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Over three months after Apple introduced it at WWDC 2024, watchOS 11 is officially here. The 2024 Apple Watch update, which adds the new Vitals app, widget improvements and sleep apnea detection, is now available to install on your smartwatch.
Apple’s sleep apnea detection feature, which the company highlighted in its Apple Watch Series 10 reveal, will also work with a couple of year-old models. If you own the Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2, you can try the feature before the new model makes it into customers’ hands later this week. Sleep apnea detection will send you an alert if the watch’s sensors detect overnight breathing disturbances. The health feature, similar to one Samsung included with the Galaxy Watch 7 earlier this year, received FDA approval last week.
watchOS 11 also introduces a new Vitals app, further beefing up Apple’s health-tracking features on its wearable. For those who wear their Apple Watch to bed for sleep tracking (and a handy alarm in the morning), Vitals collects your overnight data in one place. The app establishes baselines for your health metrics. It lets you know if any fall outside your typical range, potentially handy for spotting irregularities like oncoming illnesses or tracking the effects of alcohol use.
Similarly, the new Training Load feature measures the intensity of your workouts over time. After establishing an intensity baseline over 28 days, it shows how hard you’re pushing yourself in your workouts — comparing it with your standard averages. At launch, it supports 17 workout types, including walks, runs, cycling, rowing, swings and more. You’ll find your Training Load in the Activity app on your Apple Watch and the Fitness app on your iPhone.
Apple
Apple added a long-requested feature this year: the ability to pause and customize Activity ring goals. It hardly makes sense to keep pushing yourself (at your watch’s prodding) if you’re sick or need rest. The wearable now lets you take a break for a day, week, month or more without losing your award streaks. In addition, you can set different Activity ring goals for each day of the week and customize the data you care about most in the iOS 18 Fitness app.
The Apple Watch’s Smart Stack (the pile of widgets you see when you scroll down from your watch face) now shows widgets automatically based on context. (For example, rain alerts.) In addition, Live Activities, which arrived on the iPhone two years ago, is also coming to the Apple Watch in the new update. You’ll find Live Activities for things like sports scores you track or an arriving Uber in the watchOS 11 Smart Stack.
Check In is a new feature that lets you notify a friend when you reach your destination. You can begin a Check In from the watchOS Messages app by tapping the plus button next to the text field, choosing Check In and entering where you’re going and when you expect to arrive. Similarly, when exercising, you can start a Check In from the workouts app: Swipe right from the workout screen and choose Check In from the controls. You can then pick a contact to share your exercise routine with.
Other features include new pregnancy tracking in the Cycles app and a Double Tap API that lets third-party developers incorporate hands-free controls.
To download watchOS 11, you’ll first need to install iOS 18 on your paired iPhone. After that, open the Watch app on your phone, then head to General > Software Update. It should then prompt you to update to the 2024 software.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/watchos-11-is-out-now-with-new-sleep-apnea-feature-182103629.html?src=rss

Over three months after Apple introduced it at WWDC 2024, watchOS 11 is officially here. The 2024 Apple Watch update, which adds the new Vitals app, widget improvements and sleep apnea detection, is now available to install on your smartwatch.

Apple’s sleep apnea detection feature, which the company highlighted in its Apple Watch Series 10 reveal, will also work with a couple of year-old models. If you own the Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2, you can try the feature before the new model makes it into customers’ hands later this week. Sleep apnea detection will send you an alert if the watch’s sensors detect overnight breathing disturbances. The health feature, similar to one Samsung included with the Galaxy Watch 7 earlier this year, received FDA approval last week.

watchOS 11 also introduces a new Vitals app, further beefing up Apple’s health-tracking features on its wearable. For those who wear their Apple Watch to bed for sleep tracking (and a handy alarm in the morning), Vitals collects your overnight data in one place. The app establishes baselines for your health metrics. It lets you know if any fall outside your typical range, potentially handy for spotting irregularities like oncoming illnesses or tracking the effects of alcohol use.

Similarly, the new Training Load feature measures the intensity of your workouts over time. After establishing an intensity baseline over 28 days, it shows how hard you’re pushing yourself in your workouts — comparing it with your standard averages. At launch, it supports 17 workout types, including walks, runs, cycling, rowing, swings and more. You’ll find your Training Load in the Activity app on your Apple Watch and the Fitness app on your iPhone.

Apple added a long-requested feature this year: the ability to pause and customize Activity ring goals. It hardly makes sense to keep pushing yourself (at your watch’s prodding) if you’re sick or need rest. The wearable now lets you take a break for a day, week, month or more without losing your award streaks. In addition, you can set different Activity ring goals for each day of the week and customize the data you care about most in the iOS 18 Fitness app.

The Apple Watch’s Smart Stack (the pile of widgets you see when you scroll down from your watch face) now shows widgets automatically based on context. (For example, rain alerts.) In addition, Live Activities, which arrived on the iPhone two years ago, is also coming to the Apple Watch in the new update. You’ll find Live Activities for things like sports scores you track or an arriving Uber in the watchOS 11 Smart Stack.

Check In is a new feature that lets you notify a friend when you reach your destination. You can begin a Check In from the watchOS Messages app by tapping the plus button next to the text field, choosing Check In and entering where you’re going and when you expect to arrive. Similarly, when exercising, you can start a Check In from the workouts app: Swipe right from the workout screen and choose Check In from the controls. You can then pick a contact to share your exercise routine with.

Other features include new pregnancy tracking in the Cycles app and a Double Tap API that lets third-party developers incorporate hands-free controls.

To download watchOS 11, you’ll first need to install iOS 18 on your paired iPhone. After that, open the Watch app on your phone, then head to General > Software Update. It should then prompt you to update to the 2024 software.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/watchos-11-is-out-now-with-new-sleep-apnea-feature-182103629.html?src=rss

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It’s been around three years since Tile has offered a serious refresh for its popular line of Bluetooth trackers. Since that time, the company was bought by Life360 and Apple began dominating the field with its AirTag trackers. Now, Tile is back with four new trackers to help people find stuff.
The Bluetooth range has been extended across the full lineup, but the big news here is the SOS alert button. The system will send out a notification and user location to designated emergency contacts when pressing the button three times. This feature is available to anyone with a free Life360 account, but a premium membership will allow users to send notifications to emergency dispatch services.
The Tile Mate ($25) is the standard “everything tracker” with a built-in key ring. This makes it a good choice for keys, backpacks, purses and anything else that can accommodate a key ring. The Bluetooth range is around 350 feet and it features an IP68 water resistance rating and a non-replaceable battery that lasts three years. Orders are open right now.
The Tile Pro ($35) is an amped-up version of the Mate. It looks the same, but it boasts a longer range, up to 500 feet, and a louder ring. The battery is also user-replaceable. This one won’t be available until October.
The Tile Slim ($30) is designed primarily for wallets, luggage and other items with plenty of nooks and crannies. The range maxes out at 350 feet and each tracker includes a non-replaceable battery that lasts three years. The Tile Sticker ($25) is being advertised as the “smallest Bluetooth tracker on the market” and it’s absolutely tiny. It also includes a sticker that adheres to items. This makes it a great choice for TV remotes and headphones. The range maxes out at 250 feet. Both the Slim and Sticker are available to order right now.
Tile
There are, as previously mentioned, snazzy new colors to choose from. The Tile Mate and Slim come in six colors, including black, white, blue, pink, green and yellow. The Tile Pro will be available in both black and white, while the Sticker is only available in black.
It’s worth noting that Tile experienced a hack a couple of months back in which customer information was accessed. There’s nothing in the promotional materials to indicate that these new trackers have been outfitted with updated security measures to prevent that kind of thing from happening again. We reached out to the company to inquire about potential safety tech and will update this post if we learn anything notable.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/tile-introduces-its-first-new-bluetooth-trackers-in-years-173100389.html?src=rss

It’s been around three years since Tile has offered a serious refresh for its popular line of Bluetooth trackers. Since that time, the company was bought by Life360 and Apple began dominating the field with its AirTag trackers. Now, Tile is back with four new trackers to help people find stuff.

The Bluetooth range has been extended across the full lineup, but the big news here is the SOS alert button. The system will send out a notification and user location to designated emergency contacts when pressing the button three times. This feature is available to anyone with a free Life360 account, but a premium membership will allow users to send notifications to emergency dispatch services.

The Tile Mate ($25) is the standard “everything tracker” with a built-in key ring. This makes it a good choice for keys, backpacks, purses and anything else that can accommodate a key ring. The Bluetooth range is around 350 feet and it features an IP68 water resistance rating and a non-replaceable battery that lasts three years. Orders are open right now.

The Tile Pro ($35) is an amped-up version of the Mate. It looks the same, but it boasts a longer range, up to 500 feet, and a louder ring. The battery is also user-replaceable. This one won’t be available until October.

The Tile Slim ($30) is designed primarily for wallets, luggage and other items with plenty of nooks and crannies. The range maxes out at 350 feet and each tracker includes a non-replaceable battery that lasts three years. The Tile Sticker ($25) is being advertised as the “smallest Bluetooth tracker on the market” and it’s absolutely tiny. It also includes a sticker that adheres to items. This makes it a great choice for TV remotes and headphones. The range maxes out at 250 feet. Both the Slim and Sticker are available to order right now.

There are, as previously mentioned, snazzy new colors to choose from. The Tile Mate and Slim come in six colors, including black, white, blue, pink, green and yellow. The Tile Pro will be available in both black and white, while the Sticker is only available in black.

It’s worth noting that Tile experienced a hack a couple of months back in which customer information was accessed. There’s nothing in the promotional materials to indicate that these new trackers have been outfitted with updated security measures to prevent that kind of thing from happening again. We reached out to the company to inquire about potential safety tech and will update this post if we learn anything notable.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/tile-introduces-its-first-new-bluetooth-trackers-in-years-173100389.html?src=rss

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Prior to iOS 18’s arrival, Apple released a firmware update for the AirPods Pro 2 that will deliver new features the company announced at WWDC in June. Now that the latest version of the mobile OS is available, your iPhone can fully employ the new tools, which include Siri Interactions, Voice Isolation and more. Your AirPods Pro 2 should have already installed the update and be ready to go when you upgrade to iOS 18, so here’s what to expect when you use the new features. 
Siri Interactions
Siri Interactions allow you to interact with your phone at times when you can’t or don’t want to speak or reach for your phone. Machine learning on the H2 chip and transformer models on a source device (iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch) can detect when you nod affirmatively or shake your head. This can be used any time Siri asks a yes or no question, like accepting or rejecting calls, responding to or dismissing messages and engaging with or dismissing notifications. 
So far, Siri Interactions have worked as described for me. I like that the tech recognizes smaller head movements, so you don’t have to exaggerate them to get the system to respond. I’ve found the feature most helpful for incoming calls and texts, especially when my hands or full or when I’m in a setting where I can’t immediately speak. 
Voice Isolation
Voice Isolation is a new feature that taps the AirPods Pro 2 H2 chip and the source device (iPhone, iPad or Mac) for advanced machine learning to enhance how you sound on calls. The tech isolates your voice so it can effectively cancel significant amounts of background noise, and for some distractions, it will eliminate them entirely. During my tests, Voice Isolation totally blocked a noisy fan and running water. It’s truly impressive how the roar that’s otherwise obvious on a call is completely absent when this is enabled. It’s also great that the tool works its magic with minimal impact to overall voice quality.
Billy Steele/Engadget
The feature is enabled automatically in your microphone settings, where you’ll find options for Automatic, Standard and Voice Isolation. Here, you can activate Voice Isolation while you’re on a call if you don’t want the system to handle things on its own. The tool will also be supported in FaceTime and any third-party apps that use CallKit. Those include WebEx, Zoom, WhatsApp and many more. 
As a reminder, Siri Interactions and Voice Isolation are also available on the AirPods 4.
Gaming features and Personalized Volume
In addition to those two headliners, the update equips the AirPods Pro 2 with “the best wireless audio latency Apple has ever delivered for mobile gaming.” What’s more, gamers can expect improved voice quality, thanks to 16-bit, 48kHz audio when chatting during sessions. Apple says it also improved Personalized Volume on the AirPods Pro 2, but didn’t go into specifics there. Personalized Volume is the tool that adjusts the media levels on your AirPods Pro 2nd based on changes in environmental conditions and your volume preferences. Apple says that the feature learns your listening preferences over time to fine-tune adjustments as they’re needed.
Hearing Aid and Hearing Test aren’t in this update
One of the biggest announcements from the iPhone 16 event was Apple’s plan to turn the AirPods Pro 2 into a set of over-the-counter hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. While the company has received FDA approval for the first software-based hearing aid solution that will be available without a prescription, the feature and the accompanying Hearing Test aren’t ready just yet. Apple is planning to release the suite of hearing features as part of an update sometime this fall. 
How to download the AirPods Pro 2 update
The AirPods Pro 2 update is available for free over the air from your iPhone. You can check the version number under the AirPods settings when the earbuds are connected to an iOS device. You’ll want to look for 7A294 to be sure you’re running the latest version. If not, you can trigger the update by listening to music for around 30 seconds and then putting the AirPods Pro back in the case. If you notice that the earbuds don’t immediately disconnect on the Bluetooth menu, that means the update is happening, so keep the case closed and near your phone until it completes. AirPods Pro will disconnect when the process is over. You’ll need to make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 18 as well. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/airpods-pro-2s-new-features-have-arrived-heres-what-to-expect-172023882.html?src=rss

Prior to iOS 18’s arrival, Apple released a firmware update for the AirPods Pro 2 that will deliver new features the company announced at WWDC in June. Now that the latest version of the mobile OS is available, your iPhone can fully employ the new tools, which include Siri Interactions, Voice Isolation and more. Your AirPods Pro 2 should have already installed the update and be ready to go when you upgrade to iOS 18, so here’s what to expect when you use the new features. 

Siri Interactions

Siri Interactions allow you to interact with your phone at times when you can’t or don’t want to speak or reach for your phone. Machine learning on the H2 chip and transformer models on a source device (iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch) can detect when you nod affirmatively or shake your head. This can be used any time Siri asks a yes or no question, like accepting or rejecting calls, responding to or dismissing messages and engaging with or dismissing notifications. 

So far, Siri Interactions have worked as described for me. I like that the tech recognizes smaller head movements, so you don’t have to exaggerate them to get the system to respond. I’ve found the feature most helpful for incoming calls and texts, especially when my hands or full or when I’m in a setting where I can’t immediately speak. 

Voice Isolation

Voice Isolation is a new feature that taps the AirPods Pro 2 H2 chip and the source device (iPhone, iPad or Mac) for advanced machine learning to enhance how you sound on calls. The tech isolates your voice so it can effectively cancel significant amounts of background noise, and for some distractions, it will eliminate them entirely. During my tests, Voice Isolation totally blocked a noisy fan and running water. It’s truly impressive how the roar that’s otherwise obvious on a call is completely absent when this is enabled. It’s also great that the tool works its magic with minimal impact to overall voice quality.

The feature is enabled automatically in your microphone settings, where you’ll find options for Automatic, Standard and Voice Isolation. Here, you can activate Voice Isolation while you’re on a call if you don’t want the system to handle things on its own. The tool will also be supported in FaceTime and any third-party apps that use CallKit. Those include WebEx, Zoom, WhatsApp and many more. 

As a reminder, Siri Interactions and Voice Isolation are also available on the AirPods 4.

Gaming features and Personalized Volume

In addition to those two headliners, the update equips the AirPods Pro 2 with “the best wireless audio latency Apple has ever delivered for mobile gaming.” What’s more, gamers can expect improved voice quality, thanks to 16-bit, 48kHz audio when chatting during sessions. Apple says it also improved Personalized Volume on the AirPods Pro 2, but didn’t go into specifics there. Personalized Volume is the tool that adjusts the media levels on your AirPods Pro 2nd based on changes in environmental conditions and your volume preferences. Apple says that the feature learns your listening preferences over time to fine-tune adjustments as they’re needed.

Hearing Aid and Hearing Test aren’t in this update

One of the biggest announcements from the iPhone 16 event was Apple’s plan to turn the AirPods Pro 2 into a set of over-the-counter hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. While the company has received FDA approval for the first software-based hearing aid solution that will be available without a prescription, the feature and the accompanying Hearing Test aren’t ready just yet. Apple is planning to release the suite of hearing features as part of an update sometime this fall. 

How to download the AirPods Pro 2 update

The AirPods Pro 2 update is available for free over the air from your iPhone. You can check the version number under the AirPods settings when the earbuds are connected to an iOS device. You’ll want to look for 7A294 to be sure you’re running the latest version. If not, you can trigger the update by listening to music for around 30 seconds and then putting the AirPods Pro back in the case. If you notice that the earbuds don’t immediately disconnect on the Bluetooth menu, that means the update is happening, so keep the case closed and near your phone until it completes. AirPods Pro will disconnect when the process is over. You’ll need to make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 18 as well. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/airpods-pro-2s-new-features-have-arrived-heres-what-to-expect-172023882.html?src=rss

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As of now, iOS 18 is here. You can download and install it if your device is compatible, but it already comes with all iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro models that will be available on September 20. Those with eligible devices can update them by going to Settings > General > About > Software Update and starting the download and installation processes.
To see if your device is eligible, we have a list of iPhone models that can support iOS 18. Check it out and see if yours will work.
Some of the “hidden” features our editor Cherlynn spotted include Apple Maps upgrades, Calendar integration with Reminders and expanded Tapback options in Messages, letting you see who reacted with which emoji. Safari is getting a “Highlights” function, which generates a summary of web pages you’re on via machine learning. Our UK bureau chief Mat Smith also tried out some early iOS 18 features in July, and his main takeaway was that Apple Intelligence is the real star. Unfortunately, Apple Intelligence isn’t out today but will be available in October.
Besides iOS 18, iPadOS 18, visionOS 2 and watchOS 11 are also coming to their respective devices today. Make sure to check if your devices are eligible for the update and that they have enough space. You may have to free up a few gigabytes of storage first.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/ios-18-is-now-available-171444543.html?src=rss

As of now, iOS 18 is here. You can download and install it if your device is compatible, but it already comes with all iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro models that will be available on September 20. Those with eligible devices can update them by going to Settings > General > About > Software Update and starting the download and installation processes.

To see if your device is eligible, we have a list of iPhone models that can support iOS 18. Check it out and see if yours will work.

Some of the “hidden” features our editor Cherlynn spotted include Apple Maps upgrades, Calendar integration with Reminders and expanded Tapback options in Messages, letting you see who reacted with which emoji. Safari is getting a “Highlights” function, which generates a summary of web pages you’re on via machine learning. Our UK bureau chief Mat Smith also tried out some early iOS 18 features in July, and his main takeaway was that Apple Intelligence is the real star. Unfortunately, Apple Intelligence isn’t out today but will be available in October.

Besides iOS 18, iPadOS 18, visionOS 2 and watchOS 11 are also coming to their respective devices today. Make sure to check if your devices are eligible for the update and that they have enough space. You may have to free up a few gigabytes of storage first.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/ios-18-is-now-available-171444543.html?src=rss

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It’s not too late to get that bright student in your life a back-to-school gift that could help with their studies. An iPad can be useful for note taking and writing papers (especially with a keyboard attachment), carrying out research and definitely not streaming a new TV obsession during class.
So if you’ve been lagging on a back-to-school gift or even just want to treat yourself to one of Apple’s iPads, you may be pleased to learn that the iPad Air is currently on sale. The 13-inch M2 iPad Air with 128GB of storage is available in purple, space gray and starlight for $720. That’s a discount of $79, which is almost a record low. Be sure to clip the coupon on Amazon before heading to the checkout to get the full discount.

The 11-inch M2 iPad Air is also on sale. It’s $50 off at $549 in the space gray, starlight and blue colorways.
The most recent version of the iPad Air is our pick for the best iPad for most people. Sure, it’s more expensive than the base iPad, but it’s much more capable. Other than the screen real estate, the main difference between the two iPad Air sizes is that the 13-inch variant has a brighter display (600 nits vs 500 nits). Although the fully laminated display is an improvement from the previous iPad Air, the refresh rate is 60Hz, so it doesn’t look as smooth as the iPad Pro’s 120Hz OLED panel.
It can handle basic tasks like web browsing and video streaming with ease, thanks to its M2 chipset and 8GB of RAM. The hardware can handle more demanding tasks too — it can run high-end games like Death Stranding and the Resident Evil 4 remake. The tablet is also compatible with Apple Intelligence, the suite of AI tools that Apple will start rolling out in October.
On top of all that, the M2 iPad Air should run for up to 10 hours or so on a single charge. It has a USB-C port for charging and peripherals, while the Touch ID fingerprint scanner is built into the power button.
Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-13-inch-m2-ipad-air-is-back-on-sale-for-720-151549796.html?src=rss

It’s not too late to get that bright student in your life a back-to-school gift that could help with their studies. An iPad can be useful for note taking and writing papers (especially with a keyboard attachment), carrying out research and definitely not streaming a new TV obsession during class.

So if you’ve been lagging on a back-to-school gift or even just want to treat yourself to one of Apple’s iPads, you may be pleased to learn that the iPad Air is currently on sale. The 13-inch M2 iPad Air with 128GB of storage is available in purple, space gray and starlight for $720. That’s a discount of $79, which is almost a record low. Be sure to clip the coupon on Amazon before heading to the checkout to get the full discount.

The 11-inch M2 iPad Air is also on sale. It’s $50 off at $549 in the space gray, starlight and blue colorways.

The most recent version of the iPad Air is our pick for the best iPad for most people. Sure, it’s more expensive than the base iPad, but it’s much more capable. Other than the screen real estate, the main difference between the two iPad Air sizes is that the 13-inch variant has a brighter display (600 nits vs 500 nits). Although the fully laminated display is an improvement from the previous iPad Air, the refresh rate is 60Hz, so it doesn’t look as smooth as the iPad Pro’s 120Hz OLED panel.

It can handle basic tasks like web browsing and video streaming with ease, thanks to its M2 chipset and 8GB of RAM. The hardware can handle more demanding tasks too — it can run high-end games like Death Stranding and the Resident Evil 4 remake. The tablet is also compatible with Apple Intelligence, the suite of AI tools that Apple will start rolling out in October.

On top of all that, the M2 iPad Air should run for up to 10 hours or so on a single charge. It has a USB-C port for charging and peripherals, while the Touch ID fingerprint scanner is built into the power button.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-13-inch-m2-ipad-air-is-back-on-sale-for-720-151549796.html?src=rss

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While it’s unclear if mainstream PC users are actually using Microsoft’s Copilot AI, the company claims that businesses using MS 365 Copilot are seeing plenty of benefits. According to a Microsoft survey, Copilot users at Honeywell save up to 92 minutes per week, while customer service agents at Teladoc are saving up to five hours a week by using the AI tool to draft responses to questions. Now that we’re a year beyond the MS 365 Copilot launch (at a costly $30 per seat), Microsoft is eager to throw more AI features at corporate drones.
Most intriguingly, Microsoft is upgrading its Business Chat app, which so far has been a way to interact with Copilot’s across your emails, calendar entries and other data, alongside data from your organization. Now it’s getting better collaboration with the addition of Copilot Pages, which will serve as a sort of “multiplayer” way to share AI generated content with your coworkers.

Copilot Pages in BizChat.Microsoft
“With Pages, all the data in your organization — whether created by humans or AI — is persistent, accessible and valuable,” Microsoft CVP Jared Spataro wrote in a blog post. “Pages takes ephemeral AI-generated content and makes it durable, so you can edit it, add to it, and share it with others… This is an entirely new work pattern — multiplayer, human to AI to human collaboration.”
It’s surprising that it took a year for Microsoft to bring better collaboration to the Business Chat app, as that’s an expected feature of every workplace app these days. Having a place for employees to share their existing Copilot queries simply makes sense: Coworkers may want access to the same information, and it’s also environmentally wasteful to have people running the same Copilot search multiple times. (Generative AI queries are far more costly for the environment than simple web searches.)
Microsoft says Pages will be available today to MS 365 Copilot users, and it’ll also be coming to free Copilot customers with Microsoft Entra accounts “in the coming weeks.”
In general, Microsoft says Copilot queries are more than two times faster now compared to launch, because it’s relying on the newer GPT4o model. The company is also upgrading AI capabilities across the suite of MS 365 apps: Excel is getting Python support for more complex queries; PowerPoint’s Narrative builder capability is widely available, allowing you to craft the story of your presentations with AI help; and Teams can now scan across meeting transcripts and their accompanying chats.
Outlook Prioritize my InboxMicrosoft
The other Office apps aren’t left out either. Outlook will soon let you choose topics, people and keywords to highlight for the “Prioritize my inbox” feature. You’ll also be able to reference meetings and emails directly within Word documents, one OneDrive will let you summarize and compare files without opening them using Copilot.
And if you need even more Copilot AI help, business can also create Copilot Agents directly within Business Chat and SharePoint. They’re like chatbots that can peer within your corporate files, and you can also tag them in comments like a typical cooworker. While we still need to see these Agents in action to determine if they’re actually useful, at the very least, you can feel less guilty about assigning them some menial information processing at the end of the work day.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/microsoft-365-copilot-users-can-collaborate-with-ai-and-each-other-in-bizchat-pages-150042326.html?src=rss

While it’s unclear if mainstream PC users are actually using Microsoft’s Copilot AI, the company claims that businesses using MS 365 Copilot are seeing plenty of benefits. According to a Microsoft survey, Copilot users at Honeywell save up to 92 minutes per week, while customer service agents at Teladoc are saving up to five hours a week by using the AI tool to draft responses to questions. Now that we’re a year beyond the MS 365 Copilot launch (at a costly $30 per seat), Microsoft is eager to throw more AI features at corporate drones.

Most intriguingly, Microsoft is upgrading its Business Chat app, which so far has been a way to interact with Copilot’s across your emails, calendar entries and other data, alongside data from your organization. Now it’s getting better collaboration with the addition of Copilot Pages, which will serve as a sort of “multiplayer” way to share AI generated content with your coworkers.

Copilot Pages in BizChat.

“With Pages, all the data in your organization — whether created by humans or AI — is persistent, accessible and valuable,” Microsoft CVP Jared Spataro wrote in a blog post. “Pages takes ephemeral AI-generated content and makes it durable, so you can edit it, add to it, and share it with others… This is an entirely new work pattern — multiplayer, human to AI to human collaboration.”

It’s surprising that it took a year for Microsoft to bring better collaboration to the Business Chat app, as that’s an expected feature of every workplace app these days. Having a place for employees to share their existing Copilot queries simply makes sense: Coworkers may want access to the same information, and it’s also environmentally wasteful to have people running the same Copilot search multiple times. (Generative AI queries are far more costly for the environment than simple web searches.)

Microsoft says Pages will be available today to MS 365 Copilot users, and it’ll also be coming to free Copilot customers with Microsoft Entra accounts “in the coming weeks.”

In general, Microsoft says Copilot queries are more than two times faster now compared to launch, because it’s relying on the newer GPT4o model. The company is also upgrading AI capabilities across the suite of MS 365 apps: Excel is getting Python support for more complex queries; PowerPoint’s Narrative builder capability is widely available, allowing you to craft the story of your presentations with AI help; and Teams can now scan across meeting transcripts and their accompanying chats.

Outlook Prioritize my Inbox

The other Office apps aren’t left out either. Outlook will soon let you choose topics, people and keywords to highlight for the “Prioritize my inbox” feature. You’ll also be able to reference meetings and emails directly within Word documents, one OneDrive will let you summarize and compare files without opening them using Copilot.

And if you need even more Copilot AI help, business can also create Copilot Agents directly within Business Chat and SharePoint. They’re like chatbots that can peer within your corporate files, and you can also tag them in comments like a typical cooworker. While we still need to see these Agents in action to determine if they’re actually useful, at the very least, you can feel less guilty about assigning them some menial information processing at the end of the work day.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/microsoft-365-copilot-users-can-collaborate-with-ai-and-each-other-in-bizchat-pages-150042326.html?src=rss

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The temperature will soon be dropping and that means we have more excuses to stay inside and dig into the games we love. If you’re a computer gamer looking to upgrade your setup in anticipation, then now might just be the time to do it. Currently, 8Bitdo’s Ultimate C Wired Controller is available for $15, down from $20 — a 25 percent discount. The sale brings this controller to a new all-time low price, a dollar less than it was on Prime Day.
You can get the marked-down 8Bitdo Ultimate C Wired Controller in either Field Green or Lilac Purple (I’m looking at the purple one myself). The controller is compatible with Steam Deck, Windows and Android, though the rumble vibrations only work on Windows. It also has a plug-and-play for a PC with a USB cord attached. 

If you can’t be bothered with a wired controller, check out 8Bitido’s Ultimate C Wireless model. Right now, it’s full price at $30 but has dropped to $25 in the past. It runs up to 25 hours on a charge and connects to your device through a 2.4GHz USB dongle. 

October Prime Day 2024 is around the corner, serving as Amazon’s (un)official kickoff to the holiday shopping season. If you’re eager to snag some early holiday deals for those on your list (or yourself), here’s what we know so far about the next Prime Day shopping event.
When is October Prime Day 2024?
Amazon has not announced the dates of fall Prime Day 2024 yet, but we do know it will be returning sometime in October.
What is October Prime Day?
October Prime Day is an extension of the regular Prime Day sale held annually in July. It features exclusive deals on Amazon for Prime members, although not quite on as big of a scale as the main summer Prime Day.
How long is October Prime Day?
In years past, October Prime Day has been two days long, just like Prime Day in July.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/8bitdos-ultimate-c-controller-is-cheaper-than-it-was-on-prime-day-at-only-15-135145286.html?src=rss

The temperature will soon be dropping and that means we have more excuses to stay inside and dig into the games we love. If you’re a computer gamer looking to upgrade your setup in anticipation, then now might just be the time to do it. Currently, 8Bitdo’s Ultimate C Wired Controller is available for $15, down from $20 — a 25 percent discount. The sale brings this controller to a new all-time low price, a dollar less than it was on Prime Day.

You can get the marked-down 8Bitdo Ultimate C Wired Controller in either Field Green or Lilac Purple (I’m looking at the purple one myself). The controller is compatible with Steam Deck, Windows and Android, though the rumble vibrations only work on Windows. It also has a plug-and-play for a PC with a USB cord attached. 

If you can’t be bothered with a wired controller, check out 8Bitido’s Ultimate C Wireless model. Right now, it’s full price at $30 but has dropped to $25 in the past. It runs up to 25 hours on a charge and connects to your device through a 2.4GHz USB dongle. 

October Prime Day 2024 is around the corner, serving as Amazon’s (un)official kickoff to the holiday shopping season. If you’re eager to snag some early holiday deals for those on your list (or yourself), here’s what we know so far about the next Prime Day shopping event.

When is October Prime Day 2024?

Amazon has not announced the dates of fall Prime Day 2024 yet, but we do know it will be returning sometime in October.

What is October Prime Day?

October Prime Day is an extension of the regular Prime Day sale held annually in July. It features exclusive deals on Amazon for Prime members, although not quite on as big of a scale as the main summer Prime Day.

How long is October Prime Day?

In years past, October Prime Day has been two days long, just like Prime Day in July.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/8bitdos-ultimate-c-controller-is-cheaper-than-it-was-on-prime-day-at-only-15-135145286.html?src=rss

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The second Emmys of 2024 have come and gone, with streamers once again winning big for some of our favorite television shows. Disney had a fantastic night, winning 60 awards across all its platforms, including Hulu and Disney+. Hulu’s limited series Shogun led it to victory with 18 wins — 14 at the Creative Arts Emmys and four on Sunday. 
Shogun, based on a book of the same name, is a fictional retelling of 17th-century feudal Japan. The show took home the awards for best lead actor and lead actress in a drama series, with Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai becoming the first Japanese recipients in their respective categories. It also won for outstanding drama series, directing and period costumes, among other accolades.
The Bear also did its share, taking home 11 awards, including Jeremy Allen White’s win for outstanding lead actor. Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Liza Colón-Zayas won for supporting actor and actress in a comedy series, respectively. The Max show Hacks beat out The Bear for outstanding comedy series and lead actress. The Bear already won Disney 10 Emmys earlier this year (four coming from the Creative Arts Emmys) as the 75th Emmys were postponed to January 2024 from September 2023 due to last year’s WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. 
Disney’s competitor HBO’s Max received 14 wins, while Netflix received 24 and Apple TV+ got 10 — the excellent Slow Horses scored an Emmy for outstanding writing for a drama series. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/shogun-and-the-bear-win-big-for-disney-at-the-emmys-123049460.html?src=rss

The second Emmys of 2024 have come and gone, with streamers once again winning big for some of our favorite television shows. Disney had a fantastic night, winning 60 awards across all its platforms, including Hulu and Disney+. Hulu’s limited series Shogun led it to victory with 18 wins — 14 at the Creative Arts Emmys and four on Sunday. 

Shogun, based on a book of the same name, is a fictional retelling of 17th-century feudal Japan. The show took home the awards for best lead actor and lead actress in a drama series, with Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai becoming the first Japanese recipients in their respective categories. It also won for outstanding drama series, directing and period costumes, among other accolades.

The Bear also did its share, taking home 11 awards, including Jeremy Allen White’s win for outstanding lead actor. Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Liza Colón-Zayas won for supporting actor and actress in a comedy series, respectively. The Max show Hacks beat out The Bear for outstanding comedy series and lead actress. The Bear already won Disney 10 Emmys earlier this year (four coming from the Creative Arts Emmys) as the 75th Emmys were postponed to January 2024 from September 2023 due to last year’s WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. 

Disney’s competitor HBO’s Max received 14 wins, while Netflix received 24 and Apple TV+ got 10 — the excellent Slow Horses scored an Emmy for outstanding writing for a drama series. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/shogun-and-the-bear-win-big-for-disney-at-the-emmys-123049460.html?src=rss

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A decade ago, Flappy Bird became a sensation among smartphone users, with many of us spending far too long getting the little yellow guy to climb higher and higher along pipes. But, it didn’t last long, with it soon pulled from app stores. Here at Engadget, we were excited by the news last week that Flappy Bird is coming back to our devices in 2025. However, there’s one person who isn’t psyched: Flappy Bird’s creator, Dong Nguyen. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm he isn’t involved in or profiting off the new version. “No, I have no related with their game. I did not sell anything. I also don’t support crypto,” he stated.
No, I have no related with their game. I did not sell anything. I also don’t support crypto.— Dong Nguyen (@dongatory) September 15, 2024
The team behind the new Flappy Bird iteration has been open about being a “new team of passionate fans.” Nguyen’s trademark was reportedly considered abandoned, and Gametech Holdings LLC picked it up for free. The new team then got the rights to Flappy Bird from Gametech.
It’s unlikely Nguyen would have ever revived the game on his own. He released the original game in May 2013 and made about $50,000 a day from advertising when it blew up the following January. However, he took the game down only a month later, stating, “I cannot take this anymore.” In an interview with Forbes then, Nguyen explained, “Flappy Bird was designed to play in a few minutes when you are relaxed. But it happened to become an addictive product. I think it has become a problem. To solve that problem, it’s best to take down Flappy Bird. It’s gone forever.”This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/flappy-birds-creator-wants-you-to-know-hes-got-nothing-to-do-with-the-new-version-121532179.html?src=rss

A decade ago, Flappy Bird became a sensation among smartphone users, with many of us spending far too long getting the little yellow guy to climb higher and higher along pipes. But, it didn’t last long, with it soon pulled from app stores. Here at Engadget, we were excited by the news last week that Flappy Bird is coming back to our devices in 2025. However, there’s one person who isn’t psyched: Flappy Bird‘s creator, Dong Nguyen. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm he isn’t involved in or profiting off the new version. “No, I have no related with their game. I did not sell anything. I also don’t support crypto,” he stated.

The team behind the new Flappy Bird iteration has been open about being a “new team of passionate fans.” Nguyen’s trademark was reportedly considered abandoned, and Gametech Holdings LLC picked it up for free. The new team then got the rights to Flappy Bird from Gametech.

It’s unlikely Nguyen would have ever revived the game on his own. He released the original game in May 2013 and made about $50,000 a day from advertising when it blew up the following January. However, he took the game down only a month later, stating, “I cannot take this anymore.” In an interview with Forbes then, Nguyen explained, “Flappy Bird was designed to play in a few minutes when you are relaxed. But it happened to become an addictive product. I think it has become a problem. To solve that problem, it’s best to take down Flappy Bird. It’s gone forever.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/flappy-birds-creator-wants-you-to-know-hes-got-nothing-to-do-with-the-new-version-121532179.html?src=rss

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With a big redesign to the “regular” AirPods, Apple delivers two new models. Sure, they have a similar look, and share a few features, but the biggest change from the third-gen version is the addition of active noise cancellation (ANC) for an added cost. The AirPods Pro with ANC ($179) option has more to offer in terms of conveniences, but the overhaul has greatly benefitted the AirPods 4 ($129) too. Apple has given its entry-level AirPods extra power, while also offering an option between those and the most expensive earbuds in its arsenal. However, your AirPods choice may still come down to whether you prefer an open-wear design or a fully-closed fit.

Design
A key difference between the AirPods 4 and Apple’s previous model of “regular” AirPods is the shape of the housing that goes into your ears. The company says it analyzed thousands of ear shapes and over 50 million data points generated by 3D modeling to refine the curves on this new set of buds. Specifically, Apple adjusted the edge of the lower counter and narrowed the overall width for a more secure and more comfortable fit for more people. The company also put the H2 chip in the stem, allowing for a more compact design and improving both airflow and acoustics.
The revised shape does indeed lead to a better fit for my ears. The AirPods 4 are more comfortable and stay in place better than their predecessor. I never once felt like they were going to fall out when I was moving around, unless I turned my head completely to the side to lay down. Open-fit earbuds typically don’t feel the most secure in my ears, but these do, and one less worry contributed to a better overall experience wearing them. Of course, the most secure fit remains with the AirPods Pro.
There’s a force sensor on the stem of the AirPods 4. On both models, you can use that to control music, take calls and summon Siri. Of course, hands-free access to Apple’s assistant is available on both models as well. And on the ANC set, you can long press on the stem to cycle through Noise Control modes (ANC and transparency).
What you won’t find here are onboard volume controls. On the AirPods Pro 2, you can slide your finger on the stem to adjust the level. That function is absent on the AirPods 4. Apple recommends you ask Siri to change the volume, use your iPhone’s buttons, drag the slider on the Lock Screen player or swipe over to the Control Center. There’s also the Digital Crown on the Apple Watch if you’re on the Now Playing screen. Honestly, it’s all a hassle. Siri is too slow and reaching for something that’s not my earbuds just makes me mad. But, that hassle was there on the AirPods 3, so at least Apple is consistent.
Looking at the earbuds themselves, you won’t be able to tell the difference between the two versions of the AirPods 4. You can, however, tell them apart by looking at their cases. The ANC model has a speaker in the case to further assist Find My with beeps, so there are visible holes beside the USB-C port. On both AirPods 4, the LED indicator light is now hidden, so you don’t see an extinguished dot when it’s not on. What’s more, Apple removed the back button for pairing and resetting the earbuds. Now, you’ll double tap near the LED to put the AirPods 4 in pairing mode. And you’ll double tap three times (six taps total) to trigger a reset.

Billy Steele for Engadget

AirPods 4 features
The H2 chip from the AirPods Pro unlocks several notable advanced features on the AirPods 4. Sure, some of those are only available on the ANC model, but there are plenty of handy features on the $129 option. On that new entry-level set, you’ll get Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking – immersive listening that’s tailored to your hearing. The sound features also include 48kHz, “cinema-quality” audio for FaceTime and Adaptive EQ. And for calls, Apple’s newly introduced Voice Isolation will offer some extra help when you’re taking calls in less than ideal settings.
The last key piece is Siri Interactions, which allow you to accept or reject calls, respond or dismiss messages and engage or dismiss notifications. All of those are done with a nod or a shake of the head, so you’re free to handle those tasks when you’d rather not speak or can’t reach your phone. And like everything else, you can disable them if you’d rather do things the old fashioned way.
The AirPods 4 with ANC supports all those and then some. For $179, you’ll also get Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, wireless charging and transparency mode. Adaptive Audio comes in handy when you encounter temporary environmental noise, like a coffee grinder or running water, as the tool automatically adjusts sound settings to maintain the overall listening experience. Conversation Awareness lends a hand for quick chats so you don’t have to futz with the earbuds to participate. However, I still wish Apple would fully pause the audio rather than just lowering the volume. I find it distracting, and in some instances I felt I had to talk louder to project over sounds the other person couldn’t hear. (Apologies to my coffee shop barista if I was shouting while I thanked you.)
I’ll also note that transparency mode and ANC go hand in hand, so it’s not surprising that a feature to listen to ambient sound was omitted on the cheaper AirPods 4. And lastly, that case speaker on the ANC version will come in handy for Find My when you inevitably misplace the set. The ANC AirPods 4 case also only supports proximity view in Find My though, not the Precision Finding that AirPods Pro 2 offers.
Of course, there are a few more mainstays from the AirPods lineup that return here. Audio Sharing with someone else wearing Apple or Beats earbuds or headphones is a great feature, as is automatic switching between Apple devices when you get a call or start playing music from your MacBook Pro instead of your iPhone. Both of the AirPods 4 are rated IP54 for moderate dust, sweat and water resistance – just like the AirPods Pro 2. And like that pair, that protection goes for both the earbuds and the case.

Billy Steele for Engadget

Sound quality
Apple equipped the AirPods 4 with a newly designed low-distortion 11mm driver and high dynamic range amplifier. The driver is built with a new membrane mesh as well as a new magnet, and overall, it has higher excursion – or distance the cone can travel. Importantly, Apple is able to offer better acoustic performance by directing the driver straight into the ear rather than positioning it off to the side. By doing this, the company has eliminated sound reflections that impacted overall clarity.
The “richer bass, crisp highs and even more instrument separation” are all claims that hold true when compared to AirPods 3. There’s more low-end tone than the previous model right out of the gate, and the punchier treble opens the sound stage so it’s wider and more immersive. The improved frequency response is on full display with Dolby Atmos content (movies, music and TV), but the AirPods 4 are also more sonically adept with non-spatial tunes and video.
That promised instrument separation is apparent on Tycho’s synth-laden Infinite Health. Rather than seeming smashed together, the synths are all layered, reproducing the atmospheric soundscape the artist intended. Billy Strings’ Live Vol. 1 isn’t an Atmos album, but the AirPods 4 do an excellent job with the finer details of the live recordings. You get the reverb of the PA system, warmth of the upright bass and the subtle percussion in the bluegrass picking. The acoustic instruments stand on their own, with plenty of character studio tracks don’t offer. And for bass-heavy styles, like Kaytrana’s Timeless, the AirPods 4 have pleasant, thumping low-end that doesn’t overpower. Vocals still cut through the mix, as does the rest of the electronic/hip-hop instrumentation.
Audio performance is consistent on both sets of AirPods 4. Like I already mentioned, both are equipped with Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and Adaptive EQ. So, in terms of base sound performance, there are no sonic sacrifices between the two.

Billy Steele for Engadget

ANC performance on the AirPods 4
Active noise cancellation on open-design earbuds is usually minimally effective. It’s very difficult for the technology to provide the kind of relief from distractions you likely crave when your ears aren’t sealed off with an ear tip. Apple isn’t the first company to try this, but I’d argue it is the first to offer a solution that actually makes a difference.
Apple employs the H2 chip and the same ultra-low-noise microphones from the AirPods Pro 2 to power the ANC setup on the AirPods 4. The primary goal is to reduce low-frequency noise, which means you’ll notice the most impact on things like airplane cabin hum, HVAC systems and city traffic. The company promises you’ll be able to listen to music and other media at lower volumes on the ANC model without distraction or sacrifices to audio quality, all thanks to this system.
It’s not the world-blocking magic that Sony’s WF-1000XM5 and other devices that seal off your ears offer, and it’s not nearly as good as the AirPods Pro 2 either. But, for earbuds with an open-wear design, the difference when ANC is enabled is actually noticeable. The AirPods 4 struggle with TV noise and human voices, but they do well with constant, low rumbling distractions. On similar models I’ve tested from other companies, active noise cancellation made little to no difference, and only served to drain the battery faster. If you’re looking for something close to silence, the AirPods 4 won’t give you that. However, the earbuds will deliver a noise reduction that will put a dent in raucous environments, and do so most effectively with low-frequency sounds.
Call quality
AirPods are popular options for hands-free calls, so Apple has improved how you sound when taking voice and video calls. Voice Isolation is an H2-powered tool that Apple says “isolates and enhances your voice,” and is a new feature for the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2. Essentially, it removes background noise to keep you sounding your best when you’re in loud environments.
With compatible AirPods, like the fourth-gen model, Voice Isolation is enabled by default for calls and FaceTime video, but you can turn it off in microphone settings on iOS, iPad and Mac. The feature also works with any third-party apps that use CallKit, like WebEx, Zoom, WhatsApp and more. Like the ANC, this is another impressive feat from Apple. Voice Isolation totally negates raucous fans, running water and other would-be distractions for the person on the other end. I did notice a very slight difference in overall voice quality, but it’s a fair trade-off for sounding like you’re in a silent room when you’re not.
The AirPods 4 with ANC also have transparency mode, which is helpful for calls. This noise control setting pipes in the most natural ambient sound of any earbuds, just like the AirPods Pro 2.

Billy Steele for Engadget

AirPods 4 battery life
Apple says you can expect five hours of battery life on both versions of the AirPods 4. With ANC active on the pricier model, you’ll get one hour less of play time. Both of the AirPods 4 offer five charges in the case, which brings total usable time to 30 hours. Apple explains that all of its stated battery figures are at 50 percent volume with Spatial Audio off. For the ANC version, the company says the estimates also include disabling Conversation Awareness.
50 percent volume won’t be loud enough for most people on iOS, so I conducted my tests at around 70 percent there. Around 50 percent is good enough on Mac, though. Using a combination of those two settings across the devices, and employing a mix of both ANC and transparency mode while playing spatial audio and regular content, I got four hours out of the noise-canceling AirPods 4 with no problem. I had no issues hitting the stated figure on the non-ANC version either.
As a reminder, only the ANC version supports wireless charging. While that case will work with Apple Watch chargers, it doesn’t support MagSafe accessories. If you find yourself in a pinch, both sets of AirPods 4 can offer an hour of use in five minutes.
The competition
Apple’s main competition for the AirPods 4 is the company’s other earbuds. The likes of Sony don’t offer the deep iOS and macOS integration, which is a key selling point for any AirPods. That being said, the AirPods Pro 2 is the only other consideration if you’re looking for another flavor of AirPods. The earbuds are two years old at this point, but the company is still adding new features. For example, AirPods Pro 2 is getting Voice Isolation and Siri Interaction today when iOS 18 drops. More importantly, Apple just got FDA approval for its Hearing Aid feature that will arrive alongside a Hearing Test tool this fall. Expanded Hearing Protection items are on the way as well.
Of course, you’ll get enhanced noise cancellation (with an ear tip seal) on AirPods Pro 2, and a transparency mode that handles your voice better. There’s also two more hours of battery life over the ANC AirPods 4, a MagSafe-compatible case, Find My Precision Finding and, crucially, on-board volume controls. The second-gen AirPods Pro are available for $190 right now, and we’ve seen them dip to $180 over the summer. If you can find them for the same price as the more expensive AirPods 4, you might want to go that route. I don’t expect Apple will have a replacement before September 2025, so you don’t have to worry about them becoming immediately obsolete if there’s another hardware event next month or early next year.
Wrap-up
With the noise-canceling AirPods 4, Apple has bridged the gap between the entry level model and the AirPods Pro. The ANC version gets nearly all of what makes the AirPods Pro 2 so good, except for the most powerful noise cancellation, the upcoming hearing health features and a few other items. However, a $179 set of AirPods isn’t a great deal right now with the AirPods Pro 2 available for nearly the same price if you catch them on sale. The $129 AirPods 4 is a big improvement over the previous version though, and they’re a worthwhile update for fans of the basic, non-ANC formula. The question then becomes if you prefer the open design and can live without the Pro’s extras. Both versions of the AirPods 4 have their merits, but for once, price won’t be a deciding factor when choosing between two Apple products. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apple-airpods-4-review-pro-features-for-everyone-120032046.html?src=rss

With a big redesign to the “regular” AirPods, Apple delivers two new models. Sure, they have a similar look, and share a few features, but the biggest change from the third-gen version is the addition of active noise cancellation (ANC) for an added cost. The AirPods Pro with ANC ($179) option has more to offer in terms of conveniences, but the overhaul has greatly benefitted the AirPods 4 ($129) too. Apple has given its entry-level AirPods extra power, while also offering an option between those and the most expensive earbuds in its arsenal. However, your AirPods choice may still come down to whether you prefer an open-wear design or a fully-closed fit.

Design

A key difference between the AirPods 4 and Apple’s previous model of “regular” AirPods is the shape of the housing that goes into your ears. The company says it analyzed thousands of ear shapes and over 50 million data points generated by 3D modeling to refine the curves on this new set of buds. Specifically, Apple adjusted the edge of the lower counter and narrowed the overall width for a more secure and more comfortable fit for more people. The company also put the H2 chip in the stem, allowing for a more compact design and improving both airflow and acoustics.

The revised shape does indeed lead to a better fit for my ears. The AirPods 4 are more comfortable and stay in place better than their predecessor. I never once felt like they were going to fall out when I was moving around, unless I turned my head completely to the side to lay down. Open-fit earbuds typically don’t feel the most secure in my ears, but these do, and one less worry contributed to a better overall experience wearing them. Of course, the most secure fit remains with the AirPods Pro.

There’s a force sensor on the stem of the AirPods 4. On both models, you can use that to control music, take calls and summon Siri. Of course, hands-free access to Apple’s assistant is available on both models as well. And on the ANC set, you can long press on the stem to cycle through Noise Control modes (ANC and transparency).

What you won’t find here are onboard volume controls. On the AirPods Pro 2, you can slide your finger on the stem to adjust the level. That function is absent on the AirPods 4. Apple recommends you ask Siri to change the volume, use your iPhone’s buttons, drag the slider on the Lock Screen player or swipe over to the Control Center. There’s also the Digital Crown on the Apple Watch if you’re on the Now Playing screen. Honestly, it’s all a hassle. Siri is too slow and reaching for something that’s not my earbuds just makes me mad. But, that hassle was there on the AirPods 3, so at least Apple is consistent.

Looking at the earbuds themselves, you won’t be able to tell the difference between the two versions of the AirPods 4. You can, however, tell them apart by looking at their cases. The ANC model has a speaker in the case to further assist Find My with beeps, so there are visible holes beside the USB-C port. On both AirPods 4, the LED indicator light is now hidden, so you don’t see an extinguished dot when it’s not on. What’s more, Apple removed the back button for pairing and resetting the earbuds. Now, you’ll double tap near the LED to put the AirPods 4 in pairing mode. And you’ll double tap three times (six taps total) to trigger a reset.

AirPods 4 features

The H2 chip from the AirPods Pro unlocks several notable advanced features on the AirPods 4. Sure, some of those are only available on the ANC model, but there are plenty of handy features on the $129 option. On that new entry-level set, you’ll get Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking – immersive listening that’s tailored to your hearing. The sound features also include 48kHz, “cinema-quality” audio for FaceTime and Adaptive EQ. And for calls, Apple’s newly introduced Voice Isolation will offer some extra help when you’re taking calls in less than ideal settings.

The last key piece is Siri Interactions, which allow you to accept or reject calls, respond or dismiss messages and engage or dismiss notifications. All of those are done with a nod or a shake of the head, so you’re free to handle those tasks when you’d rather not speak or can’t reach your phone. And like everything else, you can disable them if you’d rather do things the old fashioned way.

The AirPods 4 with ANC supports all those and then some. For $179, you’ll also get Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, wireless charging and transparency mode. Adaptive Audio comes in handy when you encounter temporary environmental noise, like a coffee grinder or running water, as the tool automatically adjusts sound settings to maintain the overall listening experience. Conversation Awareness lends a hand for quick chats so you don’t have to futz with the earbuds to participate. However, I still wish Apple would fully pause the audio rather than just lowering the volume. I find it distracting, and in some instances I felt I had to talk louder to project over sounds the other person couldn’t hear. (Apologies to my coffee shop barista if I was shouting while I thanked you.)

I’ll also note that transparency mode and ANC go hand in hand, so it’s not surprising that a feature to listen to ambient sound was omitted on the cheaper AirPods 4. And lastly, that case speaker on the ANC version will come in handy for Find My when you inevitably misplace the set. The ANC AirPods 4 case also only supports proximity view in Find My though, not the Precision Finding that AirPods Pro 2 offers.

Of course, there are a few more mainstays from the AirPods lineup that return here. Audio Sharing with someone else wearing Apple or Beats earbuds or headphones is a great feature, as is automatic switching between Apple devices when you get a call or start playing music from your MacBook Pro instead of your iPhone. Both of the AirPods 4 are rated IP54 for moderate dust, sweat and water resistance – just like the AirPods Pro 2. And like that pair, that protection goes for both the earbuds and the case.

Sound quality

Apple equipped the AirPods 4 with a newly designed low-distortion 11mm driver and high dynamic range amplifier. The driver is built with a new membrane mesh as well as a new magnet, and overall, it has higher excursion – or distance the cone can travel. Importantly, Apple is able to offer better acoustic performance by directing the driver straight into the ear rather than positioning it off to the side. By doing this, the company has eliminated sound reflections that impacted overall clarity.

The “richer bass, crisp highs and even more instrument separation” are all claims that hold true when compared to AirPods 3. There’s more low-end tone than the previous model right out of the gate, and the punchier treble opens the sound stage so it’s wider and more immersive. The improved frequency response is on full display with Dolby Atmos content (movies, music and TV), but the AirPods 4 are also more sonically adept with non-spatial tunes and video.

That promised instrument separation is apparent on Tycho’s synth-laden Infinite Health. Rather than seeming smashed together, the synths are all layered, reproducing the atmospheric soundscape the artist intended. Billy Strings’ Live Vol. 1 isn’t an Atmos album, but the AirPods 4 do an excellent job with the finer details of the live recordings. You get the reverb of the PA system, warmth of the upright bass and the subtle percussion in the bluegrass picking. The acoustic instruments stand on their own, with plenty of character studio tracks don’t offer. And for bass-heavy styles, like Kaytrana’s Timeless, the AirPods 4 have pleasant, thumping low-end that doesn’t overpower. Vocals still cut through the mix, as does the rest of the electronic/hip-hop instrumentation.

Audio performance is consistent on both sets of AirPods 4. Like I already mentioned, both are equipped with Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and Adaptive EQ. So, in terms of base sound performance, there are no sonic sacrifices between the two.

ANC performance on the AirPods 4

Active noise cancellation on open-design earbuds is usually minimally effective. It’s very difficult for the technology to provide the kind of relief from distractions you likely crave when your ears aren’t sealed off with an ear tip. Apple isn’t the first company to try this, but I’d argue it is the first to offer a solution that actually makes a difference.

Apple employs the H2 chip and the same ultra-low-noise microphones from the AirPods Pro 2 to power the ANC setup on the AirPods 4. The primary goal is to reduce low-frequency noise, which means you’ll notice the most impact on things like airplane cabin hum, HVAC systems and city traffic. The company promises you’ll be able to listen to music and other media at lower volumes on the ANC model without distraction or sacrifices to audio quality, all thanks to this system.

It’s not the world-blocking magic that Sony’s WF-1000XM5 and other devices that seal off your ears offer, and it’s not nearly as good as the AirPods Pro 2 either. But, for earbuds with an open-wear design, the difference when ANC is enabled is actually noticeable. The AirPods 4 struggle with TV noise and human voices, but they do well with constant, low rumbling distractions. On similar models I’ve tested from other companies, active noise cancellation made little to no difference, and only served to drain the battery faster. If you’re looking for something close to silence, the AirPods 4 won’t give you that. However, the earbuds will deliver a noise reduction that will put a dent in raucous environments, and do so most effectively with low-frequency sounds.

Call quality

AirPods are popular options for hands-free calls, so Apple has improved how you sound when taking voice and video calls. Voice Isolation is an H2-powered tool that Apple says “isolates and enhances your voice,” and is a new feature for the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2. Essentially, it removes background noise to keep you sounding your best when you’re in loud environments.

With compatible AirPods, like the fourth-gen model, Voice Isolation is enabled by default for calls and FaceTime video, but you can turn it off in microphone settings on iOS, iPad and Mac. The feature also works with any third-party apps that use CallKit, like WebEx, Zoom, WhatsApp and more. Like the ANC, this is another impressive feat from Apple. Voice Isolation totally negates raucous fans, running water and other would-be distractions for the person on the other end. I did notice a very slight difference in overall voice quality, but it’s a fair trade-off for sounding like you’re in a silent room when you’re not.

The AirPods 4 with ANC also have transparency mode, which is helpful for calls. This noise control setting pipes in the most natural ambient sound of any earbuds, just like the AirPods Pro 2.

AirPods 4 battery life

Apple says you can expect five hours of battery life on both versions of the AirPods 4. With ANC active on the pricier model, you’ll get one hour less of play time. Both of the AirPods 4 offer five charges in the case, which brings total usable time to 30 hours. Apple explains that all of its stated battery figures are at 50 percent volume with Spatial Audio off. For the ANC version, the company says the estimates also include disabling Conversation Awareness.

50 percent volume won’t be loud enough for most people on iOS, so I conducted my tests at around 70 percent there. Around 50 percent is good enough on Mac, though. Using a combination of those two settings across the devices, and employing a mix of both ANC and transparency mode while playing spatial audio and regular content, I got four hours out of the noise-canceling AirPods 4 with no problem. I had no issues hitting the stated figure on the non-ANC version either.

As a reminder, only the ANC version supports wireless charging. While that case will work with Apple Watch chargers, it doesn’t support MagSafe accessories. If you find yourself in a pinch, both sets of AirPods 4 can offer an hour of use in five minutes.

The competition

Apple’s main competition for the AirPods 4 is the company’s other earbuds. The likes of Sony don’t offer the deep iOS and macOS integration, which is a key selling point for any AirPods. That being said, the AirPods Pro 2 is the only other consideration if you’re looking for another flavor of AirPods. The earbuds are two years old at this point, but the company is still adding new features. For example, AirPods Pro 2 is getting Voice Isolation and Siri Interaction today when iOS 18 drops. More importantly, Apple just got FDA approval for its Hearing Aid feature that will arrive alongside a Hearing Test tool this fall. Expanded Hearing Protection items are on the way as well.

Of course, you’ll get enhanced noise cancellation (with an ear tip seal) on AirPods Pro 2, and a transparency mode that handles your voice better. There’s also two more hours of battery life over the ANC AirPods 4, a MagSafe-compatible case, Find My Precision Finding and, crucially, on-board volume controls. The second-gen AirPods Pro are available for $190 right now, and we’ve seen them dip to $180 over the summer. If you can find them for the same price as the more expensive AirPods 4, you might want to go that route. I don’t expect Apple will have a replacement before September 2025, so you don’t have to worry about them becoming immediately obsolete if there’s another hardware event next month or early next year.

Wrap-up

With the noise-canceling AirPods 4, Apple has bridged the gap between the entry level model and the AirPods Pro. The ANC version gets nearly all of what makes the AirPods Pro 2 so good, except for the most powerful noise cancellation, the upcoming hearing health features and a few other items. However, a $179 set of AirPods isn’t a great deal right now with the AirPods Pro 2 available for nearly the same price if you catch them on sale. The $129 AirPods 4 is a big improvement over the previous version though, and they’re a worthwhile update for fans of the basic, non-ANC formula. The question then becomes if you prefer the open design and can live without the Pro’s extras. Both versions of the AirPods 4 have their merits, but for once, price won’t be a deciding factor when choosing between two Apple products.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apple-airpods-4-review-pro-features-for-everyone-120032046.html?src=rss

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