Latest news with #USB-C
Digital Trends
11 hours ago
- Business
- Digital Trends
AirPods Max flaw means you might not be listening to lossless audio, but there's a fix
When Apple announced that it had added lossless, USB Audio to the USB-C version of the AirPods Max, I was very keen to try it out. Especially given that Apple launched the USB-C version without the feature (or an analog input), a move I couldn't understand at all. As soon as Apple was kind enough to send me a review unit, I checked for the latest firmware, plugged the AirPods Max into my iPhone 16 and … it sounded exactly the same as Bluetooth. Recommended Videos Something's not right As an audio reviewer, this is the kind of moment that can create a professional crisis. I have been extolling the virtues of high-quality Bluetooth codecs like LDAC and aptX Adaptive for years, on the basis that they sound better than lower-quality ones like SBC and AAC. When wireless headphones began to support lossless audio via USB-C, I cheered that development for the same reason. So when I failed to hear a difference between the AirPods Max's lossy, AAC-based Bluetooth connection and their lossless, hi-res USB Audio connection, I seriously began to question myself. After all, the AirPods Max might not be everyone's preferred set of cans, but most would agree that they sound very good. There's no reason why they shouldn't let me hear the improved detail, depth, and smoothness that I've come to expect from lossless audio. Maybe my ears are going? I'm not a 20-something anymore, and as we age, a certain amount of high-frequency loss is nearly unavoidable. I kid you not, I started to wonder how much longer I could realistically continue to call myself an audio reviewer. The greatest source of my doubts didn't come from my ears, however. It came from Apple's audio output menu in iOS. Do you believe your ears or your eyes? Normally, when you connect the AirPods Max, AirPods Pro, or any other Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, and then open Apple Music on an iPhone, at the bottom of the Now Playing screen, you'll see your connected device listed. If it's an Apple device, you'll see a custom icon plus the model name. If it's a third-party device, it shows a generic Bluetooth icon instead. When you connect the AirPods Max via the USB-C cable, that icon doesn't change. But if you tap on it, it brings up the full audio output menu. That's where you'll now see the words 'USB Audio' under the entry for the AirPods Max. If you unplug the cable, those words disappear. The audio output menu in iOS shows USB Audio when a cable is connected (left). Seems pretty straightforward — the iPhone clearly recognizes when the AirPods Max are connected via USB-C and changes the audio path from Bluetooth to USB Audio. Except that's not what happens. The audio path stays with the Bluetooth connection. How do I know? I disabled the iPhone's Bluetooth and listened again. The difference isn't night and day (going lossless rarely provides a massive boost in quality), but it is noticeable when listening critically. My favorite tracks for testing improved fidelity are those where you can pay attention to individual instruments or vocals. Rap, hard rock, and EDM aren't great genres from that point of view, but classical, jazz, and singer-songwriter tracks can expose lossless nuances (and conversely, they can expose lossy degradation). Tracy Chapman's Fast Car — a favorite for audiophiles ever since Dr Sean Olive began using it as a primary test track for evaluating speaker performance at Canada's National Research Council in the late 1980s — is a great example, as is Silver Springs by Matt Berninger and Gail Ann Dorsey. In both cases, vocals become smoother when listening losslessly, with less emphasis on just the high frequencies. Bass notes, particularly those created by string instruments, possess a texture and tonality that often gets flattened by lossy compression. That's the subjective way of evaluating it. There are objective indicators, too. Trust, but verify Qobuz won't confirm that the AirPods Max are connected via USB Audio unless you disable Bluetooth. Apple Music and Tidal use iOS's built-in output menu as described above, but Qobuz uses its own output menu, and it reports very different information. Before you plug the USB-C cable in, Qobuz shows the AirPods Max as connected via Bluetooth. It should change to USB Audio after you plug the cable in, but instead, it continues to show Bluetooth as active. However, if you disable the iPhone's Bluetooth connection, Qobuz accurately reports that the AirPods Max are connected via USB Audio. Strangely, in both modes, Qobuz claims the headphones can support up to 24-bit/192kHz, which is impossible when using the AirPods Max's AAC Bluetooth codec. MacOS also suffers from a similar inconsistency when reporting the connection type. When you pull the AirPods Max out of their case (which wakes them from their low-power mode), they automatically connect to your Mac. If you check the Mac's sound settings, it reports the AirPods Max as an output device connected via Bluetooth — as you'd expect. Plug in the USB-C cable, and the Mac's sound drop-down menu changes to say USB Audio, but tellingly, the full sound settings menu continues to report a Bluetooth connection. Once again, the Qobuz app is our canary in a coal mine. It doesn't report that the AirPods Max are connected via USB until you shut down the Mac's Bluetooth connections. At that point, all three menus (Qobuz, macOS sound settings, macOS sound output drop-down) agree that the AirPods Max are connected via USB. Bizarrely, the switch from Bluetooth to USB audio seems to work correctly (if not quite as seamlessly) on Android. Plugging the USB-C cable into a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, for instance, instantly disconnects the AirPods Max's Bluetooth connection and pauses any playing music. When you hit play, the audio is sent via USB-C. The other notable difference is volume level, which is no longer indexed correctly. Even when the phone says you're at max volume, the volume dial on the headphones can still push volume higher — they work independently. When you unplug the cable, the BT connection resumes. Qobuz on Android before (left) during (center), and after (right) you use the USB-C cable to connect the AirPods Max to a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Of course, because it's Android, each handset works differently. On my Galaxy S23 Ultra, Qobuz correctly identifies the AirPods Max when in USB mode, but on my Motorola ThinkPhone, it never recognizes them as an output device. Instead, it routes audio to the ThinkPhone's audio drivers, which send it to the AirPods Max — very hard to tell whether the resulting audio is bit-perfect at that point, but it still sounds better than Bluetooth. I reached out to Apple's AirPods team with my findings and asked if they could confirm and/or reproduce these results, but so far, I haven't received a response. I acknowledge that much of this is geeky, audiophile-level obsession over small details. However, lossless audio is, for many headphone fans, the gold standard for digital music. If you decide to buy the AirPods Max with USB-C in part because it can deliver lossless audio, you should feel confident that you're getting it — even if you may not be listening critically enough to appreciate every single subtlety that lossless provides. And most importantly, it should just work. Not only should you be able to hear the difference, but you should also be able to use the built-in menus and settings within iOS and macOS to verify that your connection is lossless. And it should all work without having to shut down your device's Bluetooth connections manually — a workaround I hope we won't need for much longer.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Last-Minute Memorial Day Deal: Save Up to $3,560 on Oupes Power Stations, Solar Generators and More
If you live in an area with frequent power outages or severe storms, or you're a fan of outdoor adventures, you know how important investing in a good power solution is. Power stations, solar generators, extra batteries and more can come in handy when you're in the middle of nowhere or are facing a blackout. These, however, are not exactly budget buys -- but that changes today. Oupes, one of our go-to brands for power gear, is currently running a flash sale that kicked off on Memorial Day and wraps up today. You can also save with the Go Camping promotion on the site that runs through May 30. Some of the top-rated models are currently seeing steep discounts of up to 50% off, and select solar kits even come with free gifts thrown in. Flash sale items can be grabbed at their lowest prices seen in 90 days. Just be sure to act fast -- you don't have long to take advantage of this sale. Oupes flash sale: Up to 50% off See at Oupes If you're in need of a portable power station, our experts highly recommend checking Mega 1 out. This one gets you 13 outputs, with two USB-C ports (100 watts), four AC ports (2,000 watts), four USB-A ports (18 watts), one car outlet (120 watts) and two DC 5521 ports. It can deliver an impressive 2,000 watts continuous output, while the 1,024Wh battery can be expanded to up to 5.12kWh with additional B2 batteries. Right now, you can grab it for just $459, after a massive $240 drop. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Looking for something else? Here are some more deals worth checking out: Mega 5 portable power station: $1,799 (save $1,700. Ends today) Exodus 2400 portable power station: $749 (save $750) Mega 2 portable power station with 240W solar panel: $999 (save $920, plus get a free gift. Ends today) Mega 5 portable solar generator kit + two 240W solar panels: $2,199 (save $2,140, plus get a free gift. Ends today) Mega 5 portable solar generator kit + B5 extra battery + six 240W solar panels: $4,059 (save $3,560, plus get a free gift. Ends today) There is more on sale, including select accessories. If you spot something you like, don't wait too long -- it could end up in disappointment! Power solutions tend to be expensive, regardless of how small the unit is. This flash sale offers an excellent opportunity to save big on some of the most reliable options in the market. Just note that it ends soon, so you might want to hurry.
Android Authority
2 days ago
- Business
- Android Authority
Save a record 45% on the Anker Prime 6-in-1 USB-C charging station
Anker is the go-to name for affordable charging options, so anyone looking to upgrade the outlets in their home or office might be interested in this offer. The Anker Prime 6-in-1 USB-C charging station, which retails for $110, is down to just $59.99 in a limited-time Amazon deal. Anker Prime 6-in-1 USB-C Charging Station for $59.99 ($50 off) We've only tracked the Anker Prime device at this all-time low price once, and it's certainly never been cheaper on Amazon. While technically it's a third-party seller, that seller is the manufacturer, so you can trust it's legit. Anker Prime 6-in-1 USB-C Charging Station Anker Prime 6-in-1 USB-C Charging Station With two AC outlets, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports, this power strip is a versatile charging solution that powers up to six devices simultaneously. See price at Amazon Save $50.00 Limited Time Deal! The charging station packs two AC outlets, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports into a slim and travel-friendly design — perfect for powering up to six devices at once. Despite its compact size, it delivers a whopping 140W of power, enough to fully charge a MacBook Pro in just over an hour. The five-foot detachable cord adds some flexibility, and there's a little display to show real-time power info. At the time of writing, almost 60% of the Anker Prime deal had already been claimed, so you may not have long to capitalize on it. The widget above takes you to it.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Miami Herald
Tech review: Powerbeats Pro 2 are ready for your sweaty workout
I've turned into one of those people who wear earbuds all day at work. We don't have traditional phones at my office. We use Microsoft Teams as our voice phones, so when the phone rings, I usually answer it on my computer. And because I work with three other people in one big room, we all use headphones. I have been wearing Apple's AirPods Pro 2, paired to my Dell laptop. I love the AirPods, but sometimes they don't stay in my ears very well. A few months ago, I started reading about Beats by Dre's Powerbeats Pro 2 True Wireless Sport Earbuds, which reminds me a lot of the AirPods Pro 2, but they have an over-the-ear loop to keep them in place. Most of you probably know Apple owns Beats. This means Beats headphones and earbuds have the latest Apple technology inside that facilitates automatic pairing with Apple devices as well as cool sound features like noise cancellation, adaptive EQ and spatial audio. What's new? The original Powerbeats Pro were released in 2019, so Beats has had plenty of time to plan and produce the new version to make it better - and I think they did. The Powerbeats Pro 2 uses Apple's H2 chip for improved audio quality, one-touch pairing, automatic device switching, audio sharing and sound management with active noise canceling and transparency mode, which brings in some sounds from outside so you can hear your surroundings. One of the biggest additions is heart rate monitoring. There are sensors on each bud that can accurately monitor your heart rate and send it to the Apple Health app and other compatible apps on your iPhone or Android phone. It works automatically with apps like Nike Run Club, Runna, Peloton and a few others. They are built with an ear loop to keep them firmly in your ear. Beats says they conducted more than 1,500 hours of testing with more than 1,000 athletes to come up with the design that produces what they call their "best fitting headphones - ever." You can customize the fit with four sets of silicone ear tips so you can tailor the tip to fit snuggly in your ear canal, because the sound quality and noise cancellation depends on how well the tips seal in your ears. The ear hook is made from a nickel-titanium alloy that is very light and flexible but still keeps its shape. The buds are 20 percent lighter than the previous version and they are very comfortable and stay in place wonderfully when you get the fit just right. The buds are sweat and water resistant, but not for water sports (no swimming). Each bud has a 10-hour battery life, and the battery in the case can charge them up four times for a total of up to 45 hours of playback. USB-C charging is fast. Five minutes of charging will net you 90 minutes of listening. Because of the ear hook design, the case is rather large at 3 inches by 2.6 inches by 1.3 inches. It fits in my front pocket, but because of the size, I tend to put the buds on in the morning and leave the case on my desk. Speaking of charging, the case charges with USB-C or it can sit on a Qi-compatible wireless charger. The case also shows up in the Find My app on your iPhone, so maybe you won't lose them. There are physical buttons on each bud. There's a rocker button for volume up and down and a button behind the B logo you can use to play/pause music as well as answer and hang up calls. I prefer the physical buttons, as they are easier to tell when you press them. How do they sound? Like most other earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro 2 sound quality will depend on how well they seal in your ear and how well they stay in place. When you bring them home, take your time and try the different ear tips to see which ones seal the best in your ear canal. I still think the AirPods Pro 2 sound a bit better, but the Beats are designed for your workout, and they are much better at staying in place when you're on the move. I do think the noise canceling does a good job of keeping out the mundane noise like traffic or office background noise. I now own both the AirPods Pro 2 and Powerbeats Pro 2 and the Beats get the most use. Pricing The Powerbeats Pro 2 cost $249.99 and they are available in Jet Black, Quicksand, Hyper Purple and Electric Orange. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Anker's new Soundcore P41i earbud case will charge more than just your earbuds
The charging case is rarely the most exciting part of a new set of earbuds, but Anker's new Soundcore P41i might be worth the upgrade just for the case, making it one of the best power banks. The new case features a status screen, a large 3,000 mAh battery that can charge your earbuds for up to a week or partially charge a smartphone. As a comparison, the charging case of the Apple AirPods Pro 2 only has a 525 mAh battery. The case features a built-in USB-C cable that also acts as a wrist strap. It also comes with a lightning adapter for older iPhones. According to Anker, the case can charge a dead iPhone 16 Pro to about 50% or a Samsung Galaxy S24 to 45%. Though the charging speed is 10W, don't expect a fast charge. The case can also act as a phone stand. The earbuds are designed to last up to 12 hours on a single charge, with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) off. The case can boost that up to 192 hours, giving you just over a week of near continuous use. Depending on how much you use your earbuds, that might mean you could get around a month of use before charging the case. The Soundcore P41i earbuds offer adaptive ANC thanks to six microphones, which can be adjusted via the Soundcore app. It comes with 11mm composite drivers with sound that is "enhanced" using Anker's BassUp technology. There's Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with multi-point and fast pairing. The earbuds also have IPX5 water resistance, so they can handle a little water but probably don't want to take a dip. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The lack of detail on the sound means the audio probably won't blow you away, but with these earbuds, you're buying that power bank charging case and super-long use time. The Soundcore P41i earbuds are available for purchase in the UK for £89.99 (about $100) but are expected to see a global release soon. The previous earbuds in the P4 line were available in the US.
