Apple launches wireless headphones, AirPods

More than two years after acquiring Beats Music for a whopping $3 billion, Apple today joined the wireless brigade with the launch of AirPods™. The new wireless headphones use advanced technology to listen to music, make phone calls and interact with Siri. By simply flipping open the lid (of its charging case) and tapping, Airpods can be instantly set up and ready to work with your iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple claims that advanced sensors know when you are listening and automatically play and pause your music.

Using Siri, AirPods allow you to access your favorite personal assistant with just a double tap. This is enabled by the new ultra-low power Apple W1 chip, which enables AirPods to deliver high-quality audio and industry-leading battery life in a completely wireless design. AirPods will be available starting in late October.

Related read: Everything you need to know about Apple’s iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus

Connecting Airpods

Opening the charging case near your iPhone and with a simple tap, AirPods are immediately set up with all the devices signed into your iCloud account, including your iPad and Mac. AirPods are connected and ready to go. AirPods can intelligently and seamlessly switch from a call on your iPhone to listening to music on your Apple Watch.

Apple W1 chip

The new Apple W1 chip enables dual optical sensors and accelerometers in each AirPod to detect when AirPods are in your ear, so they only play when you are ready to listen. Simply remove them to automatically pause the music, or just remove one to have a conversation and automatically resume when you put it back.

Siri can be accessed with a double tap on your AirPods to select and control your music, change the volume, check your battery life or perform any other Siri task. An additional accelerometer in each AirPod detects when you’re speaking, enabling a pair of beam-forming microphones to focus on the sound of your voice, filtering out external noise to make your voice sound clearer than ever before.

The ultra-low power Apple W1 chip operates at a third of the power of traditional wireless chips, enabling AirPods to deliver up to five hours of listening time on one charge. The custom-designed charging case holds additional charges, for more than 24 hours of total listening time, ensuring AirPods are charged and ready to go whenever you are.

Also read: Everything you want to know about the new Apple Watch Series 2

Pricing and availability

• AirPods including charging case will be available for $159 beginning in late October. The date for the official launch/availability of Airpods in India is not yet disclosed.
• AirPods require Apple devices running iOS 10, watchOS® 3 or macOS™ Sierra.

What do you think of the product? Let us know in your comments below.