Apple AirPods Pro unveiled with noise-cancelling tech that blocks out loud sounds nearby
APPLE has announced a new premium version of the AirPods wireless earbuds with noise-cancelling technology.
The iconic headphones have been revamped with new features (and a higher price tag) in a surprise announcement on Monday afternoon.
The original Apple AirPods launched in December 2016, and were mocked by many at the time.
But they’ve since become a beloved and fashionable gadget that has widely popularised wireless earphones.
Earlier this year, Apple launched a second-generation pair of AirPods that support wireless charging.
Noise cancellation is a popular and widespread headphone technology that shuts out ambient sound.
It’s great for anyone trying to use headphones on an airplane, train or a busy street.
“The new in-ear AirPods Pro sound amazing with Adaptive EQ, fit comfortable with flexible ear tips and have innovative Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior VP of Worldwide Marketing.
“We think customers are going to love this new addition to the AirPods family.”
Active Noise Cancellation
One of the problems with early AirPods is that they can struggle in noisy conditions – with their audio being overwhelmed by the surrounding din.
The new AirPods have Active Noise Cancellation, which uses two microphones to detect background noise.
One of these is used to then create equivalent anti-noise that cancels out the background sound before it reaches your ear.
A second microphone listens towards the ear, cancelling out any remaining noise.
Apple says this noise-cancellation system continuously adapts the sound signal 200 times per second.
Transparency Mode
The new AirPods Pro also come with a new Transparency Mode.
It’s designed for people who want to listen to music but still hear the environment around them.
This is handy if you’re out for a run and and want to hear traffic, or you’re on a train platform listening out for announcements.
Apple says the mode “leaves just the right amount of noise cancellation active” so that you can still hear what’s going on around you.
You can also switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode by pressing a force sensor on the stem.
This sensor can also be used to play, pause or skip tracks, and to answer and hang up phone calls.
The all-new AirPods Pro go on sale on October 30 for $249 in the USA – UK pricing still pending.
More to follow…
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In other news, Apple has invented a “smart ring” concept that lets you control your iPhone without even touching it.
Another recent rumour suggests Apple is working on a £399 iPhone that would be its cheapest in years.
Apple is also preparing to launch a Netflix-slaying £4.99-a-month streaming service in November.
What do you make of this Apple announcement? Let us know in the comments!
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