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This is the main new feature for this 2023 vintage. The AirPods Pro 2 case now has a USB-C port.A new feature which has more to do with legal obligation (the EU imposes this connection on all manufacturers of consumer electronics) than with Apple's wishes.
The addition of USB -C above all brings a practical dimension and a certain consistency in the Apple ecosystem. Since the iPhone can recharge AirPods using a USB-C cable, you might as well integrate this connection straight away into the headphones.
Beyond this homogeneity (now all Apple products, with the exception of the AirPods Max, have a USB-C port) the arrival of this connection brings nothing.
Let us emphasize even though Apple took the opportunity to review the design of its case by adding IP54 certification. It is therefore now resistant to dust, in addition to splashes.
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Those who use multiple Apple devices know: switching AirPods with multiple devices can quickly turn into a disaster.
With the new AirPods Pro 2, these problems are history, Apple promises. In practice, we are still far from perfection even if we must recognize that there is better.
Smoother and faster, switching from one device to another more often results in success than failure. But still, it is still too often necessary to perform a manual action to confirm this switch. Another little Apple effort, that's almost it.
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The AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) inherit brand new features widely promoted by Apple. The good news is that these new features aren't just for new headphones. All AirPods and AirPods Pro can benefit from it provided they are used with a device running iOS 17, iPadOS 17 or maOS Sonoma.
Adaptive volume
Now, AirPods are capable of learn from your use. Depending on what you listen to, when you listen to it, where you listen to it, the volume of your content changes.
So, in your office, at home, the volume is lower than in noisy environments. As soon as you set foot on the street or in transport, the volume increases to adapt the listening to your needs. Devilishly effective and also very good for your ears since you will only rarely push the volume to high levels.
Adaptive noise control
We knew about the noise reduction and the mode transparent, here is the adaptive noise control. Situated between these two worlds, this feature allows AirPods Pro toadapt to the parasitic noises around youwithout completely cutting yourself off from the world.
Thus, distant, repetitive and muffled sounds such as traffic, horns or public works are filtered . On the other hand, noises closer to you, such as a ringing telephone or a colleague coming to speak to you, have the effect of deactivating noise reduction and opening you up to the outside world. Good point.
Conversation detection
Since we're talking about exchanges with your peers, let's focus on conversation detection, another new feature of AirPods. This feature allows you to detect when you start speaking with someone.
Once the sound of your voice is recognized,the AirPods automatically switch to transparency mode, the time to hold your conversation. They then return to the initial listening mode as soon as you are finished.
Please note, Apple explains that this mode detects false positives such as whistling, coughing or when you are talking to yourself. For wheezing, sneezing or coughing, we confirm. On the other hand, as soon as you open your mouth to speak, even to yourself, transparent mode is activated. As for those who like to sing along, know that the system makes no difference, it will therefore activate transparency mode as soon as you give the la.
Silence mode
Finally, all AirPods have a “Silence” function during a call. With a simple touch on one of the stems of the AirPods, you can deactivate the microphone. This works for audio or FaceTime calls while awaiting deployment on Zoom and Webex “coming soon”.
If you adopt this new gesture, you will have to adopt the new reflex tap the AirPods stem twice quickly to hang up, an action that was previously performed with a simple touch. A little time to adapt may therefore be necessary.
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Battery life and charging are 100% identical. The AirPods Pro 2 USB-C therefore last a maximum of 6 hours, which is very average in the wireless earphone market, even more so in this price segment. The integration of USB-C does not change the charging speed.
Finally, the audio quality does not change a bit either. We therefore find a well-balanced sound even if the bass is a bit discreet. Still no equalizer either to personalize your audio experience. No wonder, as a consumer brand, Apple has always wanted to offer the same experience to all users. This also involves the sound signature.
We still appreciate it as much particularly well calibrated spatial audio. To take full advantage of it, we always recommend Apple Music playlists designed for this purpose.
No need to beat around the bush, these AirPods Pro 2 with USB -C do not bring anything very new to Apple wireless headphones. Apart from the USB-C port and barely improved multi-point connectivity, the experience is in every way identical to that offered by previous AirPods Pro 2. The good news is that Apple is lowering the price of its headphones. They now cost 279 euros compared to 299 euros for the previous generation when they were released.
Since the updates bring exactly the same features to previous AirPods, there is no need to upgrade to this new generation if you already have AirPods Pro, unless USB-C is really essential for you. On the other hand, if you have not yet fallen for Headphones, these AirPods Pro 2 USB-C are highly recommended. And this is what a daily user tells you.