When Apple introduced its wireless headset to the end of 2016, not convinced at all. Mainly because of its design, something strange to the naked eye. Time has proven that have been a success: they are one of the best selling products of the signature (there is nothing more to get out to the street to cross paths with someone wearing them), there are dozens of copies, and even the users of Android phones because they are compatible with these terminals, albeit with limited functions.
At a glance, the Airpods 2 are exactly the same as the first version. Not in vain, have the same design, are available in the same color… For that reason, also share your ergonomics: during the day-to-day are very comfortable to use due to its lightness, and does not fall out of the ears with independence of the task that you’re carrying out. Even if used in the gym or to do sports; a use for which they are not recommended because they are not resistant to water or sweat.
But there is a substantial difference: this works thanks to a chip that is completely different very focused on improving the user experience; a change that is noticeable in the day-to-day, as we have seen during our tests.
A specific chip
this Is the chip H1, designed specifically for the headphones (hence the H, of headphones). Thanks to him, for example, you can use the voice command ‘Hey Siri’ to start the wizard on the phone, and manage the playback of music or ask any questions. The first few days is a function a bit confusing, because Siri takes a few seconds to react. That causes you to repeat the order when it really is not necessary. Controlled this point, listening to the perfection the instructions thanks to a couple of microphones with reduction of external noise that also make conversations in hands-free mode are very clear.
on the other hand, it achieves a better management of energy consumption, so the battery of the headset reaches nearly five hours of music playback. In addition, in the event it runs out at the most inopportune moment, come with a rapid charging function that achieves that, after only 15 minutes in the case of load, be able to play three hours of music.
This plugin does that autonomy extend to 24 hours and is in two versions: a ‘normal’ and compatible with the wireless charging. We tested the second, compatible with the Qi standard: the same that employ a good part of the chargers and high-end phones are compatible with this function. So it does not influence that Apple cancelled the project AirPower. In wireless mode, the charging occurs to a maximum of 5V, which means that late more than three hours to complete the process, compared to the two required when using the Lightening connector and the iPhone charger.
The benefits hidden
The use of the chip H1 also has benefits less noticeable, but they are welcome on the day-to-day. One of them is the speed of the connection with the mobile device, which is instant. Another, there are no cuts on this link or during the playback of music or during calls. In addition, it has reduced latency by 30%, according to Apple. This means that there is no delay between voice and image when playing games or watching videos, for example.
The sound experience is very similar to that of the previous version, with a audio very clear and good volume, to which we would ask you a serious, more powerful. An open design that does not isolate from the outside, as well as the absence of technology of cancellation of noise, make you hear everything that happens around you. For some things it is very positive, although according to what environments forces you to climb much volume to listen well.