Apple celebrates Chinese New Year with special edition AirPods Pro

Limited edition Apple products aren't that common, so people always pay attention when the tech company releases some. One of the newest special edition Apple gadgets is this limited-edition AirPods Pro that's inspired by the upcoming Chinese New Year, which ushers in the Year of the Ox. The special true wireless earbuds will be available in select Asian countries, including China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Apple even has a customized logo on these countries' home pages to celebrate the occasion.

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Apple announces service program for AirPods Pro with crackling/static problems, ANC issues

Apple has just announced a worldwide service program for AirPods Pro units experiencing static or crackling sounds and problems with Active Noise Cancellation.

Affected AirPods were manufactured before October 2020, which means it covers a broad range of units. Apple says it only affects a "small percentage of AirPods Pro." 

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Apple will reportedly release redesigned AirPods next year

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It's been over a year and a half since the second-generation AirPods were released and almost a year since the AirPods Pro's launch, so it's not surprising that there are rumours Apple plans to revamp both wireless earbuds. Both will supposedly get new designs and better chips. The Pro might lose the signature stems, making it look similar to the Galaxy Buds Plus and Pixel Buds. It will still have noise-cancellation, though. The challenge is trying to fit the components in a smaller form factor. 

Meanwhile, the entry-level AirPods will inherit some of the Pro's design with a shorter stem and replaceable ear-tips. It will reportedly get a better battery life, too. According to Bloomberg, we can expect the new AirPods as early as the first half of 2021.

Apple AirPods get automatic switching, 'Spatial Audio'

Apple adds some new features for its AirPods earbuds, which it announced at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference. One useful addition is automatic switching. As the name suggests, it automatically switches audio inputs based on the Apple device you're using through your iCloud account. So, from your iPhone to your iPad to your Mac, it'll be a seamless transition. And if you get a call on your iPhone, then it'll automatically switch back to your phone. The feature is coming to the AirPods Pro, second-generation AirPods, Powerbeats, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Solo Pro via a firmware update.

On top of that, the AirPods Pro is getting a new "Spatial Audio" feature. It provides 3D, surround sound-like audio for these earbuds to offer what Apple calls a "movie theatre experience." The AirPods Pro will continuously recalibrate according to the position of your head as well as how you position your device.

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