How Apple could make the AirPods Pro 2 perfect running earbuds

Date:
Sun, 06 Mar 2022 11:00:20 +0000

Description:
There's lots Apple could do with the AirPods, from an improved fit to fitness-focused features.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

Apple may not market the AirPods Pro as earbuds made for runners, but for anyone thats plugged them into their ears to stretch their legs down the park or on the treadmill, they actually make a pretty good set of running headphones .

The sound quality is solid, they possess strong ANC powers when you want to block out ambient noise, and a sweat and water resistant design means they offer some protection against the elements. Plus, if you can find a snug fit, the AirPods Pro are buds that stay secure whether youre on a run or relaxing at home.

The AirPods Pro arent perfect running earbuds, though, and there are a lot of features wed like to see from future AirPods to make them more suitable for exercise. Apple already offers the Beats Fit Pro and Powerbeats Pro as more workout-friendly options, so its not a massive stretch to suggest those buds could influence future AirPod Pro models.

Its rumored that well see the second-generation in the AirPods Pro line later this year. So, if Apple decided to give the AirPods Pro 2 more running
appeal, what would it have to do to give them that added appeal? Having spent a lot of time run-testing Apples current AirPods Pro and a host of different sports headphones from Jabra, JBL, Beats, Sony, Jaybird and Shokz, heres what we think needs to happen. AirPods Pro 2: what we know so far 1. Up the sweat protection (Image credit: Apple)

The current AirPods Pro offer an IPX4 water resistance rating, which means youre putting something in your ears thats splashproof. However, there are a host of other fitness-focused true wireless earbuds that offer stronger waterproof ratings and cost less than the Pro.

While we cant say weve encountered any issues with that level of protection running with the Pros, the idea that they could be better protected against sweat, rain and moisture in general would be welcomed.

Apple recently made the move to give its Watch 7 smartwatch an improved dustproof rating, so its not out of the question that itll bolster the ruggedness on its popular wireless earbuds too.

It shouldnt stop with the buds themselves either. Other headphone-makers like Jaybird have added that extra durable protection to cases too, and it would
be good to see the pocket and running belt-friendly case Apple already offers with the Pro get some extra protection too. 2. Give us some physical volume controls (Image credit: Shutterstock)

A very simple suggestion for Apple, but its one based on the simple fact that runners definitely prefer physical controls. Theyre easier to get to grips with, especially when youre running at your quickest. Yes, Apple does offer Siri voice controls, but sometimes keeping things simple is often the best option.

The stem-based touch controls on the AirPods Pro actually work well, but unlike Apples Beats Powerbeats Pro and a host of other sporty true wireless earbuds, they dont offer the ability to physically adjust volume controls.

Granted, the Powerbeats Pro have more space to play with, but there are also buds that are a similar size and stature to the AirPods Pro that have managed to successfully implement physical volume controls. Jabras Elite Active 7 are a good example of that. Something as simple as pressing and holding the stems to adjust volume, would be the kind of addition runners would absolutely eat up.

Another way Apple could make the AirPods Pro controls easier for runners to use is by implementing a similar kind of technology to the Wide Tap Area featured on the Sony LinkBuds , which allows you to tap your face to adjust your music playback.

This gives you a larger surface area to work with, so youre less likely to miss the buds themselves while youre running. Weve already seen Apple patents that describe futuristic gesture controls , and now that Sony has proven it possible, were hopeful that the AirPods Pro 2 will improve upon their predecessors touch-sensitive stems. 3. Add tracking features that make sense (Image credit: Apple)

Apple patents that could relate to future AirPods Pro models have suggested the company is looking to offer some fitness tracking features with its
future earbuds .

Apple has already planted a motion detecting accelerometer sensor inside of the AirPods Pro, and at WWDC 2020 , the company announced it was opening up its Motion API on the AirPods to enable developers of fitness apps and games to make use of the head tracking used for the buds Spatial Audio feature.

Bringing biometric and tracking sensors isnt new territory for truly wireless earbuds. Jabra and Amazfit offer buds that pack in optical heart rate
monitors that work well - as long as you manage to get a reliable and precise fit throughout your run. If you dont, theyre not as accurate as youd want
them to be.

Amazfit also used accelerometer motion sensors to track runs via the ears, though unsurprisingly, the tech wasnt extremely reliable and ever going to rival a GPS running watch for accuracy.

What were saying here is that, while it would be great to see some form of run-tracking feature included on the Pro 2, it would need to be reliable, compelling and offer something better than what other run-tracking devices
can already offer. 4. Focus on coaching and posture (Image credit: Garmin)

Another way Apple could introduce useful running smarts to its next set of AirPods Pro is by borrowing some Apple Watch features. Apples smartwatch offers one of the best run tracking experiences you can find on a wearable right now, with a built-in heart rate monitor, blood oxygen monitor, and reliable GPS. Weve already heard rumors that the AirPods Pro 2 will be able
to tell you your blood oxygen levels , and adding in heart rate tracking
would make them ideal earbuds for runners.

However, theres a great deal more being done in the wearable and hearable space around the idea of helping us pay closer attention to running form and technique. Posture is a part of maintaining that good running form and its
not unfeasible to think that Apple could explore posture monitoring from higher up the body and use that information to offer insights into form. The Amazfit PowerBuds Pro included posture tracking features using similar accelerometer motion sensors already present in the AirPods Pro.

The idea that the AirPods Pro 2 will be able to coach you through your workouts seems even more feasible when you consider that Apple has filed a patent for a pair of in-ear headphones that use inbuilt sensors to "gather orientation information such as accelerometer measurements during user movements".

Apple already has a pretty good platform in Fitness Plus where it leads users through indoor running workouts, so bringing elements of that together with additional motion data you could generate from Apples earbuds could be a recipe for a more comprehensive tracking experience - and not just for how
far or quick your run but also how you run, too. 5. Throw in some hooks The Beats Powerbeats Pro. (Image credit: Apple / Beats)

Theres no getting away from the fact that the fit of the AirPods Pro isnt going to work for everyone. The only thing keeping the AirPods Pro securely
in your ears are their silicone ear tips - and that becomes even more problematic if you decide to add swift running movements into the equation.

While the AirPods Pro definitely feel secure enough for casual runs where youre not chasing a PB or racing, theres always that fear they might fall out when you increase the speed.

If you look around at the truly wireless earbuds that do feel like a better fit for picking up the pace, theres usually a key design element in place - and thats ear hooks or wing tips. This approach usually means earbuds feel better locked into the ears and with the right pair, will reduce the chances of them falling out.

A simple solution for Apple could be to include its own interchangeable ear hooks or tips that you can reach for and slip on when you do want to run.

Non-detachable earfins could also be built into the design of the AirPods Pro 2. Its rumored that the next generation of Pro earbuds will come with a radically different design to their predecessors, getting rid of the protruding stems altogether.

That would mean Apple would need to find a way to keep the AirPods Pro 2 securely in the ears without the stabilizing effect of the stems - and integrated fins would be a great way to achieve that security. Will the AirPods Pro 2 be as futuristic as the rumors suggest?



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/how-apple-could-make-the-airpods-pro-2-perfect- running-earbuds/


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)