I disagree. AirPods compete directly with Bluebuds and Powerbeats. Just because the later two are connected to a wire between each earpod doesn't change much. We are talking about wireless headphones regardless. Plus you'll notice how many people online are wondering if they can workout with AirPods. Obviously those consumers are going to contemplate Airpods versus other wireless options like the ones I listed.Comparing the airpods to powerbeats and blue buds is not really a good comparison because both of those have wires running through them.
It would be a better comparison between the bragi dash or iconx. Which I think for the most part the airpods come on top.
Depends how you look at it. I know a lot of people don't like the feel of the earpods as they fall out, but I find the earpods the most comfortable since they aren't smashing my ear canals. The only 2 thing I dislike on the airpods is no volume control and the look of mini cigarettes coming out of your ears.I disagree. AirPods compete directly with Bluebuds and Powerbeats. Just because the later two are connected to a wire between each earpod doesn't change much. We are talking about wireless headphones regardless. Plus you'll notice how many people online are wondering if they can workout with AirPods. Obviously those consumers are going to contemplate Airpods versus other wireless options like the ones I listed.
AirPods have a lot of things going against them which I feel will make them DOA for their first-gen offering.
Depends how you look at it. I know a lot of people don't like the feel of the earpods as they fall out, but I find the earpods the most comfortable since they aren't smashing my ear canals. The only 2 thing I dislike on the airpods is no volume control and the look of mini cigarettes coming out of your ears.
But i think if you can get past those 2 things it looks like it's best in its class of "completely wireless" earbuds. It has a better battery life then the iconx and bragi dash, faster charging capability, can take calls and listen on both sides, small form factor (the bragi dash has a big charger).
AirPods are dead on arrival.
1. Some reviews claim they sound the same as the included headphones with your iPhone, which are mediocre/bad. None say they sound great.
2. No attention to noise cancellation.
Awesome - thanks for the link...that was my concern with the air pods - they would fall out. I don't have great success with the ear pods from Apple so I've never used them. I like the idea of the air pods because I could use those with my cell when i need to be hands free on conference calls at work....They are called Earhoox. Link below.
https://www.amazon.com/Earhoox-EarPods-Compatible-iPhone-White/dp/B00L1GWZWI?th=1
I'm going to have to disagree, for the same reason your quoted poster does: IEMs really bother my ear canals. I think it's awesome that IEMs work for so many people, but for me they aren't comfortable to use after 5-10 minutes. Sure the Earpods aren't the most comfortable either, but I do enjoy using them much more than any IEM. If I want wireless headphones I pretty much have to choose wireless earbuds that don't have the ear canal filling, noise isolation design that IEMs do. Overall I prefer over ear headphones when listening to music, but in certain situations, for myself, they aren't as practical as an earbud style headphone. For me I would personally decide to not listen to music than have to suffer through using an IEM; they just aren't comfortable.Comfort-wise I think what you'll get from the X's or Powerbeats are far better. In my experience earpods always felt terrible in my ears.
i just wish apple would give us a final date on when the airpods are going to be released end of october is not really a great date really
On 1, we will just have to wait and see.AirPods are dead on arrival.
1. Some reviews claim they sound the same as the included headphones with your iPhone, which are mediocre/bad. None say they sound great.
2. No attention to noise cancellation.
3. No ability to adjust volume or skip tracks without using Siri. When I'm on the elliptical I don't want to use Siri, or my Apple Watch, or my iPhone, for such simple tasks. I want to be able to do them as easily as possible, which is the inline controls on the headphones themselves.
4. Poor battery life. My Bluebuds X's offer 8 hours, Powerbeats 3 claim 12 hours. No I don't want to rely on having to recharge my headphones on the go to get more battery life. I want them to last long throughout the day.
5. Pairing with my iPhone is already dead simple. Turn on my X's, wait literally one second, hear a voice say 'headphones connected', and I'm ready to use them.
6. This is just my personal opinion, but they look silly. White was a bad choice. Would have looked much better/less obvious in grey or black.
On 5, that is with one device. Switching between more than 2 is indeed a pain in the ass with most Bluetooth headphones. I have the JayBird Freedoms and to switch to a third device, I have to turn them off, then hold the play/pause button for several seconds to initiate pairing then find the listing in Bluetooth settings. It's cumbersome enough that I don't bother with it.
On 1, we will just have to wait and see.
Judging from early reviews there are going to be a ton come October pointing out how mediocre to bad these sound for music.
On 2, same as 1 but I think it's worth noting that some reviews have suggested that the beam forming mics used for noise cancellation in calls also work in audio playback.
Seriously doubt any attention was made to noise cancellation, otherwise they would say so.
On 3, that's a totally fair criticism. I plan to use my watch to minimize the hassle with audio playback.
Well that's a PITA at the gym.
On 4, I don't think this is fair criticism unless you listen to your headphones 8-12 hours straight. If you take them out several times a day, what's the hassle with putting them in the case? You don't want to lose them or have them stolen anyway, right?
You've never flown across America and used your headphones the entire time? Or to Europe, etc? I have. I take long flights all the time and 5 hours isn't going to cut it in one sitting.
On 5, that is with one device. Switching between more than 2 is indeed a pain in the ass with most Bluetooth headphones. I have the JayBird Freedoms and to switch to a third device, I have to turn them off, then hold the play/pause button for several seconds to initiate pairing then find the listing in Bluetooth settings. It's cumbersome enough that I don't bother with it.
I honestly don't use more than two devices with my headphones in one sitting. Perhaps it's an issue with 3 and more.
On 6, as you said it's subjective. I don't love the look but am willing to overlook it if it works as advertised.
I'm not 100% sold yet but the AirPods gave me intrigued. I am willing to compromise on audio quality and aesthetics for the sake of convenience. These would mostly be for mobile use anyway; I have the V-Moda Crossfade Wireless for serious listening.
Might as well get the Powerbeats 3. 12 hours of battery life. And they'll sound a hell of a lot better.
..and maybe a magnetic connection between both earbuds that when detached activated the W1 pairing.