José Adorno
Every now and then we have rumors about the second-generation AirPods Pro,
but notice how little we know about an upcoming AirPods Max 2. Apart from
new colors that were rumored for this generation and never made the cut
theres nothing else to say about the companys premium headphones. Heres
why
AirPods Max 2 existence depends on Apple launching an even better
second-generation AirPods Pro. There are two key rumors about AirPods Pro 2
that if true will show whether Apple ever plans to release a
second-generation AirPods Max. The first one is Lossless support.
Heres what analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote back in January:
block quote
We expect Apple to launch AirPods Pro 2 in 4Q22 with new selling points,
including a new form factor design, support for Apple Lossless (ALAC)
format, and a charging case that can emit a sound for users to track. We are
optimistic about the demand for AirPods Pro 2 and estimate shipments will
reach 1820mn units in 2022.
block quote end
This is interesting because AirPods creator addressed the limitations of
Bluetooth in an interview in 2021. Gary Geaves, Apples VP of Acoustics, has
said that Apple would really like a wireless standard that allows for more
bandwidth.
block quote
Obviously the wireless technology is critical for the content delivery that
you talk about, he says, but also things like the amount of latency you
get when you move your head, and if thats too long, between you moving your
head and the sound changing or remaining static, it will make you feel quite
ill, so we have to concentrate very hard on squeezing the most that we can
out of the Bluetooth technology, and theres a number of tricks we can play
to maximize or get around some of the limits of Bluetooth. But its fair to
say that we would like more bandwidth and
Ill stop right there. We would
like more bandwidth, he smiles.
block quote end
The second key feature thats rumored for AirPods Pro 2 is a new
health-tracking function. A study made by Apple shows how AirPods could be
used to monitor respiratory rate.
Heres what we wrote about it:
block quote
In the research, Apple and Cornell researchers used a model-driven
technology to estimate a persons respiratory rate using short audio
segments obtained after physical exertion in healthy adults. Data was
collected from 21 individuals using microphone-enabled, near-field
headphones before, during, and after strenuous exercise.
block quote end
How does second-gen AirPods Pro impacts possible AirPods Max 2?
While I dont think Apple will offer a new design for the AirPods Max 2 or
even a new smart case I do think if the headphone offered Lossless support
and new health-tracking features, it would be enough for the company to
release a second version.
When Apple announced Lossless support and Dolby Atmos with Spatial Audio,
there was a serious controversy, because even wired with the Apple-exclusive
Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable, AirPods Max cant stream true lossless. If
Apple is able to address that with a new chip or bandwidth format, this
would be huge.
In addition, health-tracking features would also be interesting. For
example, an indie developer just released an app that tells whether your
posture is good using AirPods sensors.
Former 9to5Mac Parker Ortolani and I imagined what would be Apples take on
a new AirPods Max 2, but thinking about these two key features, I strongly
believe the existence of this headphone depends on AirPods Pro 2 also
featuring them.
Also, dont forget to check these deals on current AirPods Pro, AirPods Max,
and Apples 20W charger.
===========================================================
The fb-exchange mailing list
Manage account,
List Page: https://www.freelists.org/list/fb-exchange
Subscribe: mailto:fb-exchange-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?Subject=subscribe
Unsubscribe: mailto:fb-exchange-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?Subject=unsubscribe
Archive: https://www.freelists.org/archive/fb-exchange
Administrative contact: insight@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
===========================================================
