Twelve South Unveils New AirFly Pro 2 Bluetooth Accessory Compatible With AirPods
Twelve South's AirFly Pro has long been an essential travel accessory for many. It's just been updated and promises an enhanced experience. Here's what's been announced.
AirFly Pro 2
Twelve South
In case you don't know it, AirFly is a highly convenient device, designed to overcome the problem of trying to listen to inflight entertainment on a plane, for instance, on wireless headphones.
There's no cable socket in Apple AirPods, for instance—I mean, where would you even fit it in?—so connecting to a plane's wired socket is impossible and the proportion of airplanes offering wireless connectivity is tiny.
The AirFly series of products solve this cleverly: a Bluetooth transmitter with a 3.5mm headphone jack attached, the doohickey plugs into the airplane console easily enough, and then connects by Bluetooth to your AirPods, Galaxy Buds, Sony WF-1000XM5 or other true-wireless earbuds.
Of course, the solution works with any device with a 3.5mm headphone socket, not just on planes. Your gym's equipment might want you to plug in like this, for instance.
The new AirFly Pro 2 improves over the previous AirFly Pro by introducing a feature from the more affordable AirFly SE: physical volume controls on the gadget.
There's also the prospect of better audio and the new model optimizes sound quality and reduces latency, the company says.
The processor on board (Qualcomm QCC3056) is part of the better sound. The new model should also allow faster pairing than before, and two pairs of headphones can be connected at the same time—suitable for those moments when you and your significant other want to watch a movie together, for instance.
The new AirFly Pro 2 costs more than the previous AirFly Pro, but it's a very gentle price increase: up $5 from $54.99 to $59.99. It's available from Twelve South and Amazon.
The deals highlighted in this post were independently selected by the Contributor and do not contain affiliate links.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gizmodo
40 minutes ago
- Gizmodo
This 50,000mAh Power Bank with 4 Cables and 3 Charging Ports Is Nearly Free, Amazon Cuts Prices by 80%
Having a power bank is a necessity these days but having one that's compatible with all your devices and also has fast charging capabilities is an even sweeter deal. The OHOVIV power bank with its massive 50,000mAh battery (and a 22.5W fast charging) capacity is just that. It's currently available on Amazon at an all-time low price of $33, a huge 79% off its original price of $159. You can't find any better deal on a power bank right now. See at Amazon Massive Battery and Fast-Charging This power bank boasts a whopping 50,000mAh battery which can provide an iPhone 16 with up to 10 complete charges, thanks to its high-density polymer battery. Most phones get more than 10 full charges depending on the capacity of their batteries so this device is ideal for long trips, camping, hiking, vacations or any other situation where power outlets are not easily accessible. Despite its huge capacity, the power bank itself is compact and portable so it will not take up unnecessary space in your bag. One of the standout features of this power bank is that it has the capacity to charge up to six devices simultaneously: It comes with four built-in cables—Lightning, Type-C, Micro USB, and USB-A—and three additional charging ports (two USB-A and one Type-C). This allows one to charge multiple smartphones or other devices at once without sacrificing charging speed or convenience. The OHOVIV power bank also supports 22.5W super fast charging with PD (Power Delivery) and QC4.0 quick charge technology. This allows it to charge an iPhone up to 55% in just 30 minutes which is three times faster than with regular power banks. It also features two-way USB-C charging which means you can charge the power bank or utilize it to charge other devices via the USB-C port. Despite its enormous battery capacity, the power bank itself is surprisingly compact and lightweight: It weighs just 1.07 pounds and measures 5.82 by 2.83 by 1.18 inches. It will slip into a backpack, pocket, or purse, making it perfect for those always on the move. It works with almost all electronic devices, including the latest iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 series, iPads, Galaxy S25/S24/S23/S22/S21/S20, Pixel phones, and most other Android phones. Safety is the priority with this power bank, and this is very important if you go for a charging solution. It features high-quality built-in batteries and ten layers of system protection to prevent overcharging, short circuits, and other hazards. The AI smart chip that is newly designed and NTC temperature control technology work together to minimize real-time power consumption loss and lower overheating risks by 97%, making it a safe and reliable companion for daily use or family outings. If you need dependable power on the go, make sure you get if before it's out of stock. See at Amazon
CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
I Tested Samsung's $60 Galaxy Fit 3: It's Basic, but in a Good Way
The Galaxy Fit 3 teeters on the edge of being a smartwatch, and a fitness tracker. Everything from its in-between size to its sparse smart features makes it hard to categorize as one or the other. But as I tested this simple and charming wrist device, its main appeal became crystal clear. What's most appealing about this hybrid smartwatch, as I'm choosing to call it, is its price tag. At $60, it's the most affordable way to access Samsung's robust health ecosystem through the Samsung Health app. If you're already a Samsung user and can temper your expectations, that alone might make it worth considering. It also doesn't hurt that it's easy on the eyes and doesn't overpower my 6.5-inch wrist like other traditional smartwatches (especially the budget ones, some of which can be an eyesore). 7.8 Samsung Galaxy Fit3 $58 at Amazon Like $60 price is the cheapest entry point into Samsung's ecosystem $60 price is the cheapest entry point into Samsung's ecosystem Robust health tracking and sleep coaching tools Robust health tracking and sleep coaching tools 3-day battery life with always-on display (up to 13 days with lighter use) 3-day battery life with always-on display (up to 13 days with lighter use) Slim, lightweight design that looks fancier than most budget trackers Don't like No built-in GPS for phone-free outdoor workouts No built-in GPS for phone-free outdoor workouts No voice assistant or dictation features No voice assistant or dictation features No mobile payments or third-party app support No mobile payments or third-party app support Limited notification handling (can't initiate calls or texts) At a time when there are dozens of smartwatches vying for your attention, with a dizzying array of features, the Fit 3 stands out due to its straightforward appeal and a price that's hundreds of dollars less than that of the flagship Galaxy Watch 7 and other competitors like the OnePlus Watch 3. After three weeks of using the Fit 3, I've come to appreciate its value and battery life, even if I'd still recommend the slightly more expensive Amazfit Bip 6 for most people. Galaxy Fit 3 design At first glance, its 1.6-inch (40mm) AMOLED screen could easily pass for a full-size smartwatch -- not what you'd typically expect from a tracker. It has a rounded rectangular display with an aluminum frame that comes in subtle rose gold (like mine), silver or dark gray. Only a couple of aspects of its design hint at its true hybrid form. The rectangular screen is much narrower than the ones you'll find on other smartwatches, like the Amazfit Bip 6 or even the Apple Watch. By default, that limits how much information you can view on the screen, but in my opinion, it also makes the design feel more elegant. Also, the Fit 3 has only one physical button (there's no crown or rotating bezel). Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET Galaxy Fit 3 battery life Where it truly shines is battery life. Operating at full throttle, the watch lasted three full days, and that's including an active always-on display, the mirroring of all notifications from my phone, sleep tracking, and at least one workout per day. Without the always-on display, you may be able to stretch it to Samsung's promised 13 days. This longevity is in part due to the smaller screen and because the Fit 3 isn't running a feature-rich operating system like Wear OS, which you'll find in the newer Galaxy Watch lineup. Regardless, it's easier to keep the Fit 3 charged for all-day use and sleep tracking than its Galaxy Watch counterparts, which often give out before the 48-hour mark (even the Ultra). It also charges fast and can go from zero to 100% in just over an hour. Galaxy Fit 3 'smart' features (or lack thereof) The big sacrifice here, and the reason I don't consider the Fit 3 a full-fledged smartwatch, is its limited smart features. Even when paired with a Galaxy phone (I paired it with a Galaxy S25 Plus), its functionality feels restricted and it doesn't support voice dictation or mobile payments. It's also compatible with non-Galaxy Android phones, but you'll lose out on even more functionality, like the camera remote or alarm syncing. The narrow screen on the Fit 3 means you don't get as much screen space for notifications. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET I didn't think I'd miss a voice assistant as much as I did, but wearing the Fit 3 made me realize that dictation and voice commands have become a big part of how I use a smartwatch, whether it's text responses, setting a timer while I cook or taking and making calls. All you can do is decline a call and send a canned response to the caller. The same goes for text messages. You can't initiate a text or dictate a reply, but you can respond via prewritten messages that you can customize with something more conversational than the ones that come preloaded. I added a "Give me a sec while I get to my phone." It's not ideal, but at least it buys me some time to dig through my bottomless Mary Poppins purse for my phone. I'm contemplating adding a "Piss off" custom response for robophishing scam texts. The other big miss for me was mobile payments. Without NFC, you won't be able to pay for things with your wrist on the Fit 3. Otherwise, the Fit 3 is notable for its lack of app selection. I had to survive without some of my regular third-party apps, like the Roku TV remote and Spotify, but I was OK with using them on the phone. The Fit 3 still has the basics: alarm, calculator, weather app, camera remote (for Galaxy phones) and Samsung's Health app. The last is the standout here, and one of the main reasons you'd consider getting this in the first place. The Fit 3 has advanced health sensors and a single button for navigation. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET Galaxy Fit 3 health and fitness Let's get one thing out of the way: The Fit 3 doesn't have built-in GPS. This means you'll be tethered to your phone during runs if you want truly accurate tracking. That was my biggest complaint as far as fitness features go, because the S25 Plus isn't the most dainty of running buddies, and there are times when I just want to leave it behind and disconnect for 30 minutes. I tried to do a 5K without my phone, and as a result the Fit 3's run tracking and mapping was off by about half a kilometer, or three-tenths of a mile. The Fit 3 can track over 100 different exercises and will automatically log runs, walks, rowing and elliptical workouts. However, auto-tracking isn't enabled by default, so you'll have to toggle it on in the settings. You can also take it swimming (just not waterskiing) because it's rated for 5ATM (50 meters) and has an IP68 rating. The heart rate data from the Polar chest strap (left) compared with the Galaxy Fit 3 on the same 5K run. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET I tested the heart rate tracking alongside my Polar chest strap (the gold standard for consumer-facing heart rate monitoring) and found it to be generally accurate, though slower to register heart rate spikes. This is fairly common with most wrist-based devices I've tested. Once I approached my peak heart rate (all-out effort), the Fit 3 showed a 2- to 5-point difference compared with the chest strap and took a couple of seconds to catch up. However, in the workout summary, the final numbers for average and peak heart rate were similar and within 2 points of each other. The Fit 3 also offers high and low heart rate alerts, but it lacks an ECG app. It can monitor stress levels and blood oxygen saturation, and it even has a fall detection feature that calls emergency services if it senses a hard fall and you don't get up. You can also activate SOS manually by pressing the side button five times. Galaxy Fit 3 sleep The Fit 3 has robust sleep tracking features, similar to those found on Samsung's flagship Galaxy Watches. The Fit 3 can detect sleep stages and even monitor snoring using the Galaxy phone's microphone. After seven nights, it also provides personalized sleep coaching, though I didn't accumulate enough data in my testing to activate this feature. It also delivers a sleep score each morning that should correlate with your energy levels, but I found it a bit questionable, considering it gave me a score of 91 (aka "Excellent") on a night when I slept for only six and a half hours. The Galaxy Fit 3 is comfortable to strap on and wear all day. Vanessa Hand Orellana/CNET Who should buy the Galaxy Fit 3? The Galaxy Fit 3 isn't going to blow anyone away with its features or design, but it might with its price. At $60, it's the lowest cost of entry for Galaxy phone users looking to start tracking their health and fitness within the same ecosystem. Its sleek design, robust health metrics, and long-lasting battery make it worth considering even if you don't have a Samsung phone. There are a few budget smartwatches worth your money, and though this one isn't the best or the only option, it's a solid pick, with a simple and easy-to-navigate UI. The biggest problem might be actually getting your hands on it. As of publishing, it's out of stock at the Samsung Store and available only through third-party retailers like Walmart.
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Father's Day Tech-Tastic Wish List
The Buff LED Face Mask Buff I'm going to be honest… none of what I write about below is anywhere close to what I'll actually get on Father's Day. My kids' school put on a Father's Day 'store' and my wife sends them in with $10 each, which usually (always) results in me getting socks and a coffee mug to unwrap on the big day. But this isn't a reality list. It's a wish list. The clue is in the name. However, even with that disclaimer thrown in, I still have to set a few boundaries. I couldn't just include a super yacht, a sports car or (the ultimate dream) Oasis reunion tickets. So this is a 'realistic' wish list. Sort of. Good luck to all the Dads out there. SHARP OSAKA DR-P520(GY) Portable Digital Radi Sharp Okay, this is a proper 'Dad' inclusion. Following the big power cut in Spain earlier this year, that wiped out not only electricity but the mobile networks too, one of the most common things that people said they found useful during the chaos was a battery-powered FM radio. Not only is this Sharp radio that, but it also has DAB+ smarts too, along with Bluetooth streaming and 10 hours of battery life; which you can charge with the same sort of power pack you'd use to charge your phone in such an emergency. It's available direct from Sharp, costing $60 Stateside, £60 in the UK. The Bodum Bistro smart coffee maker Bodum With its 24-hour programmable timer, this Bodum clever coffee machine will get your morning brew set to go exactly when you need it… and will keep your coffee warm for 25 minutes after brewing while you inevitably have to sort out some sort of breakfast emergency with the kids. It's also top-end filter coffee on offer, as it features a unique shower head design that evenly saturates your coffee grounds, meaning a more balanced extraction. The good news is you can also ditch those wasteful paper filters; this eco-conscious design features a fine-mesh, stainless steel filter. You can buy one now, direct from Bodum, for $110 / £139. Beats Powerbeats 2 Pro Apple Given that the latest Powerbeats are positioned as the ultimate workout partner, with real-time insights into your exercise performance and built-in heart rate monitoring, I should say I want them to help me get fitter. But they also feature Active Noise Cancelling, Adaptive EQ and Personalised Spatial Audio… so they'll be ideal for drowning out whatever (terrible) music the kids insist on playing on my home speakers. With a whopping 45 hours of battery life thanks to their smaller, wireless charging case, re-engineered earhooks, and powered by the Apple H2 chip, the Powerbeats Pro 2 build on the original's success and still look super cool; so I can keep up the pretence that I'm still young and trendy. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are $250 / £250. AirFly Pro 2 Twelve South And I want those Powerbeats to team up with this nifty gadget, which bridges the gap between your Bluetooth headphones and those pesky wired-only systems on planes or gym equipment. You simply have to plug the AirFly Pro 2 into any 3.5mm headphone jack, pair your wireless buds, and boom – instant audio freedom. The AirFly Pro 2 lets two sets of headphones connect at once, have over 25 hours of battery life, and have support for high-quality audio codecs. They cost $60 in the US, £61 in Blighty. Buff LED Face Mask Buff A bit of a left-field one this, but I've been secretly jealous of my wife's SharkNinja CryoGlow mask for a while now (and she doesn't share)… but now we have an LED mask that's targeted at men specifically, and promises to help smooth fine lines, soften wrinkles, and slow visible signs of ageing. Buff's LED Face Mask harnesses different light wavelengths to address a variety of skincare concerns. Blue light works to combat breakouts, red light encourages collagen production to improve skin texture, near-infrared light helps soothe inflammation, and yellow light supports a brighter, more even complexion. Given that I look like an extra from The Last of Us most mornings, I think I'll need the full spectrum. It's £180 direct from Buff.
