrying the case more then why not make it more functional but putting all those "missing" physical buttons were on the case. The case is a part of the AirPod package so Skip, Pause, Volume, Siri etc would make this a more complete product.

That would take more battery life from the case to be readily able to send a signal to the AirPods.

 

[44267547]

That would take more battery life from the case to be readily able to send a signal to the AirPods.

Agreed. And a whole new design tested for Consant use on the case for durability.

 

[Ad13]

I love the tech of the AirPods. But I'm noticing a very silly trend with the AirPod users I know. We're more wireless than ever, but we're often times carrying our carrying case.

- If we're walking then we need it close by for when we take the AirPod out and dont want to drop it
- If we're working then we put it on our desk to store them it if coworkers pass by
- If we're driving then theyre removed from Pocket and put in cup holder because its uncomfortable

Maybe I'm being overly critical because I've been wireless for years with LG Tone headsets (those horseshoe styled things that look like electric shock collars). They were ugly, but they were also "set it and forget it" products where you put it on in the morning and forget you're even wearing them. AirPods definitely require a lot more awareness and care so it's been a jarring transition.

Now, my complaint isn't so much about the AirPod cases (new habits come with new tech). But I think that if users are carrying the case more then why not make it more functional but putting all those "missing" physical buttons were on the case. The case is a part of the AirPod package so Skip, Pause, Volume, Siri etc would make this a more complete product.

Those controls are already available... on your iPhone that's sat in your pocket next to the case. Doesn't make sense to duplicate them.

 

[AdonisSMU]

Those controls are already available... on your iPhone that's sat in your pocket next to the case. Doesn't make sense to duplicate them.

I was just about to say if you are just going to put controls on the case you may as well pull out your phone.

 

[urkel]

Those controls are already available... on your iPhone that's sat in your pocket next to the case. Doesn't make sense to duplicate them.

"Why would I need a separate device for this when I can just take my phone out of my pocket?"

Isn't that the exact same that people use against the Apple Watch? But anyone who owns an Apple Watch knows that "duplicated function" can be a huge benefit to the user experience.

And lets be honest here. On both Watch and iPhone then it takes several awkward swipes to access the music panel for "Next Track" so what would be so bad about quadruplicating heavily used controls onto the audio product you're holding in your hand? If you think about it, holding the case in hand to do some no-look music controls would be a very familiar throwback to how we all used to use our iPods.

 

[WiseAJ]

"Why would I need a separate device for this when I can just take my phone out of my pocket?"

Isn't that the exact same that people use against the Apple Watch? But anyone who owns an Apple Watch knows that "duplicated function" can be a huge benefit to the user experience.

And lets be honest here. On both Watch and iPhone then it takes several awkward swipes to access the music panel for "Next Track" so what would be so bad about quadruplicating heavily used controls onto the audio product you're holding in your hand? If you think about it, holding the case in hand to do some no-look music controls would be a very familiar throwback to how we all used to use our iPods.

The watch is on your wrist and doesn't requiring pulling it out of a pocket to "duplicate" the functions of your iPhone. You are going to have to pull the airpods case out of your pocket anyway to use the playback controls if they were there so at that point just pull out your phone. Its the same number of steps.

Maybe an Apple Airpods Case Watch? An apple watch that doubles as an airpods case?

Actually just make it a band. The Apple Airpods watch band case

 

[Traverse]

Because that's what the iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch is for. I guess that's how they envisioned it.

 

[Patriot24]

Apple Watch needs a new Music watch face that puts the controls right there for people who listen to a lot of audio. It would solve most AirPod control issues for Watch wearers. The crown could be dedicated to volume with this face as well.

 

[Puonti]

On both Watch and iPhone then it takes several awkward swipes to access the music panel for "Next Track" so what would be so bad about quadruplicating heavily used controls onto the audio product you're holding in your hand?

It doesn't require any awkward swipes on my iPhone 7 Plus. I grab the phone, tilt it up to turn the screen on and see the lock screen music controls, then tap prev / next as required. Easy.

Mind you, to me the discussion seemed to revolve around how to easily skip a track when you are not holding / actively using your phone, because frankly if you're already holding the phone, then the on-screen controls are automatically more available than the case in your pocket. Especially since the control center remembers which screen you were viewing the last time; no several awkward swipes required.

 

[Uncivil11]

Adding more function would only increase the price. I see plenty of people already griping about the price for a mediocre sounding headphone already. I agree use your phone as it's the source anyhow.

 

[jonnyb098]

I love the tech of the AirPods. But I'm noticing a very silly trend with the AirPod users I know. We aren't leaving the AirPods in our ears all day. So Most of the time we're carrying our carrying case because we need quick access in putting the headphones away or else we risk losing them.

Now, I'm not saying anything negative about using the AirPod cases (new habits come with new tech). But I think that if users are carrying the case more then why not make it more functional but putting all those "missing" physical buttons were on the case. The case is a part of the AirPod package so Skip, Pause, Volume, Siri etc would make this a more complete product.

Wow! What a genius concept. Maybe you should apply for a job at Apple!!!!!

And why can't you just use your phone? Rather than junk up a case with a bunch of buttons you'd end up accidentally hitting? You'd be right back here complaining every time you take the case out of your pocket you accidentally play, pause or skip something.