Apple has officially announced the AirPods Pro 3, marking a significant leap in the evolution of wireless audio technology. Building upon the success of its predecessors, the AirPods Pro 3 boasts a suite of advanced features, including enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), real-time Live Translation, and integrated heart-rate monitoring. Pre-orders are available now, with the official launch slated for September 19.
Superior Active Noise Cancellation
The AirPods Pro 3 takes noise cancellation to the next level, offering up to twice the noise cancellation performance compared to the AirPods Pro 2 and four times that of the original AirPods Pro. This remarkable improvement is achieved through a combination of advanced technologies, including ultra-low noise microphones, computational audio processing, and innovative foam-infused ear tips. The new ear tips, while still silicone on the outside, incorporate foam on the inside, providing superior passive noise isolation, particularly for high-frequency sounds like human voices. Whether you're commuting on a busy train, working in a bustling office, or simply seeking tranquility at home, the AirPods Pro 3 creates an immersive audio experience by effectively blocking out distractions.
Real-Time Live Translation
Breaking down language barriers, the AirPods Pro 3 introduces real-time Live Translation, powered by Apple Intelligence. This feature enables users to communicate effortlessly with people who speak different languages. Utilizing a connected iPhone and the Translate app, the AirPods Pro 3 can translate spoken language and deliver the translation directly to your ears. The translation happens in real-time, though there is a slight delay. When the translation feature is active, the AirPods Pro 3 automatically activate ANC to reduce the speaker's voice, allowing you to clearly hear the translated audio. Live Translation supports English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish initially, with plans to add Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese [Simplified] by the end of the year.
For a truly seamless experience, Live Translation works best when both individuals have AirPods Pro 3. In this scenario, each person receives the translation privately in their own ears, while ambient sound is briefly reduced. While the one-person experience relies on reading subtitles off an iPhone screen or listening to a robotic voice through the phone speakers.
Integrated Heart-Rate Monitoring
Catering to fitness enthusiasts, the AirPods Pro 3 incorporates heart-rate monitoring directly into the earbuds. Employing a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, similar to that found in the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, the AirPods Pro 3 measures light absorption in blood flow to track your heart rate during workouts. This data is visible within the Fitness app, as well as in other compatible apps like Nike Run Club, Ladder, Runna, and Peloton. The heart rate tracking feature monitors stats for over 50 different workouts. While not as comprehensive as the Apple Watch's heart rate monitoring, the AirPods Pro 3 provides valuable insights into your workout intensity and overall fitness.
The ear canal location offers advantages over wrist-based monitoring, being closer to major arteries and less affected by motion during workouts.
Additional Features and Improvements
Beyond the highlighted features, the AirPods Pro 3 offers a range of enhancements, including:
The AirPods Pro 3 represents a significant step forward in wireless audio technology, combining exceptional sound quality, advanced features, and a comfortable design. With its enhanced ANC, real-time Live Translation, and integrated heart-rate monitoring, the AirPods Pro 3 is poised to become an essential companion for music lovers, travelers, and fitness enthusiasts alike. The AirPods Pro 3 are priced at $249.
