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AirPods - page 18

We talk AirPods with health features, and Apple TV+’s hits and misses, on The CultCast

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CultCast 442: AirPods with health sensors
Can you handle some hot, hot beta action?
Image: The CultCast

This week on The CultCast: AirPods with new sensors could be on the horizon, and that would fit perfectly with Apple’s always-on approach to health. Find out why we can’t wait for in-ear health trackers. Or for Apple to revamp the musty Messages app for Mac.

Plus, we discuss the aftermath of last week’s controversial chat with hotshot Apple leaker, Jon Prosser. And finally, Cult of Mac TV reviewer Scout Tafoya tells us why you probably ought to queue up Defending Jacob (and why you might want to skip Central Park).

Our thanks to Squarespace for supporting this episode. Easily create a beautiful website all by yourself, at Squarespace.com/cultcast. Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Save on Apple’s newest MacBook Air, or bag last model for under $850

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Apple_new-macbook-air-wallpaper-screen_03182020
Don't wait for them to sell out!
Photo: Apple

Apple’s newest MacBook Air is $49 more affordable if you buy yours on Amazon right now. Or you can save even more by opting for a renewed previous-generation MacBook Air, which is now available for less than $850.

Renewed stock doesn’t last long, so bag yours before they’re gone.

AirPods helped Apple stay king of the wearables in Q1 2020

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Earphones
AirPods made up for some of the Apple Watch shortfall in Q1.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple remains the king of the wearables, according to IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker, published Thursday. In total, the analytics firm claims that total device shipments for all wearables hit 72.6 million in the first three months of 2020. Of these, Apple shipped 21.2 million units.

Apple Watch remains the world’s no. 1 smart watch by a wide margin. However, shipments declined as a result of coronavirus-related challenges in the supply chain. Nonetheless, the continuing might of Apple’s AirPods — helped by Apple’s Beats “hearables” — was more than enough to offset the decline.

Future AirPods could count steps, track heart rate and monitor health conditions

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AirPods Pro settings
Future AirPods won't just play music.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Future AirPods could boast ambient light sensors that track users’ heart rate, head movements and steps taken, Digitimes claimed Monday.

The report says the new health-tracking tech might find its way into Apple’s AirPods in the “coming 1-2” years. The feature reportedly will enable the ultra-popular wireless earbuds to track various activities and potentially monitor certain health conditions.

The biggest discounts are back on AirPods Pro, Powerbeats Pro and more

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Powerbeats-Pro
Bag yours for under $180 before this discount disappears.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s newest wireless headphones have returned to some of their lowest prices yet, thanks to big discounts from Amazon. You can save up to $50 on AirPods Pro, Powerbeats Pro, and more for a limited time only.

You can also pick up second-generation AirPods for as little as $129, and there are big savings to enjoy on Beats headphones, too.

Apple’s bouncy AirPods ad wins major award

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Bounce ad for AirPods1
Apple’s “Bounce“ AirPods advertisement took home numerous accolades at the 99th ADC annual awards.
Photo: Apple

A slick, black-and-white ad showcasing AirPods won Best in Show at the prestigious ADC Annual Awards.

Titled “Bounce,” the ad shows an AirPods wearer springing through the streets, evoking the unencumbered, wireless freedom of these earbuds.

Apple could stop bundling EarPods with iPhones this year

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AirPods-Pro-vs-AirPods
Apple is reportedly looking for a way to boost AirPods sales.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

The iPhone 12 box may be a little bit lighter than you’re expecting — as Apple stops packaging its smartphones with wired EarPods to try and push sales of the AirPods.

That’s according to renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, in a note sent to clients Wednesday. Kuo also thinks that Apple could offer big discounts and promotions related to the AirPods this holiday season. That would coincide with the arrival of Apple’s next-gen iPhones — minus free packaged earbuds.

HTC’s upcoming wireless earbuds look like total AirPods ripoffs

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HTC AirPods
Spot the difference?
Photo: HTC/Android Police

HTC has plans to release some wireless earbuds in the near future. And there are absolutely no prizes on offer for guessing which company’s existing earbuds they look like.

Android Police found evidence of the forthcoming U Ear AirPods earbuds Monday. The images were discovered through regulatory agency filings in the U.S. and Taiwan. Boasting a similar shape and glossy plastic design to Apple’s ultra-successful AirPods, the U Ear buds differ most significantly in HTC’s choice of black as a color option.

Then again, there’s nothing to stop it from releasing the product in a variety of different shades!

Amazon slashes $21 off awesome AirPods Pro for a limited time only

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They AirPods Pro fit in their case like nothing ever happened.
These AirPods Pro are full-strength.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

Pick up a pair of brand-new and awesome AirPods Pro today to enjoy $21.01 off the usual price. It’s the biggest discount yet from Amazon, reducing the price of Apple’s high-end wireless buds to just $227.99 with shipping.

It won’t last long, so enjoy it while you can!

Bag brand-new AirPods for under $125 before they’re gone

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AirPods 2. AirPods S, more like.
The best wireless headphones are even better at a big discount.
Photo: Apple

There’s never been a better time to treat yourself to Apple’s newest AirPods, with brand-new models now available from Woot for under $125. They’re selling fast, so go claim yours before they’re all gone!

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

AirPods users hope firmware update lets them use replacement buds

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Airpods 2
An AirPods 2 firmware update benefits everyone who uses these earbuds, but some people should be extra happy.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple on Tuesday introduced the first firmware update for second-generation AirPods since late last year.

This should benefit those who received a replacement AirPods bud last month with unreleased firmware. They can now update both to the same firmware version so they’re usable again.

Apple scanned hundreds of ears to create the perfect AirPods

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AirPods Pro settings
Apple created a massive ear database to ensure the perfect AirPod fit.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

To make sure that the AirPods fit as many ears as possible, Apple engineers worked with Stanford University to create a giant database of information about ear dimensions.

That’s according to Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of product marketing, quoted in a new article for Wired, published over the weekend.

Over-ear headphones dubbed ‘AirPods Studio’ might debut in June

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Apple headphones concept
This artists concept for over-ear AirPods headphones brings in design aspects from HomePods.
Photo: Martin Hajek

Apple is allegedly prepping a set of over-ear wireless headphones that will be part of the AirPods line.

Currently, the company offers headphones in this style under its Beats label. But the upcoming model supposedly reflects a change in strategy. If you’re looking for high-quality alternatives, you might want to check out the Sennheiser website for premium audio options like the Sennheiser HD 550 open-back headphones.

Updated classic AirPods delay expected into new year, but with ‘Made in Vietnam’ tag

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AirPods Pro and Transparency Mode make for fine hearing aids.
Your next classic AirPods could be made in Vietnam.
Photo: Charlie Sorrel/Cult of Mac

The coronavirus and its aftermath appear to be taking a toll on manufacturing of updated AirPods, with a new report indicating an update to Apple’s popular earbuds will be delayed slightly and roll into the first quarter of 2021.

The Nikkei Asian Review also reported Friday sources as saying around 30% of all classic AirPods to be produced this quarter for Apple will be “made in Vietnam”. That the report said is “a sign the company is accelerating its diversification of production out of China amid the coronavirus pandemic.”

Act fast to enjoy the biggest discount yet on Powerbeats Pro

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Powerbeats-Pro
Bag yours for under $180 before this discount disappears.
Photo: Apple

Amazon’s big discount on Powerbeats Pro is back for a limited time only. You can enjoy $50 off the usual price on all four color options.

Powerbeats Pro pack Apple’s newest H1 chip, offer up to nine hours of listening in between charges, and sport a sweat-resistant design that’s ideal for running, cycling, and home workouts while the gyms are closed.

We talk next-gen AirPods and the return of Touch ID, on The CultCast

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CultCast 442: AirPods with health sensors
Can you handle some hot, hot beta action?
Image: The CultCast

This week on The CultCast: The next generation of AirPods might be incoming! We’ll tell you what we know. Plus, Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro are likely coming to iPad, along with Mini LED and Touch ID … under the screen. This could be the new Touch ID tech we’ve been waiting for. And stay tuned to hear how to listen to YouTube music in the background, without paying for YouTube Red. It’s a hot tip, and it’s coming your way.

Our thanks to Netgear for supporting this episode. The Orbi WiFi 6 router gives you ultra-fast speeds and wider coverage throughout your home – it’s the biggest revolution in Wi-Fi ever. Check it out today at Netgear.com/bestwifi.

Third-gen AirPods to enter production in early 2021

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AirPods sales
That means a lengthy wait for your next upgrade.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple’s third-generation AirPods will enter mass-production during the first half of 2021 ahead of a release next year, according to one reliable analyst on Thursday.

Apple hopes the refresh will save falling demand for second-generation AirPods. Its next AirPods Pro units won’t enter mass-production until the fourth-quarter of next year at the earliest.

Save $100 on 2020 MacBook Air, $170 on Mac mini [Deals & Steals]

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DS-Apr-22-20
And save $50 on the 10.2-inch iPad.
Photos: Apple, Twelve South

B&H Photo just dropped the biggest discount we’ve seen so far on Apple’s new 2020 MacBook Air. You can save $100 on yours for a limited time only.

That’s just one of the awesome offers in today’s Deals & Steals roundup. Other highlights include:

Find all these discounts and more in today’s Deals & Steals roundup.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.