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Apple AirPods Review: Fully Wireless!

Marques Brownlee@mkbhd3.6M viewsDec 16, 20165:23
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YT
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3.6M
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21M
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AirPods: fully wireless earbuds that launched with iPhone 7. The hype is over... are they any good? Jaybird X3 Review: youtu.be Video Gear I use: kit.com Intro Track: 22 (shawn wasabi bootleg) soundcloud.com ~ twitter.com snapchat.com google.com @MKBHD @MKBHD

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The video opens with a playful setup and then dives into what makes the Apple AirPods noteworthy beyond their fully wireless design. The presenter highlights the W1 chip as the centerpiece, emphasizing effortless pairing across all Apple devices once a user signs in with their Apple ID. He demonstrates the instant connection when the AirPods case is opened near an iPhone, and explains how the accessory can automatically switch between an iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Pro without repeated sign-ins. The discussion then shifts to the internal tech such as proximity sensors and an in-ear presence accelerometer, which power smart features like automatic play and pause. The host walks through the on-ear touch controls, including single taps for play/pause and double taps to summon Siri, as well as voice-activated volume and navigation commands. In terms of audio quality, he notes that the AirPods are comparable to Apple’s standard EarPods with a similar fit, while acknowledging the lack of an inline remote. Battery life is presented with a five-hour listening time per charge, complemented by a charging case that adds up to 24 additional hours and rapid 15-minute top-ups. The price is cited at $159 with current availability affected by shipping delays, and the host offers a balanced verdict: the AirPods excel in convenience and tech, even if they aren’t the absolute best-sounding wireless option, and ultimately depend on user priorities like seamless Apple ecosystem integration and a premium asking price. The reviewer finishes with a nuanced take: the AirPods deliver a surprisingly strong feature set that leverages Apple’s ecosystem, particularly the W1 pairing and smart sensors, which together create a frictionless user experience. He compares them to competing wireless earbuds, noting that his preferred non-Apple options may offer longer battery life or different fit, but concedes that the AirPods exceed expectations in ease of use and smart functionality. The conclusion emphasizes that after all the delays, the AirPods provide a compelling option for iPhone users who value quick pairing and hands-free control, even if some may still opt for alternatives based on price or fit. Viewers are encouraged to weigh the convenience against the $159 price and the current stock situation as the product becomes widely available. Overall, the video presents a practical, feature-forward assessment that balances technology benefits with real-world usage and market considerations.

Topics · technology · audio · consumer_electronics · wearables

Questions answered

What makes the AirPods easy to pair with Apple devices?
The W1 chip enables instant pairing across Apple devices when the case is opened near them, signifying a seamless Bluetooth connection without repeated sign-ins.
How do the AirPods handle playback when removed from the ear?
They pause playback automatically when an AirPod is removed due to the proximity sensors, and resume when reinserted.