Apple Launches 2nd Gen AirPods: Longer Talk Time & Hands-Free ‘Hey Siri’
by Anton Shilov on March 20, 2019 9:40 AM EST
Apple on Wednesday introduced its 2nd Generation AirPods. The new AirPods supports hands-free ‘Hey Siri’ functionality, a longer battery life for coversations, and faster connect times. The new headset will be available in both wireless and wired charging cases.
The 2nd Gen Apple AirPods use the company’s new Apple H1 (Hearable 1?) SoC that is said to be considerably faster and more energy-efficient than its predecessor, the Apple W1. In particular, Apple says that the new AirPods deliver up to 50% more talk time and can switch between devices (iPhone, Watch, iPad, etc.) two times faster when compared to the 1st Gen AirPods. Furthermore, the new wireless headset supports hands-free ‘Hey Siri’ functionality enabling users to make phone calls, ask for directions, or simply change songs without touching anything.
While the new AirPods deliver up to 50% more talk time, Apple says that their listening time on one charge will remain at about 5 hours, whereas their battery life with a charging case (that holds multiple charges) will remain at about 24 hours, which is similar to what the 1st Gen AirPods offers. Apple did not disclose more precise specifications of the device (e.g., frequency response, etc.).
Apple will supply its 2nd Gen AirPods in two versions. The budget model will come in a standard wired charging case and will cost $159. The more expensive model will come in a wireless charging case and will be priced at $199. Both versions will be available starting next week from Apple.com. The wireless charging case will be available separately for $79.
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Sources: Apple
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Sttm - Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - link
Classic Apple price gouging. Don't buy it now, its TWICE as much later!close - Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - link
Indeed, nobody ever thought of doing the same. And I mean NOBODY would dare charge you more if you buy something later instead of the bundle. Would they? o_OI mean it is definitely not done when you buy GPU or console bundles (with games). Or when you buy an OEM component for your laptop. Or when you buy a phone with different memory capacities (knowing you can't expand later even if you're willing to pay). Etc.
rrinker - Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - link
That seems to fly in the tech industry. In one of my other hobbies, I can buy a controller that is wired, or one that is wireless. The wireless one is about $50 more. If I buy the wired one today, I can send it back later and get it upgraded to the wireless version for - hold on to your hats - $50. Only penalty I pay for not going wireless from day 1 is I have to send the thing away for 2-3 weeks and I have to pay 1 way postage.BUT - this is NOT the same thing AT ALL. If you buy the wired package, and then pay $78 for a wireless charge case, you now have TWO charge cases, a wired one and a wireless one. If you buy the wireless up front for the extra $40, you have ONE charging case, the wireless one. The price difference between the wired and wireless charging case is NOT $40, it's $40 + cost of the wired case. But hey, Apple, so, must be a gouge.
Sttm - Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - link
If you think it costs them more than $20 to make that wireless charging case....LUL
close - Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - link
@rrinker: We're talking about completely different things. The idea was the wired case + headphones cost $160, the wireless case + headphones cost $200. But the case individually will be $80.Sttm so "aptly" did the math and concluded the $80 wireless case will be twice as expensive if you buy it later/separately because for him it's exceedingly difficult to realize that the $40 difference is just between a wired and wireless case, so basically the wireless circuitry, NOT THE WHOLE CASE.
@Sttm, oh noes, companies don't sell you stuff at cost, bastards... Then again for you the difference between a wired and a wireless case is... another full wireless case, not just the wireless charging circuits. So let's just take your opinions with a boulder of salt ;).
Samus - Thursday, March 21, 2019 - link
My real complaint here is there doesn't seem to be any real improvement at $159. This would be more compelling of a purchase IF they just included the wireless charging case they've been talking about for almost 2 years.$200 for a pair of crappy sounding headphones that aren't even waterproof is a hell of a stretch. I have the first gen Airpods received as a gift for Xmas 2017 and they're fine but I would have never spent my own money on them.
bubblyboo - Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - link
$40 more for wireless charging case. Wow.Sttm - Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - link
That's with the combo savings, $80 without.close - Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - link
Hard math strikes Sttm again. You take the $160 wired case + headphones, you add a wireless thingamajiggle to the case and you get the $200 wireless case + headphones. Soooooo... The wireless thingamajiggle is $40. When you buy the case separately you also get... the literal case case and the battery inside, and whatever accessory it may come with. Get it? Logic make brain hurt?close - Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - link
That's about the difference between a $5-10 wired charger and a $45-50 wireless charger.