Ondrej Holzman I'm not much of a music expert. I like listening to music, but I've never needed top-of-the-line headphones for that, and most of the time I got by with the classic white iPhone buds. That's why when Apple last year introduced wireless AirPods, it left me completely cold. But only for a few months.
I remember watching the keynote in September and when Phil Schiller showed her a set similar to the ones I'd been using for years, just without the wires, it didn't do anything for me. An interesting product, but with a price of five thousand crowns, something completely unnecessary for me, I thought to myself.
Since Apple had production problems and its wireless headphones were not on sale for several months, I completely dropped this product. However, at the turn of the year, the first friends started to receive the small boxes and I began to be on Twitter every day and everywhere I could read how it was almost a revolutionary product.
Not so much that it brought something that wasn't here before (even though wireless devices are still not that widespread), but primarily because of how it automatically and above all meaningfully fit into the entire Apple ecosystem and into the workflow of many users. Until finally it started drilling in my head.
After half a year, I can say it without hesitation: buying AirPods was one of the best decisions in recent years.
— Ondřej Holzman (@ondrejholzman) July 11, 2017
Odes to AirPods
I found three or four saved tweets on Twitter that - if you don't already have AirPods - will just put the bug in your head.
Renowned technology expert Benedict Evans he wrote: "AirPods are the most 'apply' product in recent years. Hassle-free magic that just works.
A few days later to him connected analyst Horace Dediu: "Apple Watch combined with AirPods is the biggest change in the mobile user interface since 2007."
And an apt review in a single tweet he wrote Naval Ravikant, head of AngelList: "Apple AirPods review: The best Apple product since the iPad." Then two months later updated: "The best Apple product since the iPhone."
Of course, after reading many other responses describing great experiences with AirPods, I ended up going with them too. The endless debates about the fact that headphones for 5 thousand, which play practically the same as the original white stones, are pure nonsense, completely missed me. On the one hand, I realized that the power of AirPods is elsewhere - and that's why I bought them - and on the other hand, because I'm "deaf" in music. In short, these headphones are enough for me.
Always and immediately
In the past few months, I have already had a lot of study with the AirPods. Not so much in terms of how they work, but rather how people use them. Describe first experiences there is no point here. They repeated we would, and I want to share above all the experience of using it as such. I'll just say that it's fascinating how something like a magnetic headphone box can fascinate you.
But back to the point. The main thing that AirPods brought me was that I started listening a lot more again. Just last year, I found myself several times not even playing Spotify on my iPhone for a long time. Of course, this wasn't just due to the fact that I didn't have AirPods yet, but in retrospect, I realized that the approach to listening is completely different with wireless AirPods, at least for me.
Obviously, I didn't have any wireless headphones before. In other words, I have it for jogging Jaybirds, but I didn't normally pull them out otherwise. AirPods thus represented the first major experience with wireless headphones during normal daily use, and many may not think so, but the wire that is not is really noticeable.
With AirPods, I almost immediately started listening all the time, wherever possible. When I used to go from building to building for just five, ten, fifteen minutes, many times I didn't even take out my headphones. Partly and subconsciously, certainly also because I first had to untangle them in a complicated way, then tuck them under my T-shirt a few more times before they could be listened to.
With AirPods, in short, all of this falls into place. I put on my shoes or close the door behind me, open the box, put on my headphones and play. Immediately. No waiting. No connection errors. This too was a big and positive change against the Jaybirds I knew.
Even on that ten-minute journey, I can listen practically the entire time, which I started to use not only for music, but also for audiobooks, or in my case mainly Respekt. The ideal time frame for one article and the audio recordings suddenly started to make more sense to me.
It's seriously worth it
To some, this may all sound like nonsense. Actually, my only problem is that when I had headphones with a wire, it took me a few tens of seconds longer to put them on and prepare them - after all, it can't be worth the five thousand. But it is simply a fact that with AirPods I listen completely differently and above all much more, which is the most important and positive thing for me.
Despite the fact that it is really a huge relief when suddenly there is no cable tangled anywhere and you can handle the iPhone completely normally while the music is playing in your ears. In short, this is something you have to try if you don't already know it, but you definitely won't want to go back. Calls can also be made with classic earbuds, but AirPods are simply further away as hands-free. Experience, of course.
However, one thing I run into quite often is that wireless apple cores are worse than wired ones. You can't put on AirPods with one hand. It's a relative trifle, but given the pluses, it's fair to mention this. Sometimes you just don't have the other hand at hand.
As I already mentioned, returning to a wire is practically impossible for me after half a year with AirPods. Does not make sense. After all, I started looking for a higher-quality device for home use, because I thought that maybe, despite my musical deafness, I would appreciate the difference, and I don't even look at wired headphones in stores anymore. Although I may use them mainly just sitting at the computer, it just doesn't make sense to me anymore.
A bit of a problem, however, is that Apple spoiled me with the W1 wireless chip, without which the experience with AirPods would have been dramatically lower. In fact, I probably wouldn't even buy them at all. So for now, I stay at home with AirPods, because I can switch between iPhone and Mac with the snap of my finger. Which is the convenience that makes AirPods the product that defines Apple.
For me, it is definitely the best apple product in recent years, because no other has changed my habits so much and positively.
I agree, but to break the "AirPods are not wrong" aura a bit, I'll add a few observations...
– When switching iPhone, MacOS already sent me Mack to Kernel Panic,
– It would be quite useful if the LED in the charging box had some status when the battery is low, when it no longer charges the headphones. At the moment I think it's orange, but maybe it would be good if it blinked, it's inconvenient to keep digging around on the phone and I haven't found a way to find out how charged it is on MacOS. Or add a "battery widget" to MacOS,
– The box looks like a box for tampons (practically every woman who saw it said this as the first thing),
– It's a bit unusual for the neighborhood. I have headphones, I go to the toilet for example, but I don't tend to take them off and people have a problem taking them off,
– I've already told myself a few times that I'll probably get over my mouth when I stop and start the music with a tap, it looks a little different from a distance. Anyway, when they add the functionality that I read about, that each earpiece will be able to have a different function for tapping, it will be a blast.
– The box is so small that I'm a little afraid of losing it. The headphones fit in my ears, at least for me, but the box is so terribly small that it sometimes tends to get stuck somewhere.
Can they be used with Blackberry DTEK60 or only with Apple products?
You will use them as classic BT headphones while:
-you will not benefit from higher connection stability thanks to W1
-you won't get cable quality thanks to AAC
-you don't start the voice assistant
-(presumption) tapping to control will not work, you have nowhere to set what it should do (in iOS11, especially for right/left)
W1 is nonsense for non-Apple, because even the cheapest BT headphones from Tesco have a range from a phone with BT4.0 more than the acceptable 6m for better hiend mobiles, easily through a block of flats wall.
Since I have phones with BT4.0 using modern codecs, I have never had any problem with stability. It depends a little more on the quality of the phone's electronics, and the iPhone is simply in this kind of worse mid-end, which plays only a tiny bit better than the last SBC revision.
AAC has a lower bitrate than the last revision of SBC, and you can tell by the quality. iOS artificially slows codecs and saves better listening for the premium iPhone series planned in a few years.
AAC doesn't work for Earpods, Earpods play 3 levels lower than quality $200 wired headphones.
I don't deal with the other two points, I tested them on better phones, the iP7 is enough for the socket, otherwise it's an unusable product. :)
I would buy it for my kids at school, but not for myself.
All wrong :-)
It looks more like you're having a wireless headphone experience than AirPods. I don't really understand how someone can give 5 thousand. for ordinary headphones that play absolutely average (I would say slightly below average, but I don't want to blame Apple... although definitely below average for the price) and that don't even fit in the ear (which I understand can be my personal problem, although I don't know anyone , who wouldn't have them fall out of their ears during sports). I personally have been using wireless headphones since 2012 and I can't praise them enough, just a month ago I bought new ones for a similar price, but they play absolutely unreal and do not even move during physical activities and even if I sweat and water-sweat gets between them , they don't even budge. So you might be thinking how great AirPods are, but if you tried any other brand that already offers a true music experience at this price, you might be amazed. But I understand that everyone doesn't have a musical ear and then it probably doesn't matter, but then I still don't understand - why throw away 5 thousand... :-)
I'm just reacting to the fallout. They hold me personally, they don't fall out, even when running. I personally only had them fall out once and that was when I was taking off my sweater, which is understandable.
Price, brand, etc. everyone has to justify themselves.
well, what kind did you buy, please write?
Sure, I bought these: https://www.alza.cz/bose-soundsport-wireless-pulse-red-d4652645.htm#recenze.
and yes, thanks, I was waiting for wireless :)
They are wireless though :)
So look at that picture again. Don't you see a 30cm cable there? After all, it's a completely different concept. Including the construction of the headphones themselves.
So read the description on that link :) "Wireless, 6 hours of battery life" That cable goes around your neck. And AirPods are now also sold with lanyards that can be put around the neck so that the headphones don't get lost.
Oh yeah. But you have it like with a mobile phone. Yes, the first Motorola was a cell phone. Still, few people would accept it today, and even if they were reluctant to call it a mobile phone, the mobility was quite questionable :) So after the arrival of the Samsung IconX or Apple AirPods, the term "wireless" was also redefined. They are truly wireless.
Yeah sure, I agree. But we could debate that for a long time. I was just responding to sqx's original comment that they really are wireless ;)
Of course they are wireless. That's even their name. That cable only satisfies both headphones together. What I personally cannot live without and what I prefer.
And have you tried AirPods?
Yeah, tried it, they play exactly the same as the ones with wire...
It's good though, because the ones with the wire play perfectly :)
So if it seems to you that Apple headphones play perfectly, I know who I'm talking to and therefore I know that there is no point in writing or explaining anything else. :D
It was thought a little high :) Of course, I also like high-quality sound. We also have a few things from Bose at home, because I adore that company. I was surprised by the sound when I changed my iPhone six months ago and tried the included headphones for the first time in my life. You have to admit that they are part of the phone, they don't play that bad. The fact that they start to lag a bit when more tools are launched is a different matter. I had the opportunity to try the AirPods, I would say that they hold up better, but I wouldn't pay 5k for them either.
That's just not true. I absolutely do not want to claim that the sound is some kind of audiophile experience - but it can't be anyway due to the low data rate - but even my ears can hear a fairly significant difference between airpods and earpods.
No wonder. I have (wired) headphones for 3,5k and I have absolutely no doubt that they are different sonically. Both thanks to the design features (plugs) and targeted quality. But still, AirPods have a purpose and it is described quite succinctly in the article :)
And you can't make phone calls with them at all (either because they don't have a mic or before I untangle it, the person in question puts it down), another significant benefit of AirPod, easy insertion into the ear (a gem), "native" use of one earpiece (mono is of course enough for a phone call), easy access to the headset (in a small box in the pocket). There is definitely no better headset on the market, even if they charge two liters for it.
I couldn't resist either, and they fell out. I had to warm them up with foam mini-overs :) Now they hold, but I still feel like I'm going to fall out. I'm excited, but I'm a little confused as to whether I spent 190E well :D Hopefully beats will bring the same "elegance" only with ear buds.
I also thought about them, but the classic Apple earplugs don't hold very well in my ears, so I reconsidered the purchase. I went to BeatsX instead and I'm completely satisfied. It also charges via lightning, so I don't need another cable, it lasts eight hours, which is enough for me, and thanks to the W1, they have the same reliable connectivity and ease of switching between devices as AirPods. Plus I absolutely love how they have a cable around the neck that keeps the shape, so I wear them all day and don't even know about them. And it is impossible to lose them.
Well, I have them too and unfortunately I have a different experience, I often don't understand AW and I disconnect during practice. Other times I don't want to disconnect from my iPhone. That's why I hope Airpods are really better because the (W1) Beats variant is crap.
Thanks for the article; I see that the process from introduction to purchase of Airpods is exactly the same for me, I will also buy them soon. I just wonder sometimes why the delivery time is still 6 weeks when they have been on the market for so long. Marketing move? I really don't get it...
why buy now when there must be airpods 2 in the spring. the delivery time is long because there is a huge demand that even apple did not expect. the 2nd council will bring a lot of new health sensors etc...
I assume they will be released together with the Watch 3rd gen., according to the leaks about the Watch, it would make sense. The intention is to buy these two products together.
I assume they will be released together with the Watch 3rd gen., according to the leaks about the Watch, it would make sense. The intention is to buy these two products together. I know that they didn't expect such a rush, but it's been almost a year, couldn't they increase the production capacity to take it down for at least 4 weeks?
no, they arrived yesterday and I ordered them 5 weeks ago :-)
scarce commodity!!!
the wait but worth it
I could easily sign this article :) They are perfect. I just paired them with my iPhone for the first time and somehow the magic of pairing with all devices on the same iCloud account didn't happen. Only after manual pairing with Macbook did it work. And I have a reservation about the tapping - it has to be tapped hard enough for my liking and it doesn't always work. Otherwise the Airpods are amazing and I listen to music (from Spotify) a lot more now.
For me, knowledge was only at home so far, yes, cable never again. It's still waiting for me on mobile.
I've had them for two days and I'm thrilled
What is music deaf? Otherwise for headphones in general. After I bought the Meze 99 Classic, I found out that a lot of songs that I used to skip before with ordinary Apple pieces, I now really enjoy. On the other hand, you can't listen to the last album by Kabát on Meze99. After all, the dynamic range of songs is only 3-4dB, it's just noise and not music.
– There was a problem with pairing and especially with the mac.
– switching between 2x iphone, tablet and mac is sometimes not functional
– the touch control is amazing to me.
– I must have the latest ios. I haven't upgraded anything since apple canceled my tablet. I don't want him to do it again.
+ it plays smoothly
+ hold in the ear
+ the box is good, but I would appreciate a different color
+ does not bind the cable
I was surprised how stupid the pairing goes. Before buying, I read all the reviews, youtube instructions. Then take it home and guess what, it was a fart. After a few minutes it caught on. I bought it mainly so I wouldn't have a cable. So I am not completely satisfied with it.
For people who are at least 5% audiophiles, all Apple headphones are unusable, including Airpods. Unfortunately, Apple didn't do anything with the sound quality here, and it's a shame. However, I believe that for the masses of people who are satisfied with "some" sound coming from their headphones, it is enough.
What are you talking about, the tests clearly show a shift in the sound of AirPods compared to EarPods.
Yes, there is a shift, but it's still musically tragic... and the tests of honor, "paper can handle everything" . Go to a store that is somewhat music oriented and listen to the same song from different headphones.. then maybe you will understand that apple headphones are a sub-average musical performance.
Downward. EarPods have on What Hi-Fi? 4 stars, while AirPods only 3.
If you want to play as an audiophile, I assume that you don't listen anywhere else but at home.
And just like that among us - those who REALLY hear everything they are supposed to hear are damned few - the vast majority just have it as a pose....
So, especially with the design of the piece and the model, which is designed for millions of sales, solving some "audiophile" is such a flight :)
Yes, I agree, I just come across people who are generally excited about anything "apple" and yet the headphones have poor performance. Those who are musically deaf must hear it, listening to music from such headphones really bothers me. It's a shame, because otherwise they're great.
I'm writing who is an audiophile at least from 5%... by that I mean who puts on headphones and listens separately, can't praise airpods, which play simply terrible (like the vast majority of ear buds.. it's also their construction, no doubt) I'll just bump into them to excessive enthusiasm from headphones that are primarily intended for listening and the listening quality is terrible.
I have Airpods and an audiophile Audio-Technica with an AudioQuest Dragonfly RED external converter.
I will say it as follows. Airpods are a stunning product. I agree with everything the author wrote.
But they are not, and will not be, for better listening. That's why I prefer them for "casual" listening. Their portability cannot be compared with anything, constant 100% thanks to the case in the key pocket, there is no interest in charging and they are born for sports, (must fit in your ear) running with a wire never again.
Do I recommend them? All ten of them. However, if you don't have any other headphones, are serious about FLAC, and primarily want the best possible listening experience, I'd rather look elsewhere. There are already a few candidates for over CZK 5.
However, if you want the most comfortable headphones in the universe for everyday wear, Airpods are the way to go.
I have Beats solo3 wireless at home, I enjoy music on them. I'm a bass-loving audiophile, so I guess - reference headphones sting my ears, so an "audiophile saying airpods play poorly" is misguided - it's relative. I have Airpods in my jacket,... :D It's beautiful, I'm stomping somewhere, and suddenly I just put them in my ears, and I'm fine,... -> I prefer Beats, of course, but Airpods definitely won't offend... :) Otherwise after three months my handset stopped playing - I went to Dresden to the Apple store, they gave me a new one in five minutes, and I'm on my way again... :)
An audiophile with Beats solo3 wireless must enjoy music on those, especially if you are not yet 12 years old, you will be the same lover as an audiophile, girls will follow you. :P
Audiophile and Beats :)))))
It's actually hard to explain why they are such good headphones, when in fact they are definitely not at the top in terms of musical parameters. But I also enjoy it, I also suddenly listen to more music on public transport journeys, I also reach for the handset more often when I have a long call, etc. I just still enjoy it after two months of use...
Because they are simply great - connectivity, ease of use, etc.. maybe in the future Apple will also tune in musically (if that is possible at all in the design of the ovens)
That's exactly how Airpods are great for their target audience. As a travel wireless wedding ring box, they are great for the plane.
So in the plane it is not allowed to be used during take-off and landing and whenever the crew orders it. Then I can happily use the wire during take-off and landing (under normal circumstances with a normal airline)
Wired ones won't fit in your seat either (in the extreme...). :-)
You're all checking in on those headphones, they're great. I wonder if you'll say that even if I'm out of your ear on a crowded bus or if you're crossing a busy road.
The only headphones that fell out were the wired ones, because I messed with the wire :-)
I have a strange ear, but Apple headphones hold.
If I spend several times more money on wired headphones than AirPods and appreciate the sound, then AirPods probably don't make sense to me - I wouldn't enjoy listening to them. Even though I acknowledge the advantage and convenience of wireless. But it's pointless to have a discussion about that - everyone has to try it themselves, otherwise it's just assumptions. I'm just wondering how the price is in reality - how many AirPods will last me before my wired headphones start to wear out. But since probably no one has reached the end of the AirPods' lifespan yet, it's hard to judge. Well, I think it will cost about the same - mine for two and several AirPods for two. :-)
Apple is a company that stands by its commitments, not some garage on kickstarter that draws something, has it made, and then is surprised that the care of the product does not end there :)
A service price list is issued, battery replacement, additional purchase of the handset, additional purchase of the case. The most vulnerable thing on headphones, the cable, is not here :)
Headphones for 20k and AirPods are quite different products with different uses. You probably don't take your headphones to sports, you don't make phone calls with them, and you probably don't even plug them in for 3 minutes because of a YT clip).
Why do you think that the most vulnerable thing on headphones is the cable? I can say the same - the most vulnerable thing on the headphones is the battery, because it goes away on everyone. And he doesn't have my headphones. :-)
Otherwise, I didn't want to evaluate the Apple company here and compare it with Kickstarter. Although a number of their products had a pretty similar life, so I'd rather not talk about it here. ;-)
Because if someone already solves malfunctioning headphones, it's because of the cable, whether a contact in the connector or the headphone, or a break (typically a break) anywhere in the cable:) And that the manufacturers would just break and make the cable replaceable, it's really not :)
No one can handle this with quality headphones.
That's right - I've never had any problems with the cable for headphones, and the manufacturers of the more expensive ones are paying extra for the cables. And some make them interchangeable just to be sure.
Because uni only buys the worst cheap headphones and the cable breaks. For uni's headphones = same as for me = trash it.
Maybe she doesn't need good headphones at home, but HomePod ;-). Then it will be easy to switch between the headphones and the speaker and you will enjoy the music to the fullest :-).
Does anyone know how long the Beats X cable is? Thanks