AirPods available now

Creamy Goodness

http://www.apple.com/ie/shop/product/MMEF2ZM/A/airpods

got my order in, coming December 22nd. Happy Christmas to me.

IamMetaldave

Nope. Nope. I wish I liked the idea of them but I just don't

Zcott

I like the idea and I'd love a pair but I just don't use headphones enough to drop that amount of money on them.

murpho999

Creamy Goodness wrote: »

http://www.apple.com/ie/shop/product/MMEF2ZM/A/airpods

got my order in, coming December 22nd. Happy Christmas to me.

So you're paying €179 to look like this:



Also, if they sound like the normal earpods then they're bad quality for the price.

They look ridiculously easy to lose as well.

Oafley Jones

murpho999 wrote: »

So you're paying €179 to look like this:



Also, if they sound like the normal earpods then they're bad quality for the price.

They look ridiculously easy to lose as well.

They're atrocious quality for the price if they're like the regular pods.

Still can't believe that Apple released them. I was expecting something to blow away the competition. Kinda like the bragi dash, except sleeker and that they would actually work.

Creamy Goodness

murpho999 wrote: »

So you're paying €179 to look like this:

Also, if they sound like the normal earpods then they're bad quality for the price.

They look ridiculously easy to lose as well.

Nope that guy looks like he's got oral b tooth brush heads in his ears.

EarPods always fitted me well, I've got a set of Samsung gear x, which are similar deal (wireless ear buds) and never once has one fallen out of my ear or got lost. I think the key word here in your post is "look" easy to lose. TBH they'll either be in my ears or in their case in my bag.

loinnsigh

Still no sign of the Beats X though - and the website now says 'currently unavailable' instead of 'coming this Autumn'...

Johnmcgee97

This is something that are made by generic companies for 1/10th of the price and similar quality.

Apple are really falling behind considering Samsung have an accessory (the gear VR) for half the price that turns the phone into a piece of the future

drunkmonkey

This is a real back to the future accessory for the ear pods. http://promo.spigen.com/product/iphone-7-iphone-7-plus-airpods-strap-copy/

Sad Professor

loinnsigh wrote: »

Still no sign of the Beats X though - and the website now says 'currently unavailable' instead of 'coming this Autumn'...

Out in February.

I was hoping they'd be released today as well.

eeguy

drunkmonkey wrote: »

This is a real back to the future accessory for the ear pods. http://promo.spigen.com/product/iphone-7-iphone-7-plus-airpods-strap-copy/

I can't believe they used the word "innovative" in that ad.

drunkmonkey

eeguy wrote: »

I can't believe they used the word "innovative" in that ad.

Can't believe they don't come with a strap, probably look to close to a certain woman's product hanging out of your ear though if they did.

Creamy Goodness

Johnmcgee97 wrote: »

This is something that are made by generic companies for 1/10th of the price and similar quality.

Apple are really falling behind considering Samsung have an accessory (the gear VR) for half the price that turns the phone into a piece of the future

VR the future? If the future is strapping my phone to my head to get work done or to play a 5 minute game that will get the majority of people motion sickness then I'm out. Also with Samsung's recent track record do you really want to be strapping a phone to your face literally inches away from you and have it run at full tilt?

That future sounds awesome :pac:

godtabh

IamMetaldave wrote: »

Nope. Nope. I wish I liked the idea of them but I just don't

Why do you wish you liked them?

Atari Jaguar

Johnmcgee97 wrote: »

This is something that are made by generic companies for 1/10th of the price and similar quality.

Apple are really falling behind considering Samsung have an accessory (the gear VR) for half the price that turns the phone into a piece of the future

Have you ever used a pair of generic EarPods? They don't last a week and are not even close to the same. 40 for genuine EarPods and €20 for knock offs... I'll take the original cheers. 180 euro for a pair of decent wireless EarPods is not unreasonable. If they sound better than plug in ones then you're not being shafted really.

And Gear VR is about as much the future as Google Cardboard is. It's use starts and stops at videos and some apps. It's not the future I assure you. And you're comparing a cheap VR headset to headphones.... did you even read what you typed or did you just let a monkey type it?

Doodah7

For the same technology, I will wait for the Beats X over the airpods. Harder to lose, cheaper, likely to stay in your ear easier but also has the W1 chip, pairing with all devices at once and interacts with phone, watch etc.

Also they look like traditional headphones rather than odd electric toothbrush heads.

murpho999

Creamy Goodness wrote: »

Nope that guy looks like he's got oral b tooth brush heads in his ears.

EarPods always fitted me well, I've got a set of Samsung gear x, which are similar deal (wireless ear buds) and never once has one fallen out of my ear or got lost. I think the key word here in your post is "look" easy to lose. TBH they'll either be in my ears or in their case in my bag.

Seriously, they do look like Oral B toothbrushes, and the look of them would turn me off buying them, regardless of the price.

With the wired earpods, I've had them fall out of my ears the odd time and I wouldn't like that to happen with those as you've no idea where they would end up.
I wouldn't be ordering any of them as €179 would definitely get you better quality speakers form rival products.

Johnmcgee97 wrote: »

This is something that are made by generic companies for 1/10th of the price and similar quality.

Apple are really falling behind considering Samsung have an accessory (the gear VR) for half the price that turns the phone into a piece of the future

Why always bring Samsung into it to have a go at Apple? Annoys the hell out of me when you consider Samsung's record of copying Apple.

IamMetaldave

godtabh wrote: »

IamMetaldave wrote: »

Nope. Nope. I wish I liked the idea of them but I just don't

Why do you wish you liked them?

Because I like all other things Apple :)

Creamy Goodness

murpho999 wrote: »

With the wired earpods, I've had them fall out of my ears the odd time and I wouldn't like that to happen with those as you've no idea where they would end up.

Ever think as to why they fall out when they're wired? 9 times out of 10 it's due to the cable being tugged .


If these fall out, I'm going to notice as the music will stop playing.

I brought up Samsung, because I've used their version of wireless buds and they're good. They're also the only company doing it at scale. Someone also mentioned VR and besides Google just getting into high end VR stuff (daydream headset) Samsung are the leader in the mobile market.

murpho999

Creamy Goodness wrote: »

Ever think as to why they fall out when they're wired? 9 times out of 10 it's due to the cable being tugged .


If these fall out, I'm going to notice as the music will stop playing.

I brought up Samsung, because I've used their version of wireless buds and they're good. They're also the only company doing it at scale. Someone also mentioned VR and besides Google just getting into high end VR stuff (daydream headset) Samsung are the leader in the mobile market.

I have had the wired earpods fall out whilst walking without the cable being caught.

All well and good noticing the music stopping but it will most like fall on the ground, bounce etc, and get damaged.

I mentioned Samsung in relation to another post , not your one.

Dades

The people who are concerned about the look of them are thinking very short term. They will become, not as ubiquitous as the wired verson, but an accepted variation people won't give a second glance to. And, really, who really cares what you've got in your ears? Headphones/earphones/plugs come in all shapes and sizes. Massive over-ear phones, and tiny buds.

If they could be called 'ugly' people would have a point. They're not so all people are worried about is newness of their form. The won't be new in a few months.

drunkmonkey wrote: »

This is a real back to the future accessory for the ear pods. http://promo.spigen.com/product/iphone-7-iphone-7-plus-airpods-strap-copy/

This type of strap product is inevitable, and welcome. I'd have one if I ever got a pair. It's not a regression, as it's the wire to the phone that needs the axe.

The lack of easy volume etc controls is the only thing stopping me asking Santa for a pair, but twice today already I snagged my headphones wire and pulled them out of my ear and, feck me, if it's not the most annoying thing in the (first) world.

whiterebel

Dades wrote: »

The people who are concerned about the look of them are thinking very short term. They will become, not as ubiquitous as the wired verson, but an accepted variation people won't give a second glance to. And, really, who really cares what you've got in your ears? Headphones/earphones/plugs come in all shapes and sizes. Massive over-ear phones, and tiny buds.

If they could be called 'ugly' people would have a point. They're not so all people are worried about is newness of their form. The won't be new in a few months.

This type of strap product is inevitable, and welcome. I'd have one if I ever got a pair. It's not a regression, as it's the wire to the phone that needs the axe.

The lack of easy volume etc controls is the only thing stopping me asking Santa for a pair, but twice today already I snagged my headphones wire and pulled them out of my ear and, feck me, if it's not the most annoying thing in the (first) world.

I thought the most annoying thing in the first World was the lack of an FM radio.....:D

Dades

whiterebel wrote: »

I thought the most annoying thing in the first World was the lack of an FM radio.....:D

Aaargh - I had buried that memory.

FourFourRED

Preparing for shipment, delivery should be early next week. Looking forward to trying them out!

Nonoperational

Just not suited for the gym and running which is where I use EarPods most. I ordered a pair of Jaybird Freedom recently and they are the job. At home use QC25s or big amplified Denons so wouldn't use these at all. Maybe next gen will appeal more.

Creamy Goodness

Just got a Shipment notification, 3 days ahead of schedule, delivered by DHL Express means I'll get them tomorrow. Nice job Apple, always under promises then over delivers.

murpho999

These headsets are getting very average reviews for their sound quality which is surely the most important factor.

I don't get why people would spend this much money on headphones that do not have great quality sound.

Creamy Goodness

murpho999 wrote: »

I don't get why people would spend this much money on headphones that do not have great quality sound.

I also don't why people need to let people know several times that they dislike the product and that they can't understand why they'd spend so much money on them but sure you know, whatever :pac:

arch_stanton

It's usually a trade off between quality, convenience, price etc. The best sound is probably going to come from a big set of wired over ear headphones but that's not ideal for exercising or mobility. I'm more of a podcast/radio listener than pure music so "good enough" sound is okay for me.

People also forget about using these for phone calls. The reviews I've seen have all said the call and microphone quality if very good. I spend a lot of time on conference calls and popping one of these in my ear looks a whole lot more comfortable than the old fashioned plantronics headset my company provides me.

murpho999

Creamy Goodness wrote: »

I also don't why people need to let people know several times that they dislike the product and that they can't understand why they'd spend so much money on them but sure you know, whatever :pac:

I don't really dislike the product but they are the quality of €30 wired earpods that have been made bluetooth for an extra €149.

I just feel if you're buying a headset/headphones that the most important issue should be the sound quality and I don't get why people would order/buy these without having tried them first and considering the better quality products that are out there.

Anyhow, everyone to themselves, I personally wouldn't spent that money unless I knew I was getting a quality product but it's not my money.

Gumbo

murpho999 wrote: »

I don't really dislike the product but they are the quality of €30 wired earpods that have been made bluetooth for an extra €149.

I just feel if you're buying a headset/headphones that the most important issue should be the sound quality and I don't get why people would order/buy these without having tried them first and considering the better quality products that are out there.

Anyhow, everyone to themselves, I personally wouldn't spent that money unless I knew I was getting a quality product but it's not my money.

YT reviews put them better than the wired version.
I use Jabra Wirless buds myself as the Apple wired pods just don't sit in my ears properly walking, never mind tying to lift stuff in the gym.

Sad Professor

Maybe it's just me, but I find find the wired EarPods far superior to Apple's earlier earphones. I even prefer them to my Sennheisers.

MillField

How are they for noise cancellation?

Blazer

MillField wrote: »

How are they for noise cancellation?

I don't think they have noise cancellation?
Friend has them and I'm considering them for the car etc.

guil

This review suggests they do have noise cancellation
https://youtu.be/Uf5x2aamcpM

Oafley Jones

guil wrote: »

This review suggests they do have noise cancellation
https://youtu.be/Uf5x2aamcpM

They don't. If they had it Apple would have marketed as such.

Nonoperational

No noise cancellation.

super_furry

I'd be interested if they weren't based on the awful, awful stock Apple earphones. First thing I do when I get a new iPhone is dump them, I wouldn't buy the Airpods if they were €20.

Blazer

I am impressed with the size of the box..its bloody tiny..about the size of small box of tic-tacs...bluetooth pairing was instanteous and the recharging of the case was very fast, if in black I'd buy.

Dades

murpho999 wrote: »

I just feel if you're buying a headset/headphones that the most important issue should be the sound quality and I don't get why people would order/buy these without having tried them first and considering the better quality products that are out there.

If people are looking at bluetooth sets I'd say convenience and usability is at least as important as sound quality. It's all about getting rid of the wires with the least amount of replacement headaches.

Everyone is different. I find EarPods extremely secure and comfortable for long periods, and the sound is as good as I care it to be. I also hate the feel of rubber plug type headphones so that limits choices when it comes to bluetooth sets.

Haven't made my mind up on these but am watching with interest.

DubDJ

Surprised at how well received the AirPods have been, I didn't like the look of them at first and didn't see the benefit of the proper wireless earphones.

What I will say is, these seem to be the best pair of completely wire-free in-ears. They might not look or sound the best, but when you're buying something like this you have to accept the trade-offs.

Vudgie

The apple website is currently saying a delivery time of 6 weeks, does anyone have experience of buying them and what was the timing like?

omb0wyn5ehpij9

Vudgie wrote: »

The apple website is currently saying a delivery time of 6 weeks, does anyone have experience of buying them and what was the timing like?

I haven't bought the AirPods, but Apple website seems to always be accurate. If anything, the orders sometimes arrive before quoted date

murpho999

BDJW wrote: »

I haven't bought the AirPods, but Apple website seems to always be accurate. If anything, the orders sometimes arrive before quoted date

So the website is not accurate then?

omb0wyn5ehpij9

murpho999 wrote: »

So the website is not accurate then?

:rolleyes:

Take it that your order will be delivered when they say it will be, which is what happens in almost all cases.
You might be one of the lucky few who it might arrive early for

Creamy Goodness

Apple will rarely deliver late, they'll either be bang on or one or two days before.

For my AirPods I got them 3 days early and my iPhone 7 Plus came a week than specified.

I've had my AirPods quite a while now, will write a quick review of my thoughts up here when I've a bit more time.

Dades

CompuB said they wouldn't have them in until at least February. No fixed date.

yermandan

Creamy Goodness wrote: »

Apple will rarely deliver late, they'll either be bang on or one or two days before.

For my AirPods I got them 3 days early and my iPhone 7 Plus came a week than specified.

I've had my AirPods quite a while now, will write a quick review of my thoughts up here when I've a bit more time.

I'll be interested in your review CG.

I'm expecting delivery of these next week as I got in as a super early backer for 60 euros last year.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/air-acoustically-stunning-wireless-headphones-audio--2#/

Creamy Goodness

Mr.S wrote: »

How do you find them staying in place when moving?

To be very honest, I haven't done a whole lot of walking with them in my ears, however the fit is perfect for me, they fit the same as the EarPods so if they fit your ears then the AirPods will fit the same.


As for the review, I must preface it with the following:

1. I bought these purely for wearing in the office/around the house when I need to be aware of surroundings.
2. These mainly get use whilst listening to podcasts where audio quality of the source files aren't up to flac/oog quality or whatever is the audiophile's lossless format of choice is.
3. I've currently 10 pairs of head/ear phones and each serve a completely different purpose.

The delivery: Apple promised a Delivery of the 22nd of December (Thursday), but I got the shipment notification on the 19th of December (Monday) and received them on the 20th of December (Tuesday).

The packaging: Typical Apple style here, small box, with impeccable quality, simply lift the lid off the box, pull the tab and out pops the AirPods charging case into your hands. Note here, there's a Lightning cable underneath insert that holds the AirPods case. This was a nice bonus for me as I didn't expect one so for me made the €179 price tag a little more palatable considering these are €25 on apple.com/ie/.

The pairing: I'll let the video do the talking but I can say without doubt this was the easiest and best pairing process of any wireless head/ear phones.

The Fit: As eluded to above, if the EarPods don't fit you, then spend your money elsewhere. Buy a pair of Bose QC range if you're in a noisy environment, or get a good pair of AKG's. If EarPods do fit you, then these may be for you.

Will they fall out of my ears?: If EarPods fit you, then no.

I'm a runner will they fall out of my ears?: If EarPods fit you, no. In fact they're better as there's no cable to tug them out of your ears.

Will I lose them?: Short answer, no. longer answer, no because if you're like me when you lay some of your hard earn cash down on something tangible you tend to look after it. Also iOS 10.3 Find my iPhone has a "Find my AirPods" feature which will emit the last known location where the AirPods were within Bluetooth range of your iOS device. I also wouldn't use them on a plane, I could imagine in the confines of coach I'd fumble them into a seatback and not find them until the end of the flight. Stick with Noise Cancelling headphones.

Sound quality: These are not going to blow your mind with superior sound quality, but they are better than the EarPods. Bass is a little more noticable and the highs are more pronounced. They're not going to win any sound quality awards though. I do however love the seemless switching to mono with just one Airpod in, I find this is a great way to save on battery life whilst doing chores around the house.

Battery Life: Getting the stated 5 hours here, but as I mainly wear one AirPod at a time the battery lasts much longer. I'd say I have to charge the case once every week about the same as a Pebble "Smartwatch".

Problems:
1. Often when I place the AirPods in my ears, flick up Control Centre and press Play, the Play button turns to pause but no audio will happen. Quickly pressing pause, then play will fix the issue. I'm guessing they're not connecting as quick as they are saying they are. This happens rarely enough, maybe once every forthnight but often enough to be annoying.
2. The double tap to enable Siri or Play/Pause. This gesture is only successful about 80% of the time, enough to question using it. Also the sensation of double tapping the AirPod when its in your ear is awful, it's extremely uncomfortable so much so I rely on the action of taking one out of my ears to pause, and just using my phone/watch for Siri.
3. I find it hard to find out the battery level of the case, it only pops up when you open the case and remove an AirPod. It doesn't show up in the Battery widget unless it's charging and I have one AirPod in the case. I'm probably doing something wrong here.

Conclusion: I'm really happy with the purchase, they are far from perfect (read the problems section), but they are the best in-ear bluetooth earphones I've ever used and I think if they could iron out the issues I'd use them even more.

Dades

Thanks for that.

Your usage would be very similar to mine, mainly using headphones for podcasts within indoor environments where you might need to move about. Earpods already fit me perfectly and I'm no audiophile.

The question is, can I wait till my birthday in March, or do I look for money in the Black Ops budget? :pac:

Creamy Goodness

Dades wrote: »

The question is, can I wait till my birthday in March, or do I look for money in the Black Ops budget? :pac:

The lead time is currently 6 weeks, I'd buy now and worst case Apple will ship in 4 weeks and you'll be charged early.