Latest news with #AirPods
India Today
4 hours ago
- India Today
Apple AirPods Pro 2 now work as hearing aid in more countries, is India on the list?
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 can do more than just help you enjoy music or take calls — they also double up as a hearing aid for those with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. It's a feature that has been quietly rolled out to more than 100 countries since getting a green light from the US FDA, and it's slowly starting to catch the attention of users across the world. Along with that, there's also something called Media Assist, which improves clarity while watching videos, listening to music, or even during phone calls. Together, these features bring the AirPods Pro 2 closer to clinical-grade hearing solutions, but with the comfort and convenience of a pair of earbuds you can use new Hearing Aid mode uses the results of a hearing test you take on your iPhone or iPad, or an audiogram provided by a hearing care professional. Based on this, your AirPods will adjust the sound output to match your specific hearing needs. It's available only on the AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware and works with devices running iOS 18 or later. Apple says the feature is designed for people aged 18 and far, Apple has rolled out this feature in over 100 major markets, like the US, UK, Australia, Japan, Germany and several others. However, if you're in India, the option to turn on the hearing aid function is still missing. That's because it hasn't received the necessary medical device clearances from regulators here. This hasn't stopped curious users from trying to find workarounds, though. According to an Economic Times report from late last year, a few Bengaluru-based engineers found a creative solution by tricking the AirPods into thinking they were in a supported region, and enabled the feature using a Faraday cage and spoofed Wi-Fi location data. Their efforts helped their family members, particularly the elderly, get access to better hearing tools in a much simpler form factor than traditional hearing aids. For users in countries where the feature is supported, setting it up is straightforward. First, make sure your AirPods Pro 2 have the latest firmware. Then, with the AirPods connected to your iPhone or iPad, head to Settings > your AirPods > Hearing Assistance. From here, you can either take a hearing test or upload previous results from a hearing professional. The feature then fine-tunes your AirPods to suit your hearing profile. It might take a bit of time to adjust, but most users find it helpful after a few days of of now, there's no official word on when the feature might become available in India. But with global accessibility improving and interest growing, it's likely just a matter of time. For now, users in supported countries can enjoy a more personalised and accessible audio experience using a device they already own.- Ends
India Today
6 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
I can't work without my earphones, but is it harming my ears?
I enter my office, swipe in to mark attendance, and walk up to my desk. I put down my bag, take my laptop out, charger, water bottle, dear diary, and most importantly, my soon as I sit down and get ready to work, I plug them in and 'Oops, battery low,' is what I hear. Dreadful. "How am I going to work now?" I panic. But hey, at least I didn't leave them at home. Small relief. That's what my brain processes in those few relatable? You're not earplugs, earphones, pods, whatever you call them, have become just another work essential. It's incredibly common to see people with little white (or red, in my case) devices tucked into their ears, typing away in deep focus. They tune out the chaos and tune in the concentration, which is why surviving without them in a chaotic place (like an office) is just not recently, when I read about a Delhi-based woman who suffered minor hearing loss after wearing AirPods for eight straight hours, I'll admit, I sat up straighter and took mine off. The scare is coming back to the big question: is it safe to use earphones for long hours, and does it really boost productivity?Does music lead to productivity?advertisementScience says yes, but with terms and conditions genre of music, whether it's instrumental or not, the nature of the work you are doing, and how your individual brain processes sound, all play a role. Studies have shown that music can be helpful, but only if these conditions match up. Wondering how? I chose to leave it to experts to explain it further. 'Music can help people focus, especially when the surrounding environment is distracting or noisy. I know patients who say they simply can't concentrate unless there's something playing in the background, it sort of gives the mind a buffer,' Dr. Umesh T, clinical director and senior consultant neurology, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, tells India he further notes that this tends to work better with instrumental or ambient music - something that doesn't grab too much attention. If it's a song with lyrics, and you are doing work that involves reading or writing, it can interfere. So, it really depends on the task and also on how a person's brain processes everyone has a different liking for sound. Some listen to instrumental music, while some prefer brown noise. (No, not every noise is chaos). There are anecdotal reports of how it helps several people improve their the uninitiated, brown noise is steady, low-pitched, and surprisingly calming. Unlike music, it doesn't carry melody or emotion, which makes it easier for your brain to anchor without distraction.'People with attention difficulties or low tolerance to background noise often find that brown noise helps them stay focused,' says Dr. Umesh. 'Music works better for repetitive tasks. For deep focus, brown noise usually keeps the brain from getting overstimulated.'Therefore, brown noise could be helpful. But if it turns into the brain's only cue to concentrate, it is not good you always listen to something while working, your mind begins to expect that cue - sound for focus. After a while, silence may feel strange or even make it harder to concentrate, according to the that doesn't mean music or background noise is bad. But some mix doing some tasks without it. Give your brain a chance to focus just by itself, without an intervention. That balance is what keeps attention has been said about music and productivity. What often gets overlooked is our relationship with the device use can be damaging? Common knowledge, right? But we still do it (guilty). And the consequences go beyond just hearing side effects no one talks aboutPlugging into your earphones and listening to a podcast or music can help with concentration in some cases, but doing it for longer hours isn't as harmless as it stylish new pod might not fit your ear canal properly and a bad fit can lead to discomfort, irritation, and in some cases, even let's talk about that wax (gross, but important).While our ears are self-cleaning marvels, there are chances of mild impairment and infection. 'Wax tends to move outward and fall off on its own when we talk or eat. When you frequently use earbuds, not only do you push the wax inward, but you also scrape off the wax along the outer walls of the ear canal. This leads to dryness, which increases irritation and the likelihood of infections or mild hearing loss,' Dr Manjunath Mk, senior consultant - ENT surgeon, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru, tells India did you know that overusing earbuds can make your ears too sensitive to real-world noise? At least, I didn't."When environmental sounds are constantly suppressed, by relying solely on earbuds or earplugs, the brain becomes less accustomed to processing natural sound stimuli," explains Dr Manjunath. Over time, this can result in auditory hypersensitivity, making individuals more irritable or less tolerant of everyday environmental sounds . long is too long?Experts say that there is no universal rule, but there is a trick up their sleeve that can be implemented. It is called the '60/60 rule' - listen at no more than 60 per cent volume for no more than 60 minutes at a like having diet tips, there are earbud etiquette too:Take 5-10 minute breaks every 30–60 minutes for the eardrums to take a your earbuds clean and push them too listening the working in silence once in a these rules, etiquettes, and mindful usage tips might sound like common sense, but clearly, they're not common practice. Not yet, at know that long hours with earbuds jammed in aren't exactly a friend to ear health. But what often slips under the radar is how constant audio input, without intention or pause, could also be quietly chipping away at our ability to focus.- EndsTrending Reel
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple deal alert: The new AirPods 4 are only a buck above their Prime Day price
Apple's AirPods Pro are great, no question. But if you're not a fan of those silicone tips, the just-updated 4th-generation AirPods 4 might be a better fit. They ditch the tips but keep all the essentials: crisp sound, water resistance, solid battery life and hands-free Siri. Right now, they're just $90 — only a buck above the lowest price we've seen. These are Apple's newest non-Pro earbuds, with Personalized Spatial Audio, a more secure fit and a MagSafe case with Find My. AirPods are some of the most sought-after earbuds on the market, and this sale makes them a lot more attainable. While they sometimes dip below $120, this is the lowest they've ever dropped outside of Prime Day, during which they were only a dollar cheaper. (If these Pods are still too rich for your blood, check out our comprehensive review of AirPods Pro alternatives under $100 — there's something for everyone.) If you don't like that feeling of having something wedged in your ear and don't need active noise cancellation (ANC), these buds are the way to go. They've gotten a bit of a makeover from previous generations. The shorter stem gives them a cleaner look, and the new quick-press controls mean no more fumbling to pause your tunes or take a call. Plus, they fit better and stay put, so you won't have to keep adjusting them while you're at the gym or running to catch the train. I use an iPhone, iPad, iMac and MacBook Pro daily, so my AirPods rarely leave my ears. While their utility extends beyond the Appleverse — they also pair perfectly fine with Android smartphones or tablets, as well as Windows laptops and desktops — you do lose out on a lot of the features that make these headphones special. AirPods 4 share quite a bit of tech with AirPods Pro, including an H2 chip, spatial audio, a wireless charging case with speaker (and USB-C charging port) and the new Head Gestures feature, which allows you to take or decline calls with a quick move of the head. And if you're caught in the rain or sweating through a tough workout, no worries — they're rated IP54 for dust, sweat and water resistance. These AirPods have over 8,400 five-star fans, and over 10,000 pairs have been snapped up in the past month. "I had some off-brand [headphones] that sounded AMAZING, but they never automatically connected and were less of an easy experience," recalled a would-be bargain hunter. "The AirPods just WORK the way you expect them to, which I missed, and am so glad I have again." "I never understood the hype around expensive earbuds and always stuck with cheaper ones," began one convert, "but my husband got me these AirPods for Christmas, and now I get it! These are a total game-changer. They're super comfortable and don't hurt my ears, even after wearing them for long periods. The sound quality is amazing, and the personalized spatial audio makes everything sound so immersive." Said this five-star fan: "The lightweight earbuds sit comfortably in your ears for extended listening sessions, and the intuitive controls make it easy to adjust volume, skip tracks and activate Siri. ... If you're an Apple user looking for a seamless audio experience, these earbuds are definitely worth considering." I concur with this "con"-trary customer's quibble: "I think that it's very cheap of Apple that they don't include the proper charging cable or the USB plug. Apple products are so expensive; you should be able to use the products immediately. Instead, I have to go pay more to get a charging cable." I'll give the last word to Yahoo Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida, who cautioned: "It ... bears mentioning that Android users are almost certainly better off with something other than AirPods, which would serve as little more than 'dumb' earbuds when paired with those phones." (Check out Rick's full review of the ANC Apple AirPods 4 here.) If you want a bit more battery life and a more customized fit, AirPods Pro might be your answer. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Influencer Patrick aka Prateek Kaushik's friend calls Lafda Memer for truce: 'Everyone does this' excuse gets shut down, memer demands public apology
The influencer world just got another shockwave. As Prateek Kaushik who goes by the username patrickposts_here, continues to face heat over alleged inappropriate chats with a teen girl, meme page Lafda Memer (lafdamemerr) has now leaked a call recording with Prateek's best friend in an 11-minute YouTube video. And it is messy. 'Almost everyone does this nowadays,' says Prateek's friend defending him In the call, Prateek's friend appears to downplay the controversy, saying, 'Almost everyone is like this these days.' But Lafda Memer swiftly calls him out, agreeing that many men do behave badly online, but making it very clear that messaging a minor is a whole different territory. 'Yes, every guy flirts these days, but not with a girl who is under 18,' Lafda responded. Apology talks hit a wall Prateek's friend was seemingly on damage control, requesting Lafda to let the issue slide. He suggested that going public with the screenshots was not the right move. But Lafda firmly stood his ground, saying he tried to reach out to Prateek twice for a conversation before going public, and was completely ignored. He then challenged Prateek to go live with him and clarify things if he had nothing to hide, adding that this won't go away unless Prateek apologises to his fans publicly. Lafda Memer demands apology and Rs 25k Things took a murkier turn when Lafda brought up an earlier incident involving another girl. He claimed that at a party, a girl was falsely accused of stealing Prateek's AirPods after she accidentally touched them. Allegedly, she was asked to cough up Rs 25,000 to avoid trouble. When Prateek's friend asked about this story, Lafda confirmed it and said the Rs 25K needs to be paid back as part of the truce, otherwise there is no closure. As the call ends, Prateek's friend says he will 'see what he can do,' but no apology or resolution has been issued as of now. Meanwhile, Lafda Memer has made his stance clear, until there's an apology or compensation, this saga is far from over. And the internet? It's watching, screenshotting, and waiting for round three!
Miami Herald
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Some of Beyoncé's unreleased music and set lists stolen from choreographer's car
New reports from Atlanta police say some of Beyoncé's unreleased work has been stolen. According to the 'Today' show, hard drives containing some of Beyoncé's unreleased music were taken from one of her choreographer's rental cars in Atlanta. In addition to unreleased music, the 'Today' show reports that the hard drives also contained unused footage plans and 'future and past set lists.' The accused break-in and theft took place on Tuesday, July 8. Beyoncé has not yet publicly responded to the reports. WSB-TV obtained the 911 to Atlanta police detailing the alleged theft. According to the station's Michael Seiden, Christopher Grant made the 911 call, reporting that his Jeep Wagoneer was broken into at 99 Krog Street. Grant told police that he parked the Jeep Wagoneer on the parking deck at the Krog Street Market around 8:09 p.m., WSB-TV reports. They later discovered the back lift gate of the Jeep was broken into and the two suitcases in the back were stolen, according to the outlet, citing police. 'Someone broke into my car,' Grant told the dispatcher, according to WSB-TV. 'I was parked in a garage while I went to a restaurant. But they stole, like my computers and everything, but it has the tracker on it.' 'They have my computers, and it's really, really important information in there,' Grant continued. 'I work with someone who's like of a high status, and I really need the, um, my computer and everything.' In an incident report obtained by WSB-TV, a responding officer 'conducted a suspicious stop in the area, due to the information that was relayed to me. There were several cars in the area also that the AirPods were pinging to in that area also. After further investigation, a silver (redacted), which had traveled into zone 5 was moving at the same time as the tracking on the AirPods.' WSB-TV reports that an arrest warrant has been issued, but no arrests have been made. Beyoncé and her team were in Atlanta on July 10 through July 14 where she performed four shows for her 'Cowboy Carter' tour at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
