Tag Archives: IPhone accessories

Technology

How to Update Your AirPods

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Photo: Fadhli Adnan (Shutterstock)

Apple often issues firmware updates for its entire AirPods line, including AirPods Pro, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Max. However, the company doesn’t make it clear how to actually update your AirPods, nor do they share what each firmware update does. So here’s how to do it, whatever model of AirPods you use.

But first, why should you bother? Apple isn’t updating the firmware without a purpose, of course. Firmware updates can solve bug issues, like when AirPods Max users were experiencing abnormal battery drain (for all other issues, there’s the hidden reset option we’ve talked about before) and improve performance, so it pays to update them regularly, even if they seem to be working fine.

How to check your AirPods’ current firmware version

First, check the firmware version of your AirPods to make sure the update hasn’t already happened. The first step is to connect your AirPods to your iPhone. For this step, how you do that doesn’t matter, but it will matter when it comes to actually installing the update (more on that later).

Now, on your iPhone, head to Settings > General > About, then scroll down. If your AirPods are connected, you should see their name appear. Tap the name, then check “Firmware version.” As of this article, 4E71 is the latest firmware version for all AirPods, but head to Google to make sure Apple hasn’t since issued a newer update.

How to update the firmware on your AirPods

To update your AirPods, you’ll still need to connect them to your iPhone, but in a specific way: the trick here is to make sure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone while remaining in the case. Your AirPods won’t update if they’re outside of the case, so don’t keep them in your ears and expect iOS to upgrade the firmware. So long as you’ve paired your AirPods with your iPhone before, they should connect when you lift the lid to the case (again, AirPods Max should connect while placed in the case).

Now, you’ll need to plug your AirPods into power. Theoretically, the update should work if you use wireless charging (if your AirPods case supports it), but I’ve only ever seen walkthroughs use a lightning cable for firmware updates. Once connected to power, let your AirPods sit for 10–15 minutes. After this period of time, go ahead and check the firmware version for your AirPods: it should now be fully updated. If not, try this step again.

  

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Technology

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 Headphones Leak

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Image: Nils Ahrensmeier/TechnikNews

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones are perhaps the most anticipated noise-canceling headphones of 2022, and a new leak claims to have revealed their new design and key specs.

TechnikNews out of Germany, citing an unnamed “retail source,” says the successor to the immensely popular WH-1000XM4 will feature a redesign and improvements to battery life, among other updates. If this leak is accurate—as always, be cautiously skeptical about these sorts of things—the WH-1000XM5 will get up to 40 hours of battery life, another 10 hours on top of the previous three models, putting it near the top of its class. Also, the 1000XM5 will supposedly fully recharge in 3.5 hours, or about 30 minutes longer than before—not a bad tradeoff for the extra juice.

Renders supposedly provided to TechnikNews reveal a more refined design, with the 1000XM5 sporting a sleeker profile than the 1000XM4, one that reminds me more of the Bose 700. As the renders show, thin arms now connect to the earcups and are separate from the headband. There also seems to be more padding on the earcups, which could make one of the most comfortable pair of headphones around even cushier. The new design certainly looks more modern, though I would have liked more color options beyond black and silver(ish).

Image: Nils Ahrensmeier/TechnikNews

The WH-1000XM5’s three microphones have supposedly been repositioned, and an NC/AMB button will replace the CUSTOM one. I assume most folks were using the CUSTOM button to switch between ANC and ambient modes anyway, so this change is more about clearing up any ambiguity. The 1000XM5 headphones are also said to feature new drivers and two processors for managing noise cancellation, to go along with the larger battery.

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are poised to be one of the most significant headphone releases of the year. For context, buying noise-canceling headphones pre-2016 used to be easy, with everyone simply purchasing the latest Bose QuietComfort model and enjoying their class-leading noise cancellation and great sound quality. Then Sony released the MDR-1000X, and everything changed. Finally, Bose had a challenger.

Since then, Sony has released one critically acclaimed and commercially successful pair of noise-canceling headphones after the next, and at some point, even topped Bose. Now everyone wants in on the party, and Sony finds itself in the unenviable position of defending the throne against the likes of the Apple AirPods Max and the Bose 700.

That’s where the WH-1000XM5 come in, and we won’t have to wait much longer to see how these cans stack up. While we don’t have a firm release date, the XM5 was unearthed in FCC documents a few months back, suggesting an imminent release.

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Technology

Apple Is Rolling Out a Manual Firmware Updater for AirPods

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Photo: Stephen Lam (Getty Images)

As many AirPod owners probably know, Apple’s wireless headphones, while undoubtedly good devices, can have problems just like any other piece of technology. When it comes to issues with firmware, though, the devices can be a bit of a pain to fix given that there’s no manual way to update them. That’s set to change early next week.

In a Twitter post on Friday, leaker Stella Fudge revealed that Apple was releasing an AirPods firmware updater tool in a bid to help resolve specific problems with the devices. AirPods that are in their charging cases and connected to a power source are supposed to download the latest firmware promptly when it’s available, but that doesn’t always happen. The firmware updater was later confirmed by MacRumors, which obtained an internal Apple memo describing the tool.

Don’t get too excited. This doesn’t mean you’ll have a readily available tool to fix your AirPods at home when they malfunction because of a firmware issue.

According to Stella Fudge and MacRumors, the tool will only be rolling out to Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers. It will not be available to users and there is no indication that Apple will change its mind about that at this time. The outlet stated that the firmware updater will become available to stores and providers beginning early next week.

So, what problems will the firmware updater be used for? MacRumors explains that technicians will be able force the devices to download the latest firmware to try to resolve certain issues, such as if one of a user’s AirPods didn’t update correctly. They will also be able to help AirPod users that don’t use Apple devices who are experiencing problems, as well as users that received a replacement AirPod Pro or charging case with a different firmware version than the one in their possession.

It’s currently unclear what AirPod models Apple’s new firmware updater tool can be used with. MacRumors reports that technicians can use it on AirPods Pro with a wireless charging case or MagSafe charging case, but whether it can be used with other models is an open question. I guess we’ll find out soon.



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Technology

Apple Wants to Revive AirPower With True Wireless Charging

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Image: Apple

AirPower may not be as dead as we thought. Years after canceling the product, Apple is reportedly working on a new charger that could charge three devices at the same time.

According to Mark Gurman’s “Power On” newsletter for Bloomberg, the charger could include short and long-distance wireless charging technology so i-devices could eventually “charge each other.” Apple’s phones and accessories don’t even support reverse wireless charging, so if the company can bring this mystery device to market, it could potentially leap ahead of competitors in an area where it currently lags behind.

In June, Bloomberg reported on Apple developing a multi-device inductive charger back as a spiritual successor to AirPower. The earlier report said Apple was experimenting with sending power over the air for true wireless charging, not the sort-of wireless pad-style charging we use today. Making the technology mainstream would be similar to how AirPods popularized truly wireless earbuds when those awkward neckband earbuds (I know, I know, they’re good for fitness) were being lumped into the same category. Unfortunately, Bloomberg warned that any viable true wireless charging product is many years away.

If these reports are accurate, Apple will need to get this one right. Apple’s inability to bring AirPower to market after teasing the concept at its iPhone X event in 2017 will go down as one of the company’s most embarrassing failures. Excitement about a product that could simultaneously charge three or more products quickly dwindled as horror stories of development troubles, ranging from overheating to interference issues, surfaced. Apple eventually canceled the product in 2019, vaguely citing difficulties in creating a product that reached its unspecified standards.

Apple has since released less ambitious versions of AirPower, including the MagSafe Duo charger for juicing up two devices (iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods charging case) at once. While useful for those invested in Apple’s MagSafe accessories, the Duo has been criticized for its slow charging speeds, flimsy build, and exorbitant price when compared with cheaper yet more capable third-party options.

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Details on this rumored AirPower successor are thin apart from it charging at least three devices and potentially introducing true wireless charging. We don’t have specific on when Apple intends on bringing this product to market or what sort of charging speeds the company hopes to achieve.

We do know, however, that Apple is deeply committed to moving everything wireless, and various reports suggest the company could even abandon the charging port on upcoming iPhone models. We’ll be keeping a close eye out for any developments to see if Apple can recharge its AirPower project, though we’re not expecting any teasers or announcements until the company is sure it can even make the thing.

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Technology

You Can Get Crackling AirPods Pro Fixed Through Next Year

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Photo: Adam Clark Estes/Gizmodo

When the AirPods Pro first launched in 2019, some were beset with sound issues like crackling or faulty active noise canceling. A year later—just as the warranty was about to run out—Apple introduced a free repair program for affected users. That program was set to expire this month, but it now appears that Apple has extended it for another year.

The change was first spotted on Reddit (via MacRumors). At the very, very bottom of Apple’s page, it now says the program will cover affected AirPods Pro for three years. Given that Apple specifies that the affected AirPods Pros were manufactured before October 2020, that would mean the program will now stay in effect through October 2022.

Specifically, the program covers two types of issues. The first is any sort of crackling or static noise that increases in loud environments, with exercise, or during phone calls. The second is if ANC doesn’t work as expected. Some examples Apple provides include wonky bass or an increase in ambient sounds.

If you are hearing crackling noises, Apple first advises making sure you have the latest software on the Apple devices it’s connected to. It also suggests ensuring that there’s no wireless interference and testing if it’s possibly an app-related issue. Then if none of that works, it’s time to make use of the free repair program. You can take the affected buds to Apple (either via a support line or at an Apple Store) or any Apple Authorized Service Provider.

There are a few other stipulations to keep in mind. For starters, your crackling buds have to be eligible for the program. That means no AirPods or AirPods Max. According to MacRumors, the AirPods Pro will also be examined to verify they’re actually affected. Ostensibly, most folks with crackling buds have already made use of the free repair. But, if you have a pair of launch AirPods Pro with sound issues, and for whatever reason, haven’t? You get an extra year to get your butt in gear.

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Technology

Apple’s Dynamic Head Tracking Is Here If You Have Fany AirPods

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Photo: Victoria Song/Gizmodo

Back in June, Apple introduced both lossless audio and Dolby Atmos-powered spatial audio to Apple Music. While there were restrictions on which gadgets could handle what, you didn’t need AirPods to get the benefit. However, with iOS 15’s public release, Apple’s also added Dynamic Head Tracking—and for that, you’re going to need either a pair of AirPods Pro or AirPods Max.

Quick refresher: Dolby Atmos is a specific surround sound format that allows you to simulate a three-dimensional space. What Apple refers to as spatial audio is like an extra layer on top of that thanks to Dynamic Head Tracking. How it works is, it fixes where the audio sounds like it’s coming from, regardless of where you are within that soundscape. So say you hear vocals coming from in front of you. If you turn your head to the right, the vocals will now sound like they’re coming from your left earphone. If you turn your head to the left, it’ll sound like it’s coming from your right earphone.

It’s a neat feature, but it won’t work unless you have AirPods—and the more expensive ones at that. The regular AirPods don’t support dynamic tracking; the only ones that do are the ludicrously expensive AirPods Max and the AirPods Pro. (That’s because the feature relies on accelerometers to detect your head movement.)

If you do have a pair of either the AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, all you have to do is update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 15 or iPadOS 15, respectively. (We have a handy guide on how to do that here.) Once you’ve done that, you just have to double-check that Atmos is enabled. You can do that by heading over to the Settings app, scrolling down to Music, then Audio. From there you should see the Dolby Atmos setting. Within Apple Music itself, there are also Spatial Audio playlists to get you started and Apple has since added a tutorial track featuring Olivia Rodrigo’s song “good 4 u” to demonstrate how it works.

That said, if you don’t have AirPods, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Dolby Atmos at all. You can. It’ll just be the “normal” kind. As for how it sounds, it’s impressive but slightly less noticeable for music—especially if you’re just listening to songs for background noise. In our experience, dynamic head tracking is much more noticeable when using AirPods to watch movies, particularly action scenes. Still, if immersive audio is your thing and you’ve got the gear, it’s a neat thing to try out for yourself.

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Technology

Could We Be Getting New Buds in March?

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Photo: Adam Clark Estes

The next generation of AirPods is expected to look a lot different than its predecessors.

Photos from 52Audio claiming to show the AirPods 3 indicate significant changes compared to the current AirPods, most noticeably with a shorter stem that looks a lot more similar to the design of the AirPods Pro. According to the report, these buds do not support active noise reduction as the premium Apple buds do. The leaked buds reportedly also do not support adaptive EQ.

The other big difference between the apparent leak and the AirPods Pro is that the AirPods 3 model in the images published this week appears to have a universal fit like the AirPods 2. That would seem to indicate that we are not getting more customizable ear tips from this product, which is arguably one of the best things about the premium model and is a godsend for people like me with either sensitive or smaller ear canals.

Lastly, and seemingly confirming previously leaked 52Audio images of the product, the AirPods 3 will have a much smaller case than the Pro buds that will support wireless charging. The AirPods 2 can currently be bought either with wired or wireless support, though the wired charging case retails for $40 less at $159. The evidently leaked AirPods 3 also appear to borrow the touch control stem design of the Pro buds as well.

52Audio said the third-generation buds will retain the H1 chip and get 5 hours of playback or 24 hours of battery life with the charging case. On many points, the 52Audio leak jibes with previous reports about the buds from multiple reliable sources. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo last year indicated that the AirPods 3 would have a similar design to the AirPods Pro and would launch in the first half of 2021.

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Bloomberg, meanwhile, reported in October that the company was planning to release both the third-generation AirPods model as well as a new version of the AirPods Pro this year. That report did state that the new AirPods would look more like the AirPods Pro but did say that Apple was looking to juice up the battery life, which does not appear to be the case based on the 52Audio leak. Bloomberg additionally cited sources as saying that AirPods Pro may also get an overhauled design and come in a more compact package.

It’s not clear when the next-generation Apple buds will launch, but it’s certainly possible they could make their debut at the Apple event expected this month. They are, after all, long overdue. The AirPods 2 launched in March of 2019. But this month’s event is rumored to be centered on AirTags and iPads, so who knows! Anyone who closely followed last year’s Apple launch schedule knows that Apple could very well string us along for months instead of giving us everything in a single sitting.

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