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heycal

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 25, 2013
826
22
This thread has gotten quite ridiculous. AirPods will do literally all but one of your ‘issues’ (volume). You may have to choose 2 out of three, however if you choose one as skip, the other as Siri, and then remove from ears as play/pause you get all of the things you are complaining about (again, except for volume control) When you get a call you can answer from either bud.

Try them out, or don’t.

So, with fiddling and configuring, and making some choices, I can do some of what my wired earbuds can do, but not the most important thing, volume control? Not good enough. And from what I'm hearing from folks, I shouldn't expect that to be fixed anytime soon. That is what I find ridiculous: that a $160 'innovative' product can't do what most any other 20 dollar wired headset can do, or what the free earbuds from Apple they are designed to replace can do. I don't know why some of you don't also.
 

nrvna76

macrumors 65816
Aug 4, 2010
1,243
1,268
So, with fiddling and configuring, and making some choices, I can do some of what my wired earbuds can do, but not the most important thing, volume control? Not good enough. And from what I'm hearing from folks, I shouldn't expect that to be fixed anytime soon. That is what I find ridiculous: that a $160 'innovative' product can't do what most any other 20 dollar wired headset can do, or what the free earbuds from Apple they are designed to replace can do. I don't know why some of you don't also.

Simple. I evaluated the product. Decided to try it. Happen to Love them. /end

Who cares what other products can do? The fit and connectivity are what make it worth it.

Not trying to convince you though, was just trying to help with what they can and cannot do. You should quite clearly stick with the EarPods or a $20 alternative with built in volume control.
 

heycal

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 25, 2013
826
22
Simple. I evaluated the product. Decided to try it. Happen to Love them. /end

Who cares what other products can do? The fit and connectivity are what make it worth it.

Not trying to convince you though, was just trying to help with what they can and cannot do. You should quite clearly stick with the EarPods or a $20 alternative with built in volume control.

I appreciate you trying to help. I agree that I'm probably better off with an alternative until Apple decides to enter the 21st century with their airpod design.
 

ActionableMango

macrumors G3
Sep 21, 2010
9,613
6,909
Alternatively, and in the meantime, I'm open to suggestions for other brands and models that can do all the above.

TicPods Free meet your requirements, but they aren't out yet so I recommend them tentatively. Prototypes have been reviewed and work, but controls are finicky. Hopefully that can be sorted out for the production model.
 

heycal

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 25, 2013
826
22
TicPods Free meet your requirements, but they aren't out yet so I recommend them tentatively. Prototypes have been reviewed and work, but controls are finicky. Hopefully that can be sorted out for the production model.

Those look interesting, but they also look like they go deep into the ear. I know some people like those kind that stay in snug and block out outside noise, but I prefer ones in the Apple style. Ticpods Free would be first choice if I were practicing summersaults in a field next to a construction site, but I'm not so keen on getting hit by a bus that I didn't hear coming on a day to day basis.

btw, used my phone and earbuds at the gym today, paying attention to how often I needed to do specific tasks with it. During a 45 minute mostly weightlifting routine whilst listening to my library of Beatles songs, I had to pause the music four times, skipped tracks a dozen times, and made six volume adjustments. All with the press of a finger. The idea of asking Siri to do any of than in a crowded and occasionally noisy gym seems completely insane.
 

ActionableMango

macrumors G3
Sep 21, 2010
9,613
6,909
Well hang in there. If "AirPods gen 2" don't have volume control then I suspect a competitor will shortly. Everyone is seeking competitive advantages and market differentiation, so eventually someone will recognize the need for truly wireless earbuds with local volume control and without noise blocking, and you will have all of your requirements met.
 

heycal

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 25, 2013
826
22
Well hang in there. If "AirPods gen 2" don't have volume control then I suspect a competitor will shortly. Everyone is seeking competitive advantages and market differentiation, so eventually someone will recognize the need for truly wireless earbuds with local volume control and without noise blocking, and you will have all of your requirements met.

I would think you're right. Given that many competitors already have it all if we include bluetooth wireless sets that have the earbuds connected to each other via a short wire, and given that Apple themselves already knows how to incorporate volume control in their regular earbuds, it's only a matter of time before high end competitors and hopefully
Apple themselves take care of this problem with airpods.
 

csurfr

macrumors 68020
Dec 7, 2016
2,310
1,748
Seattle, WA
Noticed something new this evening with Siri. I did a double tap and said “next track” and Siri replied with “skipping”. I’ve not heard that before.
 

helitech

macrumors newbie
May 13, 2013
16
12
So, with fiddling and configuring, and making some choices, I can do some of what my wired earbuds can do, but not the most important thing, volume control? Not good enough. And from what I'm hearing from folks, I shouldn't expect that to be fixed anytime soon. That is what I find ridiculous: that a $160 'innovative' product can't do what most any other 20 dollar wired headset can do, or what the free earbuds from Apple they are designed to replace can do. I don't know why some of you don't also.

I think we get it, you don’t like AirPods. Stick to wired earphones until someone comes up with something that meets your standards. Good luck!
 
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heycal

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 25, 2013
826
22
I think we get it, you don’t like AirPods. Stick to wired earphones until someone comes up with something that meets your standards. Good luck!

Yes, I'll either do that or get an alternative with these elementary features.
 

heycal

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 25, 2013
826
22

Thanks. These look nice. I'd also be happy with a bluetooth set that has a short wire attaching the two buds, which opens up the choices even more. But it's proven hard so far to find a set that has all the features and also doesn't go to deep into the ear and block out too much noise for my liking, or that don't come wings and such. I need to a look a bit more, but I was hoping Apple had solved their problems with airpods, or was on the verge of solving them, so I could go with those.
 

Fatyank

macrumors 6502
Jan 20, 2008
350
142
Chandler, Arizona
I wasn't going to reply but I can't help it. Air Pods aren't perfect. Neither are iPads or iPhones. In electronics there is a constant development/improvement processes. Companies develop a product to a certain level, test it, market it then draw on feedback to improve it. Air Pods are no different. I'm sure Apple thought of Siri and volume control and voice dialing and garage door opening and everything else you folks want your Air Pods to do but they need to be sure the initial product works in a limited capacity then improve. You will see software or hardware updates to incorporate new functions. If you can't wait don't open your wallet to but them. I'm sure you complainers did little or no research to see if the Air Pods fit your needs. You just bought them then complained about price and functionality so you could feel important.
Someone mentioned Apple watch. It makes perfect sense that Air Pods would function better with the watch. Think minimalistic. A watch, Air Pods and no phone but able to do everything you do now. People want all the functionality but in the least visible way. Phones aren't bulky but if you didn't need to carry one but could still make calls, pay bills, get maps, track health, etc etc etc how great will that be. A watch is cheaper than a phone. Well, some watches. It's a perfect match.
If you feel Air Pods aren't up to your standards and you can do better, go get 75-100 million dollars, and develop your own headsets.
I personally love my Air Pods. I was concerned the Air Pods would not fit my ears but they feel great. I also have a LG 9000 Bluetooth wireless headset (around the neck band) with retractable ear buds that I use when I feel Air Pods aren't practical.
 
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heycal

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 25, 2013
826
22
I I'm sure you complainers did little or no research to see if the Air Pods fit your needs. You just bought them then complained about price and functionality so you could feel important.


Who are you referring to? I certainly didn't plunk down 160 bucks for these airbuds and then complain about them. I read reviews about them when they first came out, saw the flaws pointed out in the reviews, and steered clear. This thread is asking whether they have fixed those flaws or have plans to. What we call doing some research...



If you feel Air Pods aren't up to your standards and you can do better, go get 75-100 million dollars, and develop your own headsets.


I don't have to. I can probably spend less than the cost of airpods to have my standards met, saving me 99,999,8999 dollars.

I also have a LG 9000 Bluetooth wireless headset (around the neck band) with retractable ear buds that I use when I feel Air Pods aren't practical.


In what situations do you find the airpods aren't practical?
 

Fatyank

macrumors 6502
Jan 20, 2008
350
142
Chandler, Arizona
Heycal, I apologize if you took offense to my reply. It was not aimed at you but to the folks that always complain about something but have no viable solution. The mutlimillion dollar suggestion was for those who say they can build a better mousetrap. I realize they are in the minority but it drives me crazy.
I reread your original post and understand why the Air Pods aren't right for you at this time. I took would like to see them more versatile. I am a little jaded as I got my Air Pods free.
As for Siri, I found in settings that you can setup to tap on Air Pods and Siri will open up on your phone then you just ask her whatever.
I use my LG headset if I'm working in the garden or on my car. No chance of dropping them in the mud or in the engine compartment (the cars Bermuda Triangle)
I hope this clears thing up. I don't like to upset people but I'll always say what I feel and clean up the damage later.
 

heycal

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 25, 2013
826
22
Heycal, I apologize if you took offense to my reply. It was not aimed at you but to the folks that always complain about something but have no viable solution. The mutlimillion dollar suggestion was for those who say they can build a better mousetrap. I realize they are in the minority but it drives me crazy.
I reread your original post and understand why the Air Pods aren't right for you at this time. I took would like to see them more versatile. I am a little jaded as I got my Air Pods free.
As for Siri, I found in settings that you can setup to tap on Air Pods and Siri will open up on your phone then you just ask her whatever.
I use my LG headset if I'm working in the garden or on my car. No chance of dropping them in the mud or in the engine compartment (the cars Bermuda Triangle)
I hope this clears thing up. I don't like to upset people but I'll always say what I feel and clean up the damage later.

No worries. I wasn't really upset:) Which LG set do you use?
 

Fatyank

macrumors 6502
Jan 20, 2008
350
142
Chandler, Arizona
I use the LG Platinum(Harman Kardon speakers). They are very comfortable. Retractable earbuds, audio controls, phone answer button, redial, voice calling. The earbuds are a soft gel type and for my ears a bit better than Air Pods. They also shutout more noise. It's nice to have the option to choose which headset to use
 

heycal

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 25, 2013
826
22
I use the LG Platinum(Harman Kardon speakers). They are very comfortable. Retractable earbuds, audio controls, phone answer button, redial, voice calling. The earbuds are a soft gel type and for my ears a bit better than Air Pods. They also shutout more noise. It's nice to have the option to choose which headset to use

Look noise. Those that shut out so much noise freak me out a little. I tried a headset like that and didn't like the isolation as I walked around town or worked out in the gym. I prefer the Apple style and the various other kinds that barely enter the ear and allow you to hear more of your environment.
 

Fatyank

macrumors 6502
Jan 20, 2008
350
142
Chandler, Arizona
I understand about not being able to hear your surroundings. I only use my LGs when at home.
I solved the gym problem, I just don't go. LOL
 

heycal

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 25, 2013
826
22
TicPods Free are now released for sale. You can control volume by sliding finger up/down the right post. It has Skip and Pause. Not sure about Repeat, I suspect probably not.

https://www.techradar.com/news/ticp...es-are-on-sale-now-after-crowdfunding-success

These ticpods have some promise, though they appear they may be too noise isolating for my liking and perhaps not comfy.

Anyways, I finally got me a pair of Apple Airpods last week since they were essentially free. Comfy like apple earbuds and not too noise isolating and they sound good, but wow, the limited functionality is even more maddening than I imagined. At the gym the other day I found myself wanting to do all of the following this over the course of my workout: change volume, summon siri, pause music, skip track, repeat a track. Essentially all the things I usually end up doing with earbuds while listening to music or podcasts. But with these airpods, I can only choose two of those four functions.

How do you people live like this? Having no tangled wires and bluetooth is great, but I'm not sure it's worth the trade offs and may go back to using my wired earpods, and continue to be on the lookout for a set that does it all.
 

Ralfi

macrumors 601
Dec 22, 2016
4,373
3,101
Australia
At the gym the other day I found myself wanting to do all of the following this over the course of my workout: change volume, summon siri, pause music, skip track, repeat a track.

Set your volume before entering gym - I know 88% volume is ideal for mine, so I tell Siri to adjust it before I walk in the door...& never change it whilst working out. Not sure why you’d need to change volume once it’s set.

Siri is my right AirPod & I use it to skip tracks by just saying “Skip”.

Pause/Play is my left AirPod, & I use it frequently at gym when I know I want to chat to someone.

I’ve never repeated tracks whilst at gym, but if I wanted to, I’d just tell Siri to “Repeat last track”.

Adapt to them & you’ll realise how handy they are.
 

heycal

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 25, 2013
826
22
Set your volume before entering gym - I know 88% volume is ideal for mine, so I tell Siri to adjust it before I walk in the door...& never change it whilst working out. Not sure why you’d need to change volume once it’s set.

Siri is my right AirPod & I use it to skip tracks by just saying “Skip”.

Pause/Play is my left AirPod, & I use it frequently at gym when I know I want to chat to someone.

I’ve never repeated tracks whilst at gym, but if I wanted to, I’d just tell Siri to “Repeat last track”.

Adapt to them & you’ll realise how handy they are.

Any bluetooth headset is handy. But these one are about the least handy available. I don't want to figure out exactly what volume is needed at my gym in advance, which could vary depending on time of day, gym music level, area of the gym I'm in, etc, and I don't won't to spend 10 seconds doing what used to take 1 second, skipping or repeating track, by trying to communicate with Siri in a crowded gym like I'm Ann Margaret in 'Tommy': "Siri, can hear me??"

 

Ralfi

macrumors 601
Dec 22, 2016
4,373
3,101
Australia
I don't want to figure out exactly what volume is needed at my gym in advance, which could vary depending on time of day, gym music level, area of the gym I'm in, etc, and I don't won't to spend 10 seconds doing what used to take 1 second, skipping or repeating track, by trying to communicate with Siri in a crowded gym like I'm Ann Margaret in 'Tommy': "Siri, can hear me??"
Then it appears they’re not for you.

I must be some kind of genius, being able to work out the volume required for my gym environment within 5 seconds :D Hint: It gets easier as you familiarise yourself with the iPhone’s/Airpods volume bar, which I do whenever I’m not at gym.

Also, with Siri, you need to keep it simple - (“turn it up/down” changes volume, “skip” changes tracks etc....it’s too easy) & you don’t need to yell (nor be concerned with what others think of you), as the microphones are better than most other ear buds.

How much time have you given them? It’s too easy to dismiss things without giving them a proper chance.

Your loss.
 

heycal

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 25, 2013
826
22
Then it appears they’re not for you.

I must be some kind of genius, being able to work out the volume required for my gym environment within 5 seconds :D Hint: It gets easier as you familiarise yourself with the iPhone’s/Airpods volume bar, which I do whenever I’m not at gym.

Also, with Siri, you need to keep it simple - (“turn it up/down” changes volume, “skip” changes tracks etc....it’s too easy) & you don’t need to yell (nor be concerned with what others think of you), as the microphones are better than most other ear buds.

How much time have you given them? It’s too easy to dismiss things without giving them a proper chance.

Your loss.

Just got off a phone call where someone complained about the call quality.... Anyway, my "loss" will probably relate to continuing to use them, since even with their limited functionality they are ever so slightly better than the earpods because of their wireless nature, like 52-48 in favor of airpods.

For the record, I know how to use them well enough. It's not user error that makes them rudimentary gadgets, and it's not me being long-winded that makes Siri more time consuming than a quick press to do something. It's not like I'm saying "Dear Siri. Hope this isn't a bad time. But if you have a moment, would you mind raising the volume about 20% or so? Thanks in advance, Heycal."

I do agree they are not truly for me, since I like new technology to work better or or at least the same as the technology it's replacing. You, on the other hand, seem like the perfect iPhone customer, content to work around, justify, or live with all sorts of limitations that iphones and their accessories come with. My original sin is knowledge. If I didn't know how well the earpods functioned, or even cheap off-brand bluetooth headsets function, I might never think to wish the airpods did the same.
 
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