Apple AirPods 4 adds ANC to mainstream earbuds

Photo: Apple

Apple's mainstream AirPods gets an upgrade. Apple launches two versions of the AirPods 4. And one of them introduces Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to its mainstream buds. We're wondering how it works with earbuds featuring an open design, a.k.a. one without silicone tips.

Apple hasn't drastically changed the design, but it refined it to make it fit better. It also features a new internal acoustic architecture to boost audio quality. The AirPods 4 inherits software features from the AirPods Pro like adaptive audio, conversation awareness, and transparency mode. You get these features with the ANC model.

Another new feature for the AirPods 4 is its charging capabilities. They now have smaller charging cases. And that charging case now supports USB-C charging. And if you pick up the ANC model, it supports Qi wireless charging, too.

The Apple AirPods 4 is available for CA$179 and CA$249 for the ANC variant. It will be available in stores starting September 20.

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Katy Perry showed off QR code tattoo at 2024 MTV VMAs

Katy Perry attended the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards as the Video Vanguard Awardee for the year. She drew a lot of buzz on the red carpet. But it wasn't for the Who Decides War outfit. Instead, it was about what was tattooed on her skin. On her lower back, you see a QR code etched in black ink.

Those who scanned it found a pre-save link to Perry's upcoming album, 143. It's a clever little marketing trick to promote her music. And whether you consider it "unserious" or "genius," it got people talking about what she has in the pipeline. She isn't the first to use QR codes for marketing. Remember how Coinbase crashed its app because of sudden interest after its QR code ad during the Super Bowl back in 2022?

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Signia launches hearing devices that are...dare we say, cool?

Over 1.5 million people suffer from hearing loss, but most don’t want to admit it. In a recent study among Canadian adults between the ages of 40 and 79, just 8% of men and 5% of women admitted to hearing impairment, but when experts evaluated their hearing, the results were alarming; 63% of men and 46% of women had measurable hearing loss, showcasing a deep-seated stigma around hearing loss and a subsequent aversion to hearing aids.

Signia, a global leader in hearing aids, is devoted to shattering this stigma once and for all to help improve the quality of life for hearing-impaired consumers with the launch of its newest product: Signia Active Pro IX - now available in Canada.

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Apple AirPods Max gets new colours, USB-C charging

Photo: Apple

There aren't any new features coming to the Apple AirPods Max. But there are more colour options now. You can get it in midnight, starlight, blue, purple, and orange. It can now match with other Apple products like the Mac and iPad. Apple refreshed its premium headphones to offer USB-C charging, too. The new AirPods Max is now available for pre-order. It is coming to stores starting September 20. It retails for CA$779.

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