Yesterday Apple solved a problem no-one realised they had by removing the 3.5mm headphone jack from the new iPhone 7. Along with a 3.5mm to lightning adapter and lightning earbuds included in the box, Apple also launched a set of $229AUD bluetooth earphones called ‘AirPods’.
The Apple AirPods are wireless earbuds which offer iOS users a number of features for using them across their devices including easy pairing, simultaneous connection to their iPhone and Apple Watch as well as instant switching to their Mac and iPad. Sounds Magical, but the plus side is that they’re a standard Bluetooth earphone, they just get all that ‘awesome sauce’ when connected to iOS devices.
For anyone wanting to purchase a set, you get 5 hours playback on the AirPods with a charging case that can give them a 3 hour charge in just 15 minutes. The headphones also include microphones for hands-free calling – or if connected to an iOS device will talk to Siri.
However, they do not include the standard controls for play, pause or volume. These features rely on an integration with an iDevice and iCloud. As such they will just be “dumb buds” requiring to use your phone or Android Wear device to control playback. The styling of them is quite nice, I’m sure the audio and speaker quality will be great.
The styling and the ability to stay in your ears has of course been instantly hit upon by the internet community who have all had a field day creating hilarious pictures. Here’s a sample
Without even basic media controls and of course the integration that iOS brings to them when paired, I don’t see these being a big hit outside of the Appleverse with anyone with the possible exception of the me-too crowd. But, if you REALLY want to, it’s nice to know you can get a pair.
Are you interested in putting some AirPods in your ears? Let us know below.
