I thought they might be a bit pricey.
I thought they might be easy to lose.
And, I thought that they might look a bit awkward when worn.
As it turns out however, Apple’s AirPods may just be one of the best products they’ve brought to market in a long time – with a classic Apple user-friendly experience and fewer drawbacks than I expected from their first entry of completely wireless stereo headphones.
After a long-awaited delivery and a month of ownership, I continue to enjoy using my AirPods across all my Apple devices. They haven’t fallen out of my ears, people barely notice I have them on, and they have demonstrated a level of simplicity, reliability and intuitive ease of use that make them worth every penny I’ve spent on them.
Right out of the box you’re presented with a classically Apple user-friendly experience from setup to use.
From the outset, the AirPod’s polished user experience is showcased in its simple setup with devices – especially Apple devices. First-Time Pairing is practically a one step exercise – you open the lid to the Carrying Case, and press Connect on the iPhone screen. That’s it. Okay that’s technically two steps but believe me, compared to pairing other Bluetooth devices, it will feel like just one.
Seriously. You just press CONNECT and it’s paired (oh and by the way, when you pair it to your one Apple device, it simultaneously pairs to all other Apple devices you’re logged into as well! Seriously… like magic).
The AirPod Case, is central to this magical pairing experience because inside, the case has its own microprocessor and communications to handle the process.
The AirPod Case handles pairing, keeps the earbuds protected and topped off with power.
The Case also both protects and keeps the earbuds’ power topped off with its own built-in rechargeable battery. The AirPods alone have an estimated 5 Hour continuous playtime. With the AirPod Case (which can fully recharge the AirPods several times on a single charge of its battery), there is enough power to extend total runtime up to 24 Hours. And, the AirPod Case charges the earbuds fast. Should your earbuds run out of power during play, it only takes 15 minutes of charging in the case to give back 3 Hours of playback time.
When put away, it amazing how much tech is inside this container that’s not much bigger than a pack of Dental Floss.
The AirPods are packed full with technology. Each earbud has a processor for communicating with each other. Sensors detect when you’re wearing them (and will automatically pause playback when you take them out of your ear). Accelerometers detect when you tap on them (for Siri commands). Microphones on each pod can work together to help to isolate your voice and give listeners the clearest audio when you speak on the phone.
There are a couple of drawbacks:
– I can’t answer calls directly from the AirPods. I have to answer from the iPhone (or my Apple Watch). However, I think functionality such as this could eventually be added in a software update.
– Physically missing however, is an integrated volume control. While I miss having the control I had on my old earphone cables, I miss having cables even less so I can deal with it.
Helpy Features:
+ Easy to Pair.
+ Truly Wireless.
+ 5 Hour continuous playback time. (up to 24 with the AirPod Case)
+ Charging Case protects and keeps AirPods charged.
+ Only takes 15 Minute Charge to get 3 Hours of Battery Life.
+ Senses when in Ear (auto plays/pauses) or Tapped (for Siri commands).
+ AirPods can be used individually .
Despite minor deficiencies, Apple in my opinion has produced an exceptional product worthy of the adjective: Magical.
If you’ve ever owned a Bluetooth device and experienced what it’s like to pair that device to an iPhone, the ease in which AirPods can be paired to your iPhone and all your other Apple Devices (simultaneously), is a magical experience all its own.
AirPods, like many of Apple’s other iconic products, demonstrate the legendary Apple user experience that only the seamless integration of hardware and software can achieve.
Apple AirPods are $159.