Tag: AirPods Pro 2

  • Apple AirPods Pro: New Features Revealed Early

    Apple AirPods Pro: New Features Revealed Early

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is enhancing its products with more AI capabilities, focusing on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
    2. iOS 19 will introduce additional AI functionalities, set to launch this autumn for compatible iPhones.
    3. AI features will also extend to AirPods Pro 2, likely in conjunction with iPadOS 19 and macOS 16.
    4. AirPods Pro will support live translation, allowing users to hear spoken language translated into their preferred language.
    5. Apple aims to compete with Google’s Pixel Buds by adding this translation feature to AirPods Pro.

    A recent report by Mark Gurman has revealed new insights into Apple’s ongoing efforts to enhance its products with additional AI capabilities. The company has recently concentrated on improving its iPhone, iPad, and Mac lines, introducing features like Image Playground and Genmoji under the umbrella of Apple Intelligence.

    AI Integration in Future Updates

    Gurman indicates that Apple intends to incorporate even more AI functionalities into iOS 19, which is anticipated to be released this autumn for all iPhones that have been launched in the past five to six years. The expansion of AI features is also expected to extend to the AirPods Pro 2 (curr. $169.99 on Amazon), likely when used with an iPad updating to iPadOS 19 or a Mac running macOS 16.

    New Features for AirPods Pro

    Specifically, Gurman mentions that the AirPods Pro will receive support for live translation. This means users will be able to listen to any spoken language translated into their preferred language, similar to the Babel fish from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Essentially, Apple aims to equip the AirPods Pro to compete with Google’s Pixel Buds series, which already provide comparable features. However, it’s uncertain if this capability will be linked to certain models of AirPods, particularly the pricier versions.

    Source:
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  • AirPods Pro 2 vs Powerbeats Pro 2: Best Wireless Earbuds Comparison

    AirPods Pro 2 vs Powerbeats Pro 2: Best Wireless Earbuds Comparison

    Key Takeaways

    1. Product Launch: Apple has introduced the Powerbeats Pro 2, a new set of wireless earbuds from its Beats brand, which feature upgrades over the original model.

    2. Design Purpose: The Powerbeats Pro 2 are designed for sports with an over-the-ear hook for a secure fit, while AirPods Pro 2 are stem-style and more suited for casual use.

    3. Size Comparison: Powerbeats Pro 2 are bulkier than AirPods Pro 2, with larger dimensions and weight, making them less discreet but more stable for intense activities.

    4. Target Audience: The two products serve different purposes; Powerbeats Pro 2 are ideal for workouts, while AirPods Pro 2 cater to everyday use and convenience.

    5. Price Consideration: The enhancements in Powerbeats Pro 2 come with a higher price tag compared to AirPods Pro 2, reflecting their specialized features.

    Apple has launched a new set of wireless earbuds, but they aren’t the AirPods. Introducing the Powerbeats Pro 2, the newest product from Beats, which is owned by Apple. These earbuds come with some notable upgrades that can even outperform the AirPods Pro 2 in certain areas. However, these enhancements do come with a higher price tag.

    A Long Wait for Upgrades

    The original Powerbeats Pro was released in 2019, and Beats took its time before bringing out a successor. Now, with the arrival of Powerbeats Pro 2, they are loaded with features that rival Apple’s leading AirPods Pro 2. Despite the competition, these two products serve different purposes. Let’s examine the main distinctions between them.

    Design Differences

    The design of AirPods Pro 2 is something everyone recognizes. Apple’s well-known stem-style earbuds are light, easy to fit into your ears, and come with four different sizes of silicone ear tips to ensure a snug fit.

    In contrast, the Powerbeats Pro 2 adopts a completely different approach. These earbuds are designed for sports, featuring an over-the-ear hook design that provides a much tighter fit—perfect for exercise and intense activities. The ear hooks utilize a nickel-titanium alloy, recognized for its flexibility and shape retention. This means they should remain comfortable even when worn for extended periods. However, the trade-off is that they’re bulkier than the AirPods Pro 2, both in size and in the charging case.

    Size and Specifications

    – AirPods Pro 2: 30.9 mm (height) x 21.8 mm (width) x 24 mm (thickness), 5.3g per earbud
    – AirPods Pro 2 Case: 45.2 mm x 60.6 mm x 21.7 mm, 50.8g
    – Powerbeats Pro 2: 45 mm x 41 mm x 24 mm, 8.7g per earbud
    – Powerbeats Pro 2 Case: 75 mm x 66 mm x 34 mm, 77.7g

    While the AirPods Pro 2 are smaller and more subtle, the Powerbeats Pro 2 provides a fit that is nearly impossible to accidentally dislodge. If stability is your main concern, particularly during workouts, then the Beats option may be the superior selection.

    AirPods Pro 2 vs Powerbeats Pro 2: Best Wireless Earbuds Comparison
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  • Geeks Bypass AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Restrictions for Grandmas

    Geeks Bypass AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Restrictions for Grandmas

    Apple has recently rolled out Hearing Health features for the AirPods Pro 2 with the latest 7B19 firmware update. These features include Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, and Hearing Protection options. However, the first two features are limited to certain regions due to regulations. Sadly, users in India can’t access these features yet, as the country is not included in Apple’s list of supported locations.

    Creative Workaround Found

    Despite this limitation, a resourceful group of tech enthusiasts has discovered a way to bypass Apple’s geo-restrictions. Upon the release of the iOS 18.1 update, Rithwik Jayasimha (@thel3l on X) bought a pair of AirPods Pro 2 for his grandmother, only to find out that the much-anticipated features were unavailable in India. Instead of giving up on the shiny new earbuds, Rithwik and his colleagues at Lagrange Point devised a method to sidestep Apple’s geolocation checks.

    Technical Exploration

    You can check out the complete story on how they managed to bypass Apple’s restrictive geolocation measures. Essentially, Rithwik found out that iOS relies on three primary methods to determine the location of an iPhone: a GET request to a specific endpoint (https://gspe1-ssl.ls.apple.com/pep/gcc), the location of the Apple Store, and probably the device’s timezone and region settings. For cellular devices, Apple also utilizes GPS and an internal database that helps calculate location based on mobile country/network codes (MCC/MNC) received from the network.

    Overcoming Challenges

    The first logical step taken was to simplify the identification of location from MCC/MNC. Rithwik and his team used an iPad 10th generation that only had Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities, avoiding cellular connection. However, spoofing the location turned out to be more complex than anticipated. They tried changing the device’s locale, manipulating the GET request to reflect a US location, and even using Xcode to simulate location, but all efforts were futile. While the iPad did alter its apparent location, it seemed to recognize that something was amiss.

    Additional brainstorming led them to realize that the iPad was likely triangulating its position using a mix of GPS, Wi-Fi SSIDs, and MAC addresses from nearby devices. They attempted to modify the Skylift ESP32 project to mimic SSIDs from Menlo Park, California, but this too was unsuccessful. Moreover, it was nearly impossible to eliminate all Wi-Fi networks from their surroundings.

    The Faraday Cage Solution

    For those unfamiliar, a Faraday cage is a structure that blocks electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves. A common example is a microwave oven, which operates at a frequency similar to Wi-Fi. Thus, a microwave can also act as a Wi-Fi jammer. The team’s approach involved placing the ESP32 inside a cardboard box lined with aluminum foil to emit California SSIDs to the iPad. This setup was then placed on top of a microwave oven that should ideally block out 2.4 GHz signals. Initially, the iPad still recognized it was in India, but after some adjustments, it finally acknowledged its location as being in the US.

    With anticipation, they opened the AirPods Pro 2 case and awaited the outcome. To their delight, the Hearing Assistance features were immediately activated on the AirPods Pro 2.

    Final Thoughts

    The team also discovered that the hearing aid feature essentially functions as an equalizer preset, replacing the transparency mode, and should theoretically work even with older firmware. An added bonus is that once activated using this hack, all devices linked to your iCloud account can access the Hearing Health features on the AirPods Pro 2 without going through the entire process again.

    Rithwik and his team have since constructed a more effective Faraday cage with assistance from a friend and are even hosting a small camp at Lagrange Point to assist others in need. While the AirPods Pro 2 are not the cheapest true wireless earbuds on the market, they certainly provide an economical alternative for hearing aids.

    If you or someone you know owns an AirPods Pro 2 and would benefit from these features, reach out to Rithwik on X for assistance.

    Source: Link,Link,Link

  • How AirPods Aided in Recovering Stolen Ferrari 812 GTS Worth $500K

    How AirPods Aided in Recovering Stolen Ferrari 812 GTS Worth $500K

    A stolen Ferrari valued at $575,000 was successfully located and returned by the Waterbury Police Department, thanks to an unexpectedly simple method: a pair of AirPods (the Pro 2 version is currently priced at $199 on Amazon) that were left inside the vehicle. After the luxury car was taken from Greenwich, its owner utilized Apple’s Find My feature to track the AirPods, which led the Waterbury Auto Theft Task Force to a gas station on South Main Street.

    Suspect Flees, Leaves Behind Evidence

    As the police arrived at the scene, the suspect attempted to escape, leaving behind not just the Ferrari but also his iPhone. This evidence allowed law enforcement to identify the suspect as Dion Schontten, a 22-year-old resident of Waterbury, who was subsequently arrested and charged with motor vehicle theft.

    Technology Aids in Recovery

    This case highlights how common technology and minor oversights, such as forgetting your $150 AirPods in your car, can help resolve significant theft cases. However, it should be noted that the specific model of the AirPods was not mentioned, making the price a mere estimate. An AirTag could have fulfilled a similar function, but given that the thief possessed an iPhone, he might have received alerts about it, potentially changing the outcome. Residents expressed their annoyance over the incident, with one urging the criminal to "go buy yourself a car" instead.

    Source: WFSB.com via 9to5Mac

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  • Apple MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) for 2nd Generation AirPods Pro Available for $99

    Apple MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) for 2nd Generation AirPods Pro Available for $99

    During its annual autumn event, Apple introduced an updated version of the AirPods Pro 2, now equipped with the highly anticipated USB Type-C port. This new model is now available for purchase on Amazon for $199.99.

    Enhanced Features and Compatibility

    The key differentiating factor between the upgraded AirPods Pro 2 and its predecessors is the addition of “lossless audio with ultra-low latency.” However, it seems that this feature is specifically related to Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

    One notable improvement in the AirPods Pro 2 is its compatibility with USB Type-C charging, which distinguishes it from the previous Lightning design of its predecessor. Initially, users had to purchase a new set of earphones to enjoy USB Type-C charging for their existing AirPods Pro 2.

    Introducing the Apple MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)

    After nearly three months, Apple has finally released a revised charging case specifically designed for the AirPods Pro 2. This charging case is now available for purchase in select regions.

    The MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) for AirPods Pro (2nd generation) features a U1 chip with Precision Finding, allowing for quick identification of the case’s position. Additionally, the built-in speaker can be used to play music when in close proximity to the case. Users can also keep the case within reach by attaching a lanyard loop to a handbag or backpack.

    Furthermore, the new charging case offers IP54 dust, sweat, and water protection, making it durable enough to withstand various elements. While the IP rating is lower compared to Apple’s current iPhones, it still provides a decent level of protection.

    Multiple Charging Options

    Users have several options when it comes to charging the MagSafe Charging Case. They can use a MagSafe charger or an Apple Watch, as well as a Qi-certified charger or a USB-C connection. These versatile charging options ensure that users can conveniently charge their AirPods Pro 2 wherever they are.

    Pricing Considerations

    It’s worth noting that the Apple USB Type-C charging case comes with a price tag of $99 USD. In other words, the charging case alone costs almost 40% more than a brand-new pair of AirPods Pro 2. This may make it a costly upgrade for current AirPods Pro 2 users who are considering purchasing the charging case separately.

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  • Unmasking the Illusion: CT Scans Reveal the Truth Behind Counterfeit AirPods Pro 2

    Unmasking the Illusion: CT Scans Reveal the Truth Behind Counterfeit AirPods Pro 2

    The True Nature of Fake AirPods Pro 2 Exposed

    If you’re an iPhone user looking for wireless earphones, you’ve probably considered the AirPods Pro 2 model. However, upon seeing its price of $249, you might have also thought about more affordable alternatives. Maybe you’ve even bought imitation AirPods Pro 2, thinking there’s no real difference. But appearances can be deceiving. A CT scan conducted on fake AirPods reveals just how misleading and inferior they can be.

    CT Scans Reveal the Stark Difference

    Fake AirPods are so well-made that they can fool even Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. This has even led to people being scammed into buying fake AirPods, thinking they are real. A CT scan by the research team Lumafield reveals the stark difference between real and fake AirPods. The counterfeit AirPods are made with cheap materials and components, and they lack the sophisticated technology of the real ones.

    Upon examining the insides of both earphones, it became evident that the fake AirPods Pro 2 contain fewer components than the authentic ones. As seen in the images accompanying our report, the original earphones are densely packed, while the imitations have much more empty space inside. The reason for this is, of course, the absence of the same technologies. Fake products lack the necessary components for functions like active noise cancellation. They only feature a subpar microphone, a mini “speaker” for transmitting sound, and a battery.

    Health Risks and Consumer Awareness

    To emphasize once again, the fact that fake AirPods Pro 2 models look like the real deal changes nothing. Continuously using these products with subpar batteries could even lead to serious health issues. Unfortunately, despite all this information, people worldwide continue to purchase these earphones.

    It is essential for consumers to be aware of the risks associated with counterfeit products, especially when it comes to items that directly interact with our bodies. The lure of a lower price may be tempting, but compromising on quality and safety is never worth it. When it comes to purchasing wireless earphones, it is always recommended to opt for genuine products from reputable sources.

    Apple has built a reputation for quality and innovation, and their AirPods Pro 2 is no exception. With advanced features like active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and adaptive EQ, it offers a superior audio experience. While the price may be higher compared to imitation products, the value and peace of mind that comes with genuine AirPods Pro 2 are unmatched.

    So, the next time you consider buying wireless earphones, think twice before going for the cheaper alternatives. Invest in the real deal and enjoy the benefits of superior technology, quality, and safety.

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