Airpods - new owners views, problems and questions

[dave2010]

Th only issue that I'm having is that the audio when talking to Siri seems to be really low quality? Is anyone else experiencing this?

Yes, and I've heard it's happening to everyone.Siri seems a bit slow so Apple might have done something to try and speed things up.
.
It's now a week since I got my AirPods and I'm finding them so comfortable compared to what I had before (a mix of EarPods at home, Bose Soundsport outside, Plantronic Backbeat Fit at gym) that's it's worth the extra effort of using my iPhone to control things.

 

[Shark5150]

Cook is a terrible engineer? How Do you know he designed these or his contribution to the Airpods ? Perhaps you could have designed these better? Can you confirm how Your findings on Cook and how you know this?

Ignorant you say? Sounds like you are ignorant on the fact of the Airpod capabilities and beyond.

Your more focused on the comparison of other products you have used, when in fact, Apple isn't even trying to emulate any other product on the market.

The Airpods are Apple's first first proprietary Product with the W1 chip. It's also an evolving product that easily has the potential to grow.

The fact that These can provide five hours of battery life and can be paired seamlessly between other Apple Devices is key. 15 minutes of charging is equivalent to three hours of use, that's fairly impressive.

The Airpods are not trying to set the market with the most innovative features, but they are providing an experience that truly is hands free with portability of the charging case.

The tapping with Siri controls seems to be more liked than not from what I have read. It takes time to adjust, but it makes sense what Apple was intending to do.

The fact you are labeling these a "POS" really says what you understand about these, which apparently isn't Much.

A-f#%ing-men brother. The ignorance amazes me sometimes

 

[dk001]

You're making things too complicated. Once paired with your iPhone running iOS 10, you can just swipe up on the iPad's screen (any screen), and pick the AirPods from the list of devices you can play to. Done. No messing with Bluetooth menus etc. That's the whole point here!
[doublepost=1482627789][/doublepost]

I feel the opposite. It's clear to me that the AirPods are THE solution. For all those complaining about lack of volume controls when listening to music except for Siri, just use the Apple Watch or... *gasp* your phone! After all, what were you doing before with your WIRED earphones? That's right - you were using that ghastly dangling cord, or the phone itself!

When Apple revealed the 3.5mm-jack-less iPhone 7 line and the AirPods, it all made perfect sense. The delay of the AirPods sucked A LOT, and really - is inexcusable, but now that they're out I'm very, VERY happy.

Now, if you were to ask me why we can't adjust phone-call volume from the Watch, that's a VERY good question...

When I look at this I think Apple is heading in the right direction. However, like so many times lately, they jumped the gun, came up with a potential solution implemented half-ass at best. Besides, the sound quality from the Airpods is pretty poor at best. Add in limited controls and a 5 hour battery life is not that good. Pretty much run of the mill.
Maybe they will get it right by Gen 3. Maybe.

 

[jonnyb]

When I look at this I think Apple is heading in the right direction. However, like so many times lately, they jumped the gun, came up with a potential solution implemented half-ass at best. Besides, the sound quality from the Airpods is pretty poor at best. Add in limited controls and a 5 hour battery life is not that good. Pretty much run of the mill.
Maybe they will get it right by Gen 3. Maybe.

When I look at this, I think I kind of agree, but it doesn't stop me buying the first generation because the pleasure it gives me far out ways the potential shortcomings. The sound quality is good enough, the battery life is perfectly adequate, and the convenience and ease of use is anything but run of the mill.

 

[dk001]

Cook is a terrible engineer? How Do you know he designed these or his contribution to the Airpods ? Perhaps you could have designed these better? Can you confirm how Your findings on Cook and how you know this?

Ignorant you say? Sounds like you are ignorant on the fact of the Airpod capabilities and beyond.

Your more focused on the comparison of other products you have used, when in fact, Apple isn't even trying to emulate any other product on the market.

The Airpods are Apple's first first proprietary Product with the W1 chip. It's also an evolving product that easily has the potential to grow.

The fact that These can provide five hours of battery life and can be paired seamlessly between other Apple Devices is key. 15 minutes of charging is equivalent to three hours of use, that's fairly impressive.

The Airpods are not trying to set the market with the most innovative features, but they are providing an experience that truly is hands free with portability of the charging case.

The tapping with Siri controls seems to be more liked than not from what I have read. It takes time to adjust, but it makes sense what Apple was intending to do.

The fact you are labeling these a "POS" really says what you understand about these, which apparently isn't Much.

Evolve? Yes. Become a standard? Fat chance.
[doublepost=1482701853][/doublepost]

When I look at this, I think I kind of agree, but it doesn't stop me buying the first generation because the pleasure it gives me far out ways the potential shortcomings. The sound quality is good enough, the battery life is perfectly adequate, and the convenience and ease of use is anything but run of the mill.

Hear you and likely many agree.
I'll wait. I prefer wired for sound and voice quality ... for now. I have a couple of good BT headsets.
Either Apple will evolve to what I am looking for or someone else will.

 

[44267547]

Evolve? Yes. Become a standard? Fat chance.
[doublepost=1482701853][/doublepost].

Exactly. Evolve. No one stated "Standard" except you. Apple isn't aiming for "Standard". Since when has Apple ever attempted to be come a standard? They haven't. Your being slightly pedantic.

 

[daijholt]

When I look at this I think Apple is heading in the right direction. However, like so many times lately, they jumped the gun, came up with a potential solution implemented half-ass at best. Besides, the sound quality from the Airpods is pretty poor at best. Add in limited controls and a 5 hour battery life is not that good. Pretty much run of the mill.
Maybe they will get it right by Gen 3. Maybe.

To your points, The implementation is beyond anything any competitor has been able to create. Nothing works this seamlessly between multiple devices. The sound quality isn't as bad as you try to make it; it really depends on the music you listen to. Do the airpods have the same clarity as Bose or the same bass as beats? No, they don't. But they're very well balanced in terms of sound, making them decent enough for ALL music, not just one genre (like the beats seem to be tuned for). As for battery, 5 hours is as much as you're gonna get from something this small, which is why they've innovated a storage case that charges them while not in use for up to 24 hours of use. You need to see this from the mass market perspective; most people will use them for an hour while commuting, then return them to the case, thus charging them and removing the battery as a barrier. My Powerbeats 2 only lasted about 8 hours before requiring a charge.

 

[dk001]

Exactly. Evolve. No one stated "Standard" except you. Apple isn't aiming for "Standard". Since when has Apple ever attempted to be come a standard? They haven't. Your being slightly pedantic.

The majority of people use multiple devices; especially at these prices. Designing for one type of device does not lend itself to a long term sustainable item unless you are looking for a niche fit. Become the standard or drive the standard. I don't see this happening.
No matter how good these are, if I cannot use them across multiple devices why buy them?
[doublepost=1482704267][/doublepost]

To your points, The implementation is beyond anything any competitor has been able to create. Nothing works this seamlessly between multiple devices. The sound quality isn't as bad as you try to make it; it really depends on the music you listen to. Do the airpods have the same clarity as Bose or the same bass as beats? No, they don't. But they're very well balanced in terms of sound, making them decent enough for ALL music, not just one genre (like the beats seem to be tuned for). As for battery, 5 hours is as much as you're gonna get from something this small, which is why they've innovated a storage case that charges them while not in use for up to 24 hours of use. You need to see this from the mass market perspective; most people will use them for an hour while commuting, then return them to the case, thus charging them and removing the battery as a barrier. My Powerbeats 2 only lasted about 8 hours before requiring a charge.

I have a set of B&O H5 (recent acquisition) which I can use on my 6S+, Note 5, rMB, iPad Mini4, etc... or go wired with my Pur or B&O. Airpod sound may be balanced but that does not mean they are great or even good. Decent seems a better descriptive term. Battery life... When these first came out, battery life was identified as a drawback. Over time, that description has changed to "impressive", "fantastic", "long lasting", etc... 5 hours in typical minimal. I see too many individual pieces allowing for a high chance of losing one. Something to take into account.
Ground breaking? Along with other designs in similar vein. Worth the "OMG Fantastic" allusion that seems to be advertised? Not at all.
They have potential. Like I said; maybe by Gen 3 we will see a good device.
MHO-YMMV

 

[CharlesShaw]

Besides, the sound quality from the Airpods is pretty poor at best.

I guess I'm surprised to hear that. I've listened to AirPods for several days and I'm not only impressed, I'm a bit embarrassed that I never once tried out the EarPods that came with my more recent iPhones.

Been comparing AirPods to my Shure SE215's and think Apple deserves some credit for how good they sound with a variety of music.

 

[dk001]

I guess I'm surprised to hear that. I've listened to AirPods for several days and I'm not only impressed, I'm a bit embarrassed that I never once tried out the EarPods that came with my more recent iPhones.

Been comparing AirPods to my Shure SE215's and think Apple deserves some credit for how good they sound with a variety of music.

Most Apple minimal or unbiased reviews had the sounds quality not much better than the previous earpods that came stock. Those, are pretty poor. Now that they are wireless they are suddenly much better? Seriously doubtful.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Most Apple minimal or unbiased reviews had the sounds quality not much better than the previous earpods that came stock. Those, are pretty poor. Now that they are wireless they are suddenly much better? Seriously doubtful.

So you haven't personally listened to AirPods then. Ok.

 

[dave2010]

I have a set of B&O H5 (recent acquisition)

OK so you like those. Hardly amazing reviews for those either looking at Amazon's customer reviews
https://www.amazon.com/PLAY-Bang-Olufsen-Wireless-Bluetooth/dp/B01KKKVYXQ
I looked at the H5 before getting the AirPods and didn't like the chord on my neck, and they're too bulky in my ears.
Personally, I'd rather lose some audio quality and have totally wireless headphones like the AirPods.

 

[Ralfi]

Asked Siri to pause music. She asked what my wife's name was.

Times like this, I wish IOS let you set a default voice command/recognition software.....& I'd be opting for Google Assistant every time.

 

[EmkwanTV]

Unfortunately my AirPods just don't fit. Yesterday I was wearing them and with the wind, one fell out. Was disappointing because both my brothers tried and they fit perfectly well in their ears

What's odd is my wired ones actually fit way better than these. Really disappointed. I'll be returning them. Wondered if the EarHoox would work in keeping them secure but it may cover up the sensors and be cumbersome removing when putting AirPods in the case.

 

[44267547]

The majority of people use multiple devices; especially at these prices. Designing for one type of device does not lend itself to a long term sustainable item unless you are looking for a niche fit. Become the standard or drive the standard. I don't see this happening.
No matter how good these are, if I cannot use them across multiple devices why buy them?
[doublepost=1482704267][/doublepost]

Which is why there are multiple options on the market from other competitors. The Airpods are not for everyone and judging from your previous posts, they are clearly not for you.

 

[Brookzy]

Funny a few people are bringing up the B&O H5.

I've used them since they came out and overall they were okay. The sound was good, but the cord was a total PITA and a horrible material that seemingly caused maximum friction possible on the back of your shirt. Battery was short of the stated five hours. They often fell out of my ears despite me playing with 10 pairs of Comply tips of different materials I bought from Amazon, and trying them all.

And if you want to switch device, you have to first go to Bluetooth settings and disconnect them before trying to connect to another device. Very clunky.

After nearly a week with the AirPods, they win in every single comparison except being slightly worse on sound quality. The H5s are headed for a gift/eBay!

 

[dk001]

OK so you like those. Hardly amazing reviews for those either looking at Amazon's customer reviews
https://www.amazon.com/PLAY-Bang-Olufsen-Wireless-Bluetooth/dp/B01KKKVYXQ
I looked at the H5 before getting the AirPods and didn't like the chord on my neck, and they're too bulky in my ears.
Personally, I'd rather lose some audio quality and have totally wireless headphones like the AirPods.

Amazon reviews are a good indicator but i tend to look else where for actual reviews

 

[bigjnyc]

Unfortunately my AirPods just don't fit. Yesterday I was wearing them and with the wind, one fell out. Was disappointing because both my brothers tried and they fit perfectly well in their ears

What's odd is my wired ones actually fit way better than these. Really disappointed. I'll be returning them. Wondered if the EarHoox would work in keeping them secure but it may cover up the sensors and be cumbersome removing when putting AirPods in the case.

I'm sure the guys who make earhoox will come out with a revised version to addres that.

 

[Night Spring]

Add in limited controls and a 5 hour battery life is not that good.

As another poster pointed out, AirPods come with a super compact charging case, which is extremely easy to carry with you, and you'd use it to store AirPods when you aren't using them. So I don't consider AirPods to have 5 hour battery life, I consider them to have however long the charging case is rated for. I'm currently using the Bose SoundSport, which has 6 hour battery life, and while I love the SoundSport, charging them every 6 hours is a bit of a pain, and the charging case that Bose makes is an extra $50, and a lot bulkier than AirPods charging case.

Nothing works this seamlessly between multiple devices.

That's true as long as all your devices are Apple. Throw in other devices in the mix, and it appears Bose's device management app provides for easier switching between devices. You open the app, which is available for both iOS and Android. If your Bose earphone/headphone is in range but not connected, a picture of the device appears in the app, and you swipe to connect. Once connected, the app displays a list of all devices your earphone is paired with, and you can select which device you want to connect to right from the app. It totally takes the guesswork out from knowing which device your earphones are paired to / connnectrd with at any given moment.

 

[dk001]

Funny a few people are bringing up the B&O H5.

I've used them since they came out and overall they were okay. The sound was good, but the cord was a total PITA and a horrible material that seemingly caused maximum friction possible on the back of your shirt. Battery was short of the stated five hours. They often fell out of my ears despite me playing with 10 pairs of Comply tips of different materials I bought from Amazon, and trying them all.

And if you want to switch device, you have to first go to Bluetooth settings and disconnect them before trying to connect to another device. Very clunky.

After nearly a week with the AirPods, they win in every single comparison except being slightly worse on sound quality. The H5s are headed for a gift/eBay!

I'm surprised. I have not had that issue. The Android app has a quirk but it is easy and painless. And the sound. Wow. Compared to the stock earpods on my 6S+... So much better it is night and day.
No I haven't tried the airpods. When professional reviews rated them slightly better than stock earpods....

 

[LGIR627]

All of a sudden, I'm having issues pairing my AirPods to my other devices (MBP and iPad). They pair and work fine on my iPhone, but they are not connecting to my iPad or MBP, both of which are connected to the same iCloud account. They worked fine on these devices until today. I tried forgetting and repairing but its still not working. Any ideas?

 

[I am Andy]

Hi,
it's a bit weird as so far nobody replied to my post. Wherever I've tried it so far.
So let's try it again.
"I received mine last Thursday.
Music, Videos and FaceTime sound great.
Only issue I have is when using Siri. Her responses are in very low sound quality.
It's the same on iPhone 7, iPad Air 2 and MacBook Pro.
Has anyone noticed the same?
Apple support can't help in this case. "

I always notice a very low crackling sound during calls. But it's not too disturbing.
This morning I've noticed that the case looses charge over night.
It was at 20 % before sleeping. I put the AirPods (fully charged) into the case.
This morning the case was dead.
So that's my experience so far.
It's still Christmas in Germany.
So:

Merry Christmas from Germany to all of you!

 

[rockyromero]

This morning I've noticed that the case looses charge over night.
It was at 20 % before sleeping. I put the AirPods into the case.
This morning the case was dead.

I'm not having your AirPods experience.

They work well with me.

➰

 

[walds11]

All of a sudden, I'm having issues pairing my AirPods to my other devices (MBP and iPad). They pair and work fine on my iPhone, but they are not connecting to my iPad or MBP, both of which are connected to the same iCloud account. They worked fine on these devices until today. I tried forgetting and repairing but its still not working. Any ideas?

I'm having the same issue. They seemed to pair fine up until a few days ago. I too tried forgetting and re-pairing, but still not working. I use my iPhone most of the time, so when using my iPad, I've have to manually pair them. What gives?

 

[I am Andy]

Anyone having issues with double tap not working at times? Especially when only wearing one at a time.

I haven't tried with one only.
But yes. Mostly it's not working.
[doublepost=1482740835][/doublepost]

I'm not having your AirPods experience.

They work well with me.

➰

Hi rockyromero,
thanks for your answer.
What about bad quality Siri responses?
Andy