Apple has launched its latest 3rd generation AirPods in the US included India at the Apple ‘Unleashed’ event, as expected. It has a new design similar to the AirPods Pro, and also supports spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, longer battery life, and also comes with Adaptive EQ powered by computational audio. There are new force sensor controls for easy and intuitive control of music and phone calls, and it also supports wireless charging.
It has a custom driver and a high dynamic range amplifier, and a microphone that can be covered by an acoustic mesh to help reduce the sound of the wind. AirPods also has AAC-ELD, a superior speech codec that promises full HD voice quality for clear, natural communication for FaceTime calls. The beam-forming microphones block out ambient noise and focus on the user’s voice.
The Airpods still comes with an H1 chip and an Apple-designed acoustic system that support the phones. It also supports Dolby Atmos, and also has water-resistant with IPX4 ratings. There is no ANC mode, which is present in the Airpods Pro, and no ear tips. According to the company, a new skin-detect sensor accurately discerns if AirPods are in the ear — versus in a pocket or on a table — and pauses playback when removed.
It gives up to 6 hours of listening time and up to 30 hours with a charging case that also supports wireless charging. Five minutes of charging provides about an hour of listening to music. According to Apple, some features require iOS 13 or iPadOS, which are not compatible with iPhone 6 or older models included iPad Air (1st generation), iPad mini 3, and iPad mini 2.
The price of the AirPods (3rd generation) is Rs.18,500 in India and $179 in the US. The pre-order has started from today on Apple India online store and more than 26 other countries and regions and will be available from beginning Tuesday, October 26.
