A year with AirPods, or, how my AirPods fell in the toilet and lived(stephencoyle.net)
stephencoyle.net
A year with AirPods, or, how my AirPods fell in the toilet and lived
http://stephencoyle.net/airpods-2017
58 comments
Mine went through the washer and the dryer, though I figured out that they were in the dryer after 15 minutes.
They still work perfectly.
They still work perfectly.
I had a similar experience with their EarPods. I'm pretty sure it got ear wax and all out too :)
It does feel like AirPods should be officially water proof though. (Especially since the iPhone and Watch models that launched with it were waterproof.)
It does feel like AirPods should be officially water proof though. (Especially since the iPhone and Watch models that launched with it were waterproof.)
I love my AirPods. I use them as my daily work headphones as well as my workout headphones.
My primary issue is that switching between my laptop and phone is not as seamless as they make it seem. Regularly I have issues where when I switch from one to the other, one of the devices doesn't want to let go of the connection. I solved this by disconnecting first and then connecting to the other device.
Also there are times when my iPhone refuses to connect to my airpods.
My primary issue is that switching between my laptop and phone is not as seamless as they make it seem. Regularly I have issues where when I switch from one to the other, one of the devices doesn't want to let go of the connection. I solved this by disconnecting first and then connecting to the other device.
Also there are times when my iPhone refuses to connect to my airpods.
I have a pair of earphones that are really magical. You never are unsure what device you are connected to, and they connect instantly when plugged in. They are compatible with almost every device from any company, even devices made 20 years ago.
Furthermore, the battery life on these things is phenomenal. In fact, I've never charged them once since I got them, and they still work great.
Furthermore, the battery life on these things is phenomenal. In fact, I've never charged them once since I got them, and they still work great.
The biggest pro of AirPods for me is the lack of this cable. The case is the size of a Zippo lighter. They fit easily into my pocket, they never get tangled. They are so light weight without cable dangling down, or a headband over my hair, or battery around the neck, that after putting them in my ears, I will often forget they are there. They almost melt into the surroundings, creating a totally different listening experience than I have ever had with other headphones.
I was totally skeptical of the AirPods, but they are the best headphones I've owned (from a practicality standpoint). I own a pair of $500 Sennheiser Bluetooth headphones that go unused, except when traveling, where noice cancellation is required.
My Beyerdynamic studio reference cans are now limited to gaming and audio production.
AirPods win in every other category.
I was totally skeptical of the AirPods, but they are the best headphones I've owned (from a practicality standpoint). I own a pair of $500 Sennheiser Bluetooth headphones that go unused, except when traveling, where noice cancellation is required.
My Beyerdynamic studio reference cans are now limited to gaming and audio production.
AirPods win in every other category.
I was sceptical at first, but you should really give the Airpods a try. They work really really well. And recharge fast. Just put them in the box if you don't use them for 5 to 10 minutes, and they'll be almost fully recharged -- ready to go for hours.
But the cord management... when you have to take that call and you still are only halfway to detangling your earphones...
I still use corded earphones for workouts because they're cheap and my sweat kills all things, but AirPods (or other BT headsets) are the way to go.
I still use corded earphones for workouts because they're cheap and my sweat kills all things, but AirPods (or other BT headsets) are the way to go.
But can you get up and walk around no matter what device they're playing from? Can you share them with a friend as you're walking together? Can you take them in the pool while you leave your phone safely at your towel?
Different products for different applications.
Different products for different applications.
Once you've used the AirPods you don't understand how people (including yourself) would want to use something as messy and inconvenient as a cable connecting parts of your wearable tech together.
It's 2017, let's move on.
It's 2017, let's move on.
Ditto.
Connecting is far and away the biggest pain I've had with my AirPods. I don't have a problem with their charge (despite using them all day) or with them falling out or getting lost.
I bought them to remove the hassle of the cables getting knotted and caught on things and, on that front, it's been amazing. I frequently forget I have them in my ears at all. I even fell asleep wearing them the other night and woke up to them still securely in my ears.
If Apple could just improve the connecting and disconnecting experience, I would be absolutely thrilled.
Connecting is far and away the biggest pain I've had with my AirPods. I don't have a problem with their charge (despite using them all day) or with them falling out or getting lost.
I bought them to remove the hassle of the cables getting knotted and caught on things and, on that front, it's been amazing. I frequently forget I have them in my ears at all. I even fell asleep wearing them the other night and woke up to them still securely in my ears.
If Apple could just improve the connecting and disconnecting experience, I would be absolutely thrilled.
I think it's pretty safe to say that AirPods have really taken off and users are highly satisfied by the product. Does anyone have other wireless earbuds that they feel are comparable to AirPods? I purchased the Bragi headphones when they first released a while back and while the sound quality is pretty good and the fit is not bad, the syncing with my iPhone and the trouble with pushing them into my ears because of the buttons are really making them an annoyance (and not to mention, potentially damaging to my ears).
Would love to hear some comparable alternatives!
Would love to hear some comparable alternatives!
I really enjoy my pair of BeatsX. They have the same W1 chip as the AirPods which makes pairing simple. They do have a cord between the buds but also have an inline mic and volume / music controls.
They aren't as sexy as the AirPods but I was able to pick them up on sale for $75 so I have no real gripes.
They aren't as sexy as the AirPods but I was able to pick them up on sale for $75 so I have no real gripes.
I have the similar PowerBeats3. W1 chip and connecting cable but a bigger battery housing. I use them for cycling (I know) and they’re great. I think the Bluetooth dropped out once in over a year. Battery life is great and they just work.
Regular Apple ear pods fall out of my ears so I’m not so sure about AirPods.
Regular Apple ear pods fall out of my ears so I’m not so sure about AirPods.
I also recommend the BeatsX. I honestly have no complaints, and they aren't deserving of the scorn the Beats brand normally gets.
Plantronics Backbeats Pro (the original in-ear bluetooth buds). They've survived 8 years, multiple marathons, being dropped onto concrete, dropped into a pool, stepped on, dog chewing, and being left on the dash of a car in 100+ degree weather fully exposed to sun. After 8 years of near-daily use, they still have 6 hours of battery life (they were originally rated for 8 hours).
BackBeat Go, I think? Pro are the circumaural headphones.
My cousin turned me on to the Jaybirds X2. He's now switching over to the Jabras - they're good because they're waterproof and if you're athletic. Once the airpods solve the problem of sweat and lots of movement (I'm a runner), then I'll definitely buy them. When I did have them, I was most impressed by the microphone which STILL no one has been able to get the best isolation on the microphone, but the Airpods are the best so far.
I have the Bragi Dash Pros. While they are much more expensive, they sound much better than the Headphone and offer a really good fit. They also pair really easy with my iPhone and other Bluetooth devices. (Not W1 easy, but good enough.) Tap the right side to initiate pairing, open the app, pair them in Settings then pair the LE sensors through the app.
So you tried ONE other product, that is a completely different category (in-ear earphones and earphones are two categories)?
try a decent earphone (i personally like the ones with a wire connecting them both, which doesn't have a charging coffin) and report back.
try a decent earphone (i personally like the ones with a wire connecting them both, which doesn't have a charging coffin) and report back.
I've had my airpods for about two months now and I really like them a lot. They are small enough in their case that I usually carry them in my pocket, which I didn't normally do with other earbuds, and so I've found I get to listen to music in more situations, unexpectedly waiting in long lines or what have you, which is nice.
I don't like them as much as my good aviator style headphones, but for earbuds their sound quality is good.
I don't like them as much as my good aviator style headphones, but for earbuds their sound quality is good.
Same here.
I was skeptical initially, but all my go-to early adopters loved them, so I bought a pair. Super glad I did - great for walking around, work conference calls etc. Also, the case keeping the headphones themselves charged is just awesome.
I still prefer my wireless noise canceling ones on flights, but I'm a huge fan of AirPods overall.
I was skeptical initially, but all my go-to early adopters loved them, so I bought a pair. Super glad I did - great for walking around, work conference calls etc. Also, the case keeping the headphones themselves charged is just awesome.
I still prefer my wireless noise canceling ones on flights, but I'm a huge fan of AirPods overall.
They are lovely for calls. The Airpods have made calling people something I even look forward to.
People have no idea I'm using hands free. If anything, I sound better since I can prop the iPhone against the window or somewhere I know the signal is good.
People have no idea I'm using hands free. If anything, I sound better since I can prop the iPhone against the window or somewhere I know the signal is good.
Do they routinely fall of your ears? Seemingly, this was the most common issue or complaint against the adoption of AirPods.
Generally from people who hadn’t wore them.... I’ve had them fall out of my ears once when I was taking my jumper off with them on. I run with them on.
They are a slightly different shape to the earbuds that come with iPhones so worth a try even if those fall out a lot.
They are a slightly different shape to the earbuds that come with iPhones so worth a try even if those fall out a lot.
My only issue in my half year of use so far has been this - they don't fit nicely in my ears, but I know people where it is a perfect fit. If this could be improved, I'd be a very happy camper.
I don't feel like the AirPods are that secure when I run with them, so I use some medical tape [1] to secure them to my ears. This is kind of weird, but I've done it since March and really like not worrying about them falling out. I cut off a small 5mm strip of tape, make a loop, and stick it right below the black sensors on each AirPod. They stay firmly attached even when my ears are sweaty and I'm shaking my head.
[1] http://www.amzn.com/B000C4RRQE
[1] http://www.amzn.com/B000C4RRQE
I’ve had AirPods for a little over a month now and they have never fallen out of my ears - they are sturdy enough where it’s not even a concern. And thinking about it, why would AirPods fall out of your ears any more than wired Apple earbuds.
The technology is really seamless - my only gripe with the product is battery life. You can’t listen and charge at the same time, and I’ve never gotten all day batter life. It makes it hard to use as a daily driver - I have my AirPods for most situations and then a set of headphones for work on the laptop
The technology is really seamless - my only gripe with the product is battery life. You can’t listen and charge at the same time, and I’ve never gotten all day batter life. It makes it hard to use as a daily driver - I have my AirPods for most situations and then a set of headphones for work on the laptop
i don't have airpods, but i've heard it mentioned that the weight of the wire holds the wired style earpods down in the cradle of your ear more so than airpods.
On the contrary, the wires seemed to pull them out more than anything else. AirPods stay in my ears way better, with no discomfort.
That's my experience from running with regular earbuds. Have to find a way to hold my phone just so to keep the cord from jostling them out. I've also tried a phone arm-strap but couldn't work out a place that worked for the headphones cable.
Don't have airpods, but I've heard nothing but great reviews so I'm thinking about it. Wish they didn't cost so much.
Don't have airpods, but I've heard nothing but great reviews so I'm thinking about it. Wish they didn't cost so much.
FWIW I find Apple earbuds to be uncomfortable, and they do fall out of my ears pretty quickly. I guess it really depends on your ears.
AirPods fall out of my ears significantly less than Apple's wired EarPods ear buds, which is to say almost never. (I guess it's because there's no cable pulling down on them.)
My set is still pretty new (~2wks), but so far I have been able to use public transit, mountain bike (though generally I don't wear them here so I can disconnect and hear others on the trail), and work out with them never falling out. The only cases I have come close is like most others mentioned here, wearing them when changing shirts or my toddler grabbing them.
I've worn them mountain biking without a problem. I've even crashed hard off my bike and they stayed in just fine.
I've had my pair for about a year now - only times they've fallen out are when something brushes against them. Usually when I'm trying to take a sweater off or something.
They don't fall out for me even when doing extreme exercise.
Nope, although I haven't really used them much outside. Just walking around, or sitting, or at the gym at a treadmill.
Gone on rides, dancing, runs (all rarely) without any problems. Initial there was fear on my part, but never worried.
I regularly run road and trails with mine and they stay in place.
Super awesome product, definite advantages over traditional headphones or other wireless headphones.
The only negative point I have with them is that they are now something that I have to know where they are all the time eg I tap my pockets to confirm phone wallet keys and now air pods.... I didn’t used to do that with normal headphones.
The only negative point I have with them is that they are now something that I have to know where they are all the time eg I tap my pockets to confirm phone wallet keys and now air pods.... I didn’t used to do that with normal headphones.
v2 really needs a “Find My AirPods” feature that works and can sound a chime while they’re in the case.
Contact charging with AirPower will be nice, too.
Maybe not for v2, but I have to believe they’ll eventually add some “microtouch” for swiping volume or other controls.
Otherwise nearly a perfect product. A real game changer when paired with the LTE Watch.
Contact charging with AirPower will be nice, too.
Maybe not for v2, but I have to believe they’ll eventually add some “microtouch” for swiping volume or other controls.
Otherwise nearly a perfect product. A real game changer when paired with the LTE Watch.
Hey man - FYI they are releasing a new case that will work with the airpad next year.
If only they had done the same thing around headphones that weren't uncomfortable and sound like garbage.
I find them very comfortable. I couldn’t wear the previous ear pods at all, but AirPods fit me great. YMMV of course.
They sound fine to me, I’m no audiophile.
They sound fine to me, I’m no audiophile.
Sound good enough to me -- and I also have ATH-M50x,
AKG K 240 and Parrot Zik 2. None is super high end, but all are above average.
When interning at Microsoft, Satya came to us one day to present about customer engagement. What stuck with me most from his talk was how important it is to find what he calls a "real fan" of your product. To him, this is the kind of person who loves your work so much that they will go out of their way to talk about it and recommend it to their friends and colleagues.
Since then, I've been looking for products I am a "fan" of. The only two that have come up from the "big companies" are VS Code and AirPods. Maybe iMessage. Kind of a shame that with all the millions/billions that have gone into product development. Those 2/3 seem pretty wide spread; I'd be interested to see what additional things others are fans of.
Since then, I've been looking for products I am a "fan" of. The only two that have come up from the "big companies" are VS Code and AirPods. Maybe iMessage. Kind of a shame that with all the millions/billions that have gone into product development. Those 2/3 seem pretty wide spread; I'd be interested to see what additional things others are fans of.
Reliable bluetooth may be finally hitting its stride (don't want to jinx anything!).
A mono alternative (Rowkin Mini) currently $40: https://amzn.com/dp/B01IU5ZTKC (here's a referral, if you're feeling overly generous: http://amzn.to/2irAi7v)
HN anecdatum: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=15722049
> That link is the exact model I have, though, and it's been awesome; I might pick up a couple of spares just to have them against need.
A mono alternative (Rowkin Mini) currently $40: https://amzn.com/dp/B01IU5ZTKC (here's a referral, if you're feeling overly generous: http://amzn.to/2irAi7v)
HN anecdatum: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=15722049
> That link is the exact model I have, though, and it's been awesome; I might pick up a couple of spares just to have them against need.
Only issue I've had with mine is that they seemed to get clogged relatively easily. I suppose it's improved my hygiene though, now I clean my ears multiple times a day to avoid getting any earwax in my AirPods
Unlike many commenters, I actively love products which have a wire. My mouse, keyboard, headphones, chargers are all wired and I hope they remain that way. Having to baby sit (charging) these devices is the last thing I want to do. Besides, I have no issues with using my headphones during my run or biking.
And oh, the great thing about my headphones is that I never drop them in a toilet/sink/river bed/all the water bodies other commenters have listed!
And oh, the great thing about my headphones is that I never drop them in a toilet/sink/river bed/all the water bodies other commenters have listed!
I love wired devices too. Especially for anything that doesn't have to get moved around. (Mouse, Keyboard, etc...)
Charge management is a pain in the butt. For anything wireless I like to be able to plug it in while I'm using it. Too many bluetooth headphones won't even work while they are plugged in...
Charge management is a pain in the butt. For anything wireless I like to be able to plug it in while I'm using it. Too many bluetooth headphones won't even work while they are plugged in...
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> Semi-related to previous point, the ability to use Siri without dropping to a lower bit rate audio stream would be nice.
I assume this an inherent limitation of the underlying Bluetooth protocol? It probably switches to calling mode. That is very noticeable, on any headphone.
I assume this an inherent limitation of the underlying Bluetooth protocol? It probably switches to calling mode. That is very noticeable, on any headphone.
I love them too, but they only last a few hours, not a whole day. Then you need a wired headset.
This is a fair assessment, but the case charges them so fast that I almost never even consider the battery life, despite using them all day.
I've found that even just a minute or two back in their case gives them enough additional listening time that this has never been a problem for me.
You know what'd be awesome? A sort of tether to prevent headphones from falling onto the ground or into a toilet. If we made it out of wire, we could even send the audio signal over it, which has the added benefit of reducing audio latency and electronics cost. Why, we could even get away with batteryless headphones: the future can be now!
I realise you are being sarcastic (which is a little weak) but this feels like a good chance to point out you can buy third party covers that do this job perfectly. You don't need wires; they just lightly lock into your ears.
Pulled it out pretty quick, rinsed it off, dried it with a towel, and it's worked without issues.
I honestly feel like the AirPods are the most delightful product Apple has put out in a long time. They're great.