During Monday’s keynote address at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple announced numerous new AirPods upgrades.
The Cupertino-based tech behemoth has introduced new gesture-based controls for interacting with Siri, head-tracking capabilities for gaming, and better sound quality during phone chats.
These capabilities will only be available on particular AirPods. Currently, Apple Developer Programme members can try these features in developer beta. Notably, a recent source indicated that the tech behemoth is working on a more cheap version of its truly wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds, which might be released later this year.
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) have additional features
While AirPods did not dominate the news cycle at the WWDC 2024 keynote, Apple did unveil several significant advancements to its TWS devices. The AirPods Pro (2nd Generation), which debuted in September 2023 with the H2 chipset, now include additional features enabled by Apple silicon.
Gesture-based Siri engagements will allow users to reply to the virtual assistant without using spoken or tap-based responses. With this feature, AirPods Pro 2 owners may respond to Siri announcements by nodding or shaking their heads. Apple claims this might be useful when the user is in a crowded or quiet environment and may not want to shout out.
SThe H2 chipset enables iri Interactions, which let users to answer or decline calls, engage with messages, handle notifications, and do other things using gestures.
Voice Isolation is another new function available only with the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation). This capability is already accessible on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and it is now being added to the new AirPods Pro.
Voice Isolation increases the speaker’s voice quality and reduces background noise, resulting in crisper audio during conversations. The business stated that it added this capability to the TWS gadget using machine learning and the H2 chipset.
AirPods get personalized spatial audio during gaming.
Apple is also introducing Personalised Spatial Audio to various AirPods models. This
function includes dynamic head tracking, which is engaged when the user plays a game while wearing the TWS earbuds. While intended for gaming, it will also provide immersive audio when listening to music, viewing movies, and so on.
Users with AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) will be able to use this function to improve audio latency when gaming on their iPhones.
They will also receive 16-bit, 48KHz audio quality while communicating with teammates and other players within a game hosted on its servers.
FAQ’s
What is the Voice Isolation feature on AirPods?
The Voice Isolation feature on AirPods uses advanced algorithms to minimize background noise and prioritize the user’s voice during calls, providing clearer audio quality to the person on the other end.
Which AirPods models support Voice Isolation?
Voice Isolation is available on AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and AirPods Max. It may also be supported on newer models depending on software updates.
How do I enable Voice Isolation on my AirPods?
During a call, swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen to open the Control Center. Tap on the ‘Mic Mode’ and select ‘Voice Isolation.’
