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Second-gen AirPods: Look, Siri, no hands
Apple has just announced its second-generation AirPods, which stand as the world’s most popular wireless headphones; granted, popular doesn’t always mean best according to our sister site SoundGuys. Listeners will, however, experience improvements from the new H1 chip, which usurps the W1 chip and facilitates hands-free activation of Siri. Additionally, the new iteration include either the standard charging case or one that supports wireless charging, the latter of which includes a higher price tag.
With the addition of the “Hey Siri” command, the Apple’s true wireless earbuds pose an even greater threat to Google Assistant headphones. The virtual assistant can change songs, make calls, adjust the volume, and read directions via the hot word. Additionally, the company’s H1 chip further improves device synchronization and communication. It grants the headset 50 percent more talk time than the first generation while alternating between iOS devices is twice as fast as before.
The new AirPods are available to order and arrive in Apple stores next week. The standard charging case version retails for $159, and the wireless charging case version retails for $199. The standalone charging case can be had for $79.