Tag Archives: Music

What we’re listening to: Harlequin (or LG 6.5), Rack and more

Posted on by

In What We're Listening To, Engadget writers and editors discuss some of the recent music releases we've had on repeat. This installment has everything from jazz standards to The Jesus Lizard.

Lady Gaga - Harlequin

I wasn’t even a minute into Harlequin before I had the realization, Oh, I am going to become so annoying in my love for this. Unfortunately for everyone in my life (and doubly so because I’m singing along), I’ve had it blasting all weekend since the surprise drop on Friday. Gaga is a powerhouse, and as much as I adore her take on pop, I’m always blown away when I hear her do jazz. And Harlequin is brimming with it. 

Harlequin is a companion album to a soon-to-be-released movie (Joker: Folie à Deux) and almost entirely comprises cover songs — a combination that might typically put me off. But Gaga’s breezy versions of classics like “World on a String” and “Smile” are almost chilling. Her energy in tracks like “Gonna Build a Mountain” is through the roof. I could have done without “Oh, When the Saints,” but I’m really just nit-picking now. There are only two original songs on the album and they are completely different beasts, each impactful in its own way. “Happy Mistake” is a clear standout, and I’ll be softly weeping to that one for years to come.

Babe Haven - Nuisance

On the exact opposite end of the spectrum, I’ve been really into punk band Babe Haven’s most recent album, Nuisance, lately. It’s 25-ish minutes of queer femme rage and I can't get enough of it. Check it out on Bandcamp. 

— Cheyenne MacDonald, Weekend Editor

The Jesus Lizard - Rack

Even laudatory reviews of comeback albums lean on expectations tempered with preemptive apology or pity praise. A comparison to headier days of musical urgency is inevitable; it stings for the same reasons as hearing "you look great for your age." I wish there were some way to take stock of Rack without that baggage, because The Jesus Lizard doesn't merely sound better than a band which took three decades off has any right to, it simply does not sound as though time has passed at all. 

Rack broods with baffling inconspicuousness amid their oeuvre. Sure, "What If?" doesn't reach the slash and sprawl of earlier meanderings like "Rodeo in Joliet," but "Lord Godiva" glides on the most Duane Denison of Duane Denison riffs, lightning and crude oil. The manic physicality of David Yow's voice is unaltered — neither more harried after 60+ years of swinging at ghosts, nor attenuated by the effort. 

So many bands seemingly frozen in amber reemerge denuded, as though covering themselves. They'd be frantically recapturing their glory days, if they had the energy to do anything frantic anymore. Rack, through sheer ferocity, is instead a band continuing to do exactly what it always has, just as well as it always has, and sounding really fucking cool doing it.

— Avery Ellis, Deputy Editor, Reports

Sabrina Carpenter - Short n' Sweet

There's a part of me that hates keeping up with pop music, and that's the part of me that cringes when I realize the last few albums I've listened to have been the ones by pop princesses Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift and more. That's also the part of me that resisted listening to Sabrina Carpenter's latest album for months (and probably the part of me that refused to watch the incredible Schitt's Creek until this year).

I say all that only to explain why I'm so late to appreciate the goodness that is Short n' Sweet. And the non-self-judgy part of me has unabashedly loved Carpenter's new music and been asking all my friends if they've listened to her songs. When I talked to my various friend groups about her, what became clear is how there's something for everyone, regardless of the variety in our tastes.

I'm a fan of R&B, hip hop and basically anything I can dance or sing to. The tracks "bet u wanna," "Taste" and "Feather" have become highly repeated items on my playlist and yes, I did go back into her older discography for some of those titles. However, my current absolute favorite is "Espresso." It's got a catchy hook, clever lyrics and a groovy beat that delicately straddles the line between upbeat and lowkey. I love the wordplay and how, when woven with the rhythm and melody, it initially sounded to me like Carpenter was singing in a different language. And as someone who works in tech and is occasionally a gamer, I especially adored the use of the words "up down left right," "switch" and Nintendo. Truly, rhyming "espresso" with "Nintendo" wasn't something I would have expected to work, but work it did.

But back to the point I was making earlier: Even if that sort of chill dance club vibe isn't your thing, there's plenty in Short n' Sweet that might appeal to you. I wasn't as huge a fan of "Please please please," for example, but I know friends who love it. And while "Bed Chem" and "Good Graces" aren't hitting my feels the same way "Espresso" is, those two are among her highest played songs on Spotify. I'm also starting to warm up to "Juno."

All that is to say, we all have different tastes. Maybe you're more of a Chappell Roan fan. I like some of her latest tracks too, just not as much as I've enjoyed Carpenter's. I also really enjoy the brilliance that is "Die With a Smile" by Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga, which is something I'll be adding to my karaoke duet repertoire, but am already playing less frequently nowadays. If you have a preference for music from the likes of Ariana Grande, NewJeans and Doja Cat, you'll probably have a good time with Sabrina Carpenter. And since I'm so late to the party, you probably have already.

— Cherlynn Low, Deputy Editor, Reviews

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/what-were-listening-to-harlequin-or-lg-65-rack-and-more-003037241.html?src=rss

This Outdoor JBL Speaker is designed to Blend In as well as Stand Out

Posted on by

This JBL speaker design stands out in the world of outdoor sound systems with its weather-resistant Garden Series, a line of speakers designed to deliver outstanding audio fidelity while blending seamlessly into various outdoor commercial environments. The series consists of the GSF ground-stake full-range speakers and GSB in-ground subwoofers, both tailored to provide expansive coverage in settings like shopping malls, theme parks, sports venues, and hospitality establishments.

Designers: Hoyean Kim and Huemen Design

One of the standout features of the JBL Garden Series is its blend of aesthetic appeal and practical durability. Available in subtle hunter-green and tan finishes, these speakers are crafted to harmonize with outdoor landscapes, making them both functional and discreet. Whether nestled in the greenery of a mall garden or set up in a bustling theme park, these speakers offer a stylish solution that withstands the elements while delivering premium sound.

The GSF cabinet’s design takes inspiration from nature, featuring a unique, leaf-like silhouette. This eye-catching design isn’t just for show, it serves a practical purpose, too. The grille extends over the speaker like a protective roof, shielding the system from rain, while an integrated drain hole ensures that water is efficiently channeled away. The result is a system built to thrive in unpredictable outdoor weather conditions without compromising on performance.

Incorporating branding into the speaker design without disrupting the overall aesthetic is a challenge the designers have expertly tackled with the Garden Series. The prominent JBL logo is subtly embedded at the top of the GSB subwoofer and on the back of the GSF cabinet, blending seamlessly into the speakers’ earthy design while still showcasing the brand’s heritage in audio excellence. This integration allows the speakers to maintain a clean look while also adding a touch of sophistication.

As with any JBL product, performance is at the heart of the Garden Series. The GSF full-range speakers are designed with a tweeter placed directly above an advanced waveguide, which is integrated into the front of the coaxial driver structure. This ensures superior sound distribution. Available in two sizes – 3-inch and 6-inch, these speakers offer flexibility for different sound needs, allowing users to tailor their setup to the specific acoustics of their space.

The GSB subwoofer is designed for flexibility in installation, offering both above-ground and buried options to optimize the sound environment. Its vertical form factor is particularly effective in enhancing the transmission of low-frequency sounds, creating a rich, immersive audio experience in any outdoor environment.

The GSF full-range speakers in the JBL Garden Series are designed with versatility in mind. With multiple mounting options, these speakers can be easily installed using a ground stake or mounted on horizontal or vertical surfaces using an L-bracket. This flexibility, combined with the speakers’ low-profile design, ensures they blend into their surroundings, whether they’re placed along pathways or mounted discreetly against a wall. Additionally, the adjustable hinge, equipped with a refined metal gear wheel-shaped groove, allows users to precisely aim the speaker for optimal sound coverage, ensuring no corner of the space is left silent.

The JBL Garden Series represents a perfect balance of form and function, offering a weather-resistant, high-fidelity audio solution for commercial outdoor spaces. With its distinctive design, integrated branding, and flexible installation options, this speaker system is an ideal choice for businesses looking to elevate their outdoor sound experience without sacrificing style. Whether you’re looking to enhance the ambiance of a shopping center, theme park, or sports venue, the JBL Garden Series is the ultimate solution for durable, stylish, and high-quality outdoor audio.

The post This Outdoor JBL Speaker is designed to Blend In as well as Stand Out first appeared on Yanko Design.

FIIO K15 DAC’s nostalgic cassette tape charm complements the modern aesthetics

Posted on by

FIIO has a peculiar knack for reinventing audio accessories with a modern twist. The CP13 cassette player released at the beginning of 2024 is one of them. That’s probably inspired FIIO to design a DAC and headphone amplifier that’s modern on the inside but carries a distinct retro appeal on the outside. Yes, a classic tape recorder on the outside spices up the otherwise contemporary Digital-to-Analog Converter players.

The portable DAC amps up your audiophile-grade music listening experience if analog is your thing – both audio-wise and visually. The FIIO K15 DAC has an inch-wide LCD that emulates the look of a cassette player, replicating the spinning six-toothed spools and music information.

Designer: FIIO

Unlike your high-end phone, the audio accessory has two Cirrus Logic chips and dual op-amps with support for 32-bit/768-kHz and DSD256 decoding. This results in crystal clear sound reproduction even with high-impedance headphones. The companion app lets you toggle the high-precision 10-band parametric equalizer (found mostly on affordable digital audio devices) to fine-tune the listening experience. Since we are talking about audiophile-grade audio accessories, connectivity with your smartphones, PC, handheld gaming device or gaming console is possible with a USB-C jack. Those who use high-end wired headphones get the option to plug in the amplifier via a 3.5mm jack or the balanced 4.4mm jack.

The pocketable audio accessory stands out from its competitors with the unique display interface, while other features are more or less similar to current generation DACs. These include options like real-time voltage and current monitoring to make any dynamic power adjustments. An inline mic also gives you the liberty to take calls or attend Zoom meetings when connected to a phone or laptop. For a price tag of $109, the K15 portable DAC by FIIO is the perfect accessory to own if you’ve got bored with the usual stuff.

The post FIIO K15 DAC’s nostalgic cassette tape charm complements the modern aesthetics first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple Clear Series reimagines AirPods Max, AirPods Pro and Watch Ultra in transparent skin

Posted on by

Nothing brought a new dimension to the world of gadgets with their Nothing Ear (1) TWS earbuds. This gave young listeners a reason to show off their audio accessory having see-through aesthetics. The visible hardware of the earbuds and then later on the Phone (1) smartphone created quite a buzz before launch for the invisible aesthetics.

Beats got hooked on the idea and released their version of transparent Studio Buds + TWS. The craze for gadgets with visible innards is obvious as they look cool, and I believe, it’s not just another fad. The Apple subsidiary owned by the Cupertino giant since 2014 might give the big daddy some inspiration for a transparent series of gadgets fit for Gen-Z. Yes, of course, we are in the concept realm on this one!

Designer: Vadzim Sadouski

Dubbed the Apple Clear Series, this concept design reimagines the suite of Apple products with see-through aesthetics. Got bored with your AirPods Max in Blue color? The AirPods Max Clear are meant for you, with the dope transparent cans that expose the rear portion of the earcups. Here we are not talking about Open-Back headphones, but rather ones with the cups covered in a thick layer of acrylic fiber for structural strength. The see-through design continues to the headband with cushioning at the bottom for comfort.

Then there is the AirPods Pro Clear which more or less looks inspired by the sister brand Beats. Of course, we would have loved more renders to let loose our imagination but the designer has created just the frontal view of the earbuds. Just like the transparent headphones, the third proposed gadget is the Apple Watch Ultra Clear with a transparent shell encapsulating the watch. Interestingly the rubber strap is also wrapped in the see-through material.

The post Apple Clear Series reimagines AirPods Max, AirPods Pro and Watch Ultra in transparent skin first appeared on Yanko Design.

Loog x Duolingo portable piano teaches you the language of music, the fun way

Posted on by

Learning a new language is never easy, whether it’s human language, programming language, or harmonic language. It takes time, effort, and more importantly, drive to go through the process, but it doesn’t have to a be painful and dreadful experience all the time. Of the many strategies that make learning languages both fun and effective, Duolingo is perhaps the best-known service. What few people realize, however, is that the green owl has been teaching music for over a year now, applying the same principles it uses in teaching Spanish or Mandarin to do-re-mi’s. Unlike smartphones and spoken languages, however, music has to be played to really be learned, which is why Duolingo has come out with a small digital piano so that you can do that anywhere you are.

Designer: Loog x Duolingo

A piano isn’t the only instrument you can use to learn music, but it’s one of the most convenient and can be designed into an electric and portable form that doesn’t require minding strings that could break. You don’t even need a full-sized piano to get started, but you do need one that’s small enough to be carried around yet has a decent size and a decent sound as well. Rather than relying on a smartphone piano app that doesn’t give the same tactile experience, Duolingo teamed up with Loog, a popular brand of musical instruments for kids and beginners, to make one.

That’s what the Loog x Duolingo Piano brings to the table, figuratively and literally. It’s basically a special version of the Loog piano themed with Duolingo’s iconic green hue. It’s still the same piano made with solid wood panels that enhance the acoustics, making it sound almost like a real classical piano. It also has the same velocity-sensitive keys that implement proper dynamics, meaning that you can hit the keys harder to make the note sound louder, just like a real piano.

It’s not just a Duolingo-branded Loog piano, though, as this particular kit is designed with the easy-to-use and fun learning service in mind. There’s a wooden phone stand that matches the aesthetics of the piano, perfect for holding up the phone while you learn and play. And for a more offline learning experience, the package includes Piano Flashcards as well.

The Loog x Duolingo Piano is more than just a simple digital piano. It can be used as a MIDI controller when connected to an instrument via its USB-C port, and there are also ports not just for headphones but also for pedals and octave shifters. It might look like a kid’s toy, but this piano definitely has the guts to stand proudly as a proper musical instrument so that its use doesn’t stop after you’ve already mastered everything Duolingo has to teach.

The post Loog x Duolingo portable piano teaches you the language of music, the fun way first appeared on Yanko Design.

TikTok Music is on its way out

Posted on by

TikTok Music is shutting down following an attempt to translate views on its base app to music streaming. The music arm announced the news that accounts will close by November 28, with all user data and login information deleted.  

Google subscribers whose subscription ends after November 28 should automatically get a refund or can request one through Google Play before TikTok Music shuts down. On the other hand, Apple users must request a refund through Apple support before the 28th to get one. Anyone who actually uses TikTok Music might want to wait a minute, though, as the premium service will no longer be available once a refund is processed. Speaking of deadlines, anyone who wants to transfer their playlists from TikTok Music to another music streamer has to do so by October 28. 

TikTok Music first launched in Indonesia and Brazil in July 2023. It replaced another music platform called Resso from ByteDance (TikTok's parent company). Around the same time, it became available as a closed beta test in Australia, Mexico and Singapore, fully launching in those locations that October. Despite ByteDance filing for a "TikTok Music" trademark application in May 2022, the platform never made it to the US. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/tiktok-music-is-on-its-way-out-143058957.html?src=rss

Nothing launches sports-friendly Ear (open) earphones with built-in ChatGPT for just $149

Posted on by

No, it isn’t Phone (3), but to be honest, haven’t we had enough phone launches already?!

Say hello to the Nothing Ear (open), the latest ‘hearable’ from London-based tech-brand Nothing. Designed in vein with their existing Nothing Ear series, the Ear (open), as its name suggests, is an open-ear wearable and the first of its kind from the company. The newly launched device introduces a distinctive open-ear design that prioritizes comfort, situational awareness, and superior sound quality. This marks the company’s fourth mainline set of earbuds, not counting special editions (like the Nothing Ear (stick)) and their CMF budget line. Known for pushing the boundaries of audio tech with a bold design, Nothing seems intent on revolutionizing the way we experience audio on the move.

Designer: Nothing

One glance at the Nothing Ear (open), and you immediately notice the company’s signature minimalist aesthetic. Transparency is the name of the game here. Rather than having earpieces with silicone tips that create an airtight seal to lock in sound and minimize audio leakage, these open-ear wearables rest against your ear canal, firing audio directly in without compromising your ability to hear the world around you. Sort of like how holding your phone up to your ear lets you hear calls but also lets environmental sounds to make it to your ear so you’re aware of your surroundings. “A lot of people were skeptical internally, but I was really bullish on this form factor because you see people wearing regular earbuds these days, and sometimes they only wear earbuds with one bud in the ear and the other one out… because they want to what’s, you know, happening all around them”, says Nothing founder Carl Pei. “But this form factor opens up, so that you can hear all your surroundings without having to do that.”

Staying true to their design philosophy, the Ear (open) showcases a slim, see-through form factor that emphasizes the craftsmanship behind its sleek exterior. Weighing just 8.1 grams per earbud, these are designed to be lightweight and portable, and with the case measuring a mere 19 mm in thickness, you can easily slip them into your pocket. The buds also come equipped with a smart case that mirrors the same transparency-focused design the company has come to be known for, along with a dimple in the center of the lid for fidgeting purposes. Obviously, the case acts as a charging dock for the earphones when not in use.

The Ear (open) shines with its Open Sound Technology, a software feature that aims to let users enjoy immersive sound while staying connected to their environment. Whether you’re on a busy city street or in a park, these earbuds let ambient sounds like traffic or birdsong through, without drowning out your music or calls. This makes them ideal for those who want to stay aware of their surroundings—whether for safety reasons or just to feel more present.

Supplementing the open-ear design is the Sound Seal System and directional speakers. These features work together to minimize sound leakage, ensuring that you get a rich, personal listening experience without disturbing those around you. This system’s privacy-oriented design addresses one of the common pain points with open-ear earbuds, giving you the best of both worlds—situational awareness and high-quality sound.

The earbuds feature a three-point balance system that, alongside flexible silicone ear hooks, ensures the earbuds sit securely in your ears. Designed with the intent of being worn while running, exercising, cycling, or just walking through the city, the Ear (open) promises a secure fit that won’t fall out during your activities. Combined with their feather-light weight, these earbuds are designed to make you forget you’re even wearing them.

On the performance front, the Ear (open) delivers with its custom patent-pending diaphragm, titanium coating, and ultra-light driver setup. These earbuds are built to handle both the deep lows and the crisp highs, offering a balanced soundstage that’s sort of rare for open-ear designs (although we intend to verify this when we get our review unit!) The bass is further enhanced by an automatic Bass Enhance algorithm, giving the low frequencies an extra punch without distorting the sound quality… something we’ll definitely confirm once we try these bad-boys on.

You’ll get 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, with the total extending to 30 hours when factoring in the charging case. And if you’re pressed for time, a quick 10-minute charge provides an additional 2 hours of playback. For those who take a lot of calls on the go, the Clear Voice Technology uses AI-enhanced processing to deliver crystal-clear call quality, even in noisy environments. Trained on over 28 million noise scenarios, this tech ensures that your voice comes through loud and clear, regardless of your surroundings. Additionally, Dual Connection allows seamless switching between devices, and a Low Lag Mode is designed specifically for gaming, ensuring minimal audio delay during gameplay.

Earlier in the year, Nothing announced it was bringing ChatGPT to all its earphones, and the Ear (open) gets this feature too, allowing you to tap into GPT instead of your phone’s assistant for a more intuitive, intelligent conversation. Need to check the weather before heading out or quickly look up an answer to that random question nagging at you? Just ask—no need to fumble for your phone. The ChatGPT feature is accessible directly from your earbuds via the Nothing X app, making real-time information just a voice command away. Whether it’s getting directions, solving a debate, or grabbing quick updates on the go, ChatGPT turns your earbuds into more than just audio devices. That’s more than you can say for a pair of AirPods that are still yet to get Apple Intelligence.

The Nothing Ear (open) will be available for pre-order starting September 24th, with the official launch on October 1st. Priced at $149 USD (£129/€149), these earbuds are positioned to offer great value for those who want cutting-edge technology and user-friendly design without breaking the bank. If you’re the kind who needs music while exercising or training, these open-ear wearables might just be perfect to give a try. Especially at that affordable price point.

The post Nothing launches sports-friendly Ear (open) earphones with built-in ChatGPT for just $149 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple Music brings its audio haptics feature to all users as part of iOS 18

Posted on by

Apple’s Music Haptics feature is now live, as part of the official release of iOS 18. This is an accessibility tool that integrates with Apple Music on iPhones. Simply put, it uses the phone’s speaker-based haptics system, which the company refers to as the Taptic Engine, to create “taps, textures and refined vibrations to the audio of the song.”

This is quite obviously aimed toward those affected by hearing loss, allowing them to feel the music. It works with Apple Music, but also with Apple Music Classical and Shazam. The company says it’ll also integrate with some third-party apps, so long as the iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular. 

To get started, just head into the Accessibility settings menu and turn on “Music Haptics.” An easily identifiable logo will appear on the Now Playing screen in the Apple Music app when activated. Tapping this logo will pause the feature and tapping it again will turn it back on. Music Haptics is supported globally on iPhone 12 and later, as long as the device is updated to iOS 18.

To commemorate the launch, Apple Music has released a series of playlists that take advantage of the haptic technology. These channels have names like Haptics Beats and Haptics Bass, so they are filled with songs with plenty of opportunity for taps and vibrations.

People have already been experimenting with the feature. Some users have suggested that it “sounds like an Atari game” when a phone is placed on a box with Music Haptics turned on. I don’t agree but, well, listen for yourself.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-music-brings-its-audio-haptics-feature-to-all-users-as-part-of-ios-18-184753345.html?src=rss

This ultra-thin portable music player redefines music listening experience

Posted on by

Portable music players have for long been the staple of audiophiles who cannot compromise on the audio quality of the tracks they listen to. Astell&Kern, FiiO and Sony have dominated this space for a long with their consistency.

Now Steelworks Studio wants these big names to level up their game with the SW-1 music player, which a proposed concept for a DAP that embodies functionality with visually pleasing aesthetics for a unified listening experience.

Designer: Steelworks Studio

A bezeless responsive touchscreen that is encapsulated by the durable aluminum body frame without subduing the retro charm signifies this design leap. The minimalist aesthetic is complemented by the stunning OLED display that fits the vibe of modern audio listeners. This concept chooses the trending silver finish for the frame that has a beautiful volume knob in the bottom center to induce a tactical feel.

The user can listen to their music on the 360-degree surround sound speakers as well as the gadget can be placed in the horizontal orientation. Yes, it’s got an equally robust kickstand for placing the device on a flat surface in landscape mode. So, you’re not just limited to music, but can also enjoy immersive binge-watching on the player.

The SW-1 music player has a very sleek and ergonomic footprint so that it can be carried easily in your daily commute to work. While the form factor is slightly taller than your usual Hi-res music player, the gadget is far thinner than other DAPs out there. Honestly, the height could have been a little less considering the display only occupies around 1/4th of the screen real estate. Anyways, the skim form fits like a charm in hand and that volume knob adds spice to your music listening experience.

 

 

 

The post This ultra-thin portable music player redefines music listening experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

AirPods Pro 2 can now function as Hearing Aids after FDA grands Apple approval

Posted on by

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 have taken another significant step forward in redefining personal tech by earning FDA approval to function as over-the-counter hearing aids. This announcement comes as no surprise given Apple’s continued focus on integrating health-related features into its devices. At $250, the AirPods Pro 2 are positioned as a cost-effective solution compared to traditional hearing aids, which often cost thousands of dollars.

Apple is also helping users become more aware of their hearing health through an integrated, clinically validated hearing test. Conducted right from the AirPods Pro 2 paired with an iPhone, the test takes just five minutes. Users simply respond to tones at varying volumes and frequencies, making it a quick and accessible method to check for early signs of hearing loss. The results are then stored securely in Apple’s Health app, where users can track their hearing health over time and share the data with healthcare providers if needed​. Given that 80% of adults in the U.S. haven’t had their hearing checked in the last five years, according to Apple’s findings, this feature could play a crucial role in detecting hearing problems earlier.

The technology behind this innovation leverages the AirPods Pro 2’s H2 chip. Users can perform these hearing tests right from the iPhone. Once the user completes the hearing test, the AirPods Pro can automatically adjust audio settings to amplify sounds specifically tailored to their hearing profile. This means that whether you’re in a conversation, listening to music, or on a phone call, the AirPods Pro 2 will enhance the sounds that matter most to you, making interactions clearer and more accessible. Unlike traditional hearing aids, which can be costly and often come with limited sound quality, the AirPods Pro 2 offers a more affordable and seamless solution. Apple’s tight integration of hardware and software ensures that users benefit from pro-level sound quality in every aspect, from listening to music to engaging in real-world conversations.

The FDA’s approval followed a clinical study involving 118 participants who experienced mild to moderate hearing loss. According to the results, the self-fitting feature of the AirPods Pro 2 provided comparable benefits to professionally fitted devices, with no adverse effects reported. This breakthrough is part of a broader regulatory shift in the U.S., which, starting in 2022, allowed for over-the-counter hearing aids. This effort was driven by a desire to provide more affordable options for the approximately 30 million Americans who suffer from hearing impairments. With regulatory approvals from bodies like the FDA, the hearing aid functionality will be available in over 100 countries, including the U.S., Germany, and Japan, Apple says.

Despite its potential, using AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids does come with limitations. Traditional hearing aids are designed to be worn for extended periods, offering maximum comfort and effectiveness. While AirPods Pro 2 are known for their comfort, they are still consumer-grade earbuds with a limited battery life lasting just a few hours rather than entire days. Their primary function remains entertainment, and they may not be suitable for people with severe hearing issues. Moreover, this functionality will only be available in the AirPods Pro 2 model, not the more affordable $130 or $180 versions of AirPods 4, which also launched recently.

Nonetheless, this is a critical development for accessibility in personal technology. Compared to traditional hearing aids, which can range from $2,000 to $10,000, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 offer a solution at a fraction of the cost. Although Apple is not known for affordable budget-friendly products, its disruption of this market underscores the need for more affordable health tech options.

The post AirPods Pro 2 can now function as Hearing Aids after FDA grands Apple approval first appeared on Yanko Design.