AirPods Automatically Adjust ANC and Transparency to Suit Your Surroundings
Apple may not have upgraded the hardware of its AirPods, but it has introduced new audio features in iOS 17 that will improve the performance of the earphones. The most notable feature is Adaptive Audio, which is designed for the second-gen AirPods Pro. This feature adjusts the levels of active noise cancelation and transparency mode based on the user’s surroundings. It blends these two modes together to provide the best experience possible in any given moment. Apple claims that Adaptive Audio will adapt seamlessly to changes in the user’s environment and interactions throughout the day.
Additionally, the company says the second-generation AirPods Pro will add custom volume, which uses machine learning to predict the volume you want. The company says the feature “understands environmental conditions and listening preferences over time to automatically adjust your media experience.” Meanwhile, Conversational Awareness can automatically lower the volume, adjust background sounds and focus on the conversation when you start speaking. This feature can be useful when someone is talking to you while you are listening to music or podcasts.
Apple says that switching between AirPods will add much-needed performance. The company states: “The connection time between the user’s Apple devices is significantly faster and more reliable, making the transition from a favorite podcast on the iPhone to a work call on the Mac much smoother.” AirPods also get a new mute/unmute feature. Thanks to the new updates, you can quickly mute or unmute yourself during a call by pressing the in-ear AirPods base (or Digital Crown on AirPods Max). The feature supports AirPods Max, both AirPods Pro and 3rd generation AirPods.
AirPlay also got some attention in today’s series of announcements. You’ll soon be able to use Siri to start an AirPlay session with your voice. Additionally, AirPlay in Hotels lets you stream content from your device to supported TVs simply by scanning a QR code. The company says it will launch in “select hotels” by the end of 2023. “This feature is built on a foundation of privacy and security and will be available before the end of the year at select hotels, starting with the IHG Hotels & Resorts brands,” Apple said. In addition, Apple says that the device’s intelligence will learn AirPlay settings over time and adapt accordingly.
