This week you're going to find a lot of big sales on earbuds and headphones. The new AirPods 4, they're going for just $80. It knocks off about $50 from the price.But skip it. Seriously, skip it. Go for the AirPods Pro 2.Oh, no, Bridget. That's the old model. Yeah, I know.It's still better. You're getting the ability to use it as a hearing aid to help with hearing loss or for adjusting it to noisy environments. And it has live language translation features.>> [music] >> So, your ear is getting a translation ...

Core Points - Apple has released a new beta firmware for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4, currently available only to developers with build version 8B5014c [1] - The new firmware is likely closely related to the upcoming iOS 26.1 update, which is currently under testing [1] - A notable feature of the new firmware is the potential addition of real-time translation support for multiple new languages, including Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Chinese, enhancing the AirPods' translation capabilities [1] Group 1 - The beta firmware update simplifies the installation process for developers by adding an option in the AirPods settings interface when connected to iPhone, iPad, or Mac [4] - This innovation significantly streamlines the testing environment for developers [4]

Core Insights - Amazon is hosting its Prime Day sale, termed "Big Deal Days," on October 7-8, featuring a variety of discounts on tech products [2][4]. Group 1: Laptop Deals - The M4 MacBook Air (13-inch) is priced at $799, down from $999, offering significant value with the M4 chip and 16GB of RAM [5]. - The M4 MacBook Air (15-inch) is available for $989, reduced from $1,199, providing a larger screen option [5]. - The M4 MacBook Pro (14-inch) is priced at $1,399, down from $1,599, featuring enhanced specifications suitable for professional use [5]. - The Microsoft Surface Laptop is offered at $799, previously $999, providing a Windows alternative with a touchscreen [5]. - The Alienware 16 Aurora is discounted to $1,179.99 from $1,399.99, targeting gamers with high-performance specs [5]. - Samsung's Galaxy Book5 Pro is available for $1,199.99, down from $1,699.99, featuring a high-resolution display and robust specifications [5]. Group 2: Tablet and E-Reader Deals - The iPad (A16) is priced at $279, down from $349, making it a strong option for most users [7]. - The iPad mini is available for $379, reduced from $499, noted for its compact design and functionality [7]. - The Kindle Colorsoft is priced at $199.99, down from $249.99, featuring a color display for enhanced reading experiences [7]. - The Boox Palma 2 is available for $269.99, down from $299.99, combining Android convenience with e-ink technology [7]. Group 3: Smartphone Deals - The Google Pixel 9 is priced at $549, down from $799, representing a significant discount for a flagship model [8]. - The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is available for $749, reduced from $1,099, offering advanced features at a lower price point [8]. Group 4: Smartwatch Deals - The Apple Watch Series 10 is priced at $309, down from $429, providing a cost-effective option for smartwatch buyers [9]. - The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is available for $169.99, reduced from $249, appealing to budget-conscious consumers [9]. - The Pixel Watch 3 (41mm) is priced at $170.99, down from $249.99, targeting Android users [9]. - The Galaxy Watch Ultra is available for $534.99, reduced from $649.99, offering substantial savings on a premium smartwatch [9]. Group 5: Earbuds and Headphones Deals - The AirPods Pro 2 are priced at $169.99, down from $249, providing a competitive option in the premium earbud market [11]. - The AirPods 4 are available for $89, reduced from $129, appealing to consumers seeking affordability [11]. - The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are priced at $169, down from $229, offering great value for Android users [11]. - The Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones are available for $188, down from $348, noted for their quality and reasonable pricing [11]. Group 6: Gaming and Console Deals - The Meta Quest 3S is priced at $329, down from $399.99, appealing to VR gaming enthusiasts [13]. - The WD Black 2TB SSD for PS5 is available for $180.49, reduced from $251.99, addressing storage needs for gamers [13]. - Walmart, Best Buy, and Target are also running competitive sales during the Prime Day period, offering discounts up to 50% [12][13].

Core Insights - Apple has launched the AirPods Pro 3, maintaining the price at 1899 yuan, with significant updates in design and functionality compared to its predecessor [1][2][5]. Design Changes - The AirPods Pro 3 features a slightly larger charging case and modified earbud shape, which includes a larger top opening and a longer, thinner body [2][4]. - The charging case is not compatible with AirPods Pro 2, necessitating caution during use [4]. Sound and Noise Cancellation - A new custom multi-port acoustic architecture has been designed to enhance sound quality, resulting in a wider soundstage and clearer vocals [5]. - The active noise cancellation (ANC) capability has been improved, with the new model achieving twice the noise cancellation effectiveness compared to the previous version [5][11]. Comfort and Fit - The AirPods Pro 3 offers improved comfort due to a narrower body and a variety of ear tip sizes, although the longer design may affect stability for users with narrower ear canals [6][15]. - The use of harder silicone ear tips enhances noise isolation but may lead to a stronger feeling of foreign object presence in the ear [15]. New Features - The AirPods Pro 3 introduces heart rate monitoring, leveraging the stability of blood flow signals at the ear for more accurate readings compared to wrist-based devices [7][9]. - This feature positions the AirPods Pro 3 as a complementary device to the Apple Watch, particularly for indoor training scenarios [10]. Sound Profile - The sound profile of the AirPods Pro 3 leans towards a more pronounced character, suitable for pop music, while maintaining clarity for vocals [11][13]. - However, the sound may become muddled with complex compositions, indicating a potential limitation in audio performance for certain genres [13][15]. Overall Performance - The AirPods Pro 3 is seen as a successful attempt to expand the capabilities of wireless earbuds, particularly for users who do not prefer smartwatches but require health tracking features [18]. - Despite its advancements, the product may not be a significant upgrade for existing AirPods Pro 2 users unless they have specific needs for enhanced noise cancellation [20].

New Product Features & Performance - The live translation feature for AirPods Pro 3 is a major highlight, enabling real-time translation of conversations [1][6] - AirPods Pro 3 feature improved fit with new ear tip design and sizes, including extra small tips, enhancing user comfort and confidence [3][4] - AirPods Pro 3 incorporate a heartbeat sensor, with the iPhone intelligently selecting the more reliable heart rate data from either the watch or the AirPods [5] - The updated iPhone fitness app integrates with AirPods, allowing users to automatically start playlists or podcasts upon initiating a workout [14][15] - Microphone quality of AirPods Pro 3 is improved, making them suitable for social media video recording, though comparison with dedicated wireless mics is necessary [17][18][19] Software & Compatibility - Live language translation is available on AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, and AirPods 4, requiring iOS 26 and Apple Intelligence [6][7] - The live translation feature currently supports Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese, with Italian and several Asian languages to be added by the end of the year [10] User Experience & Limitations - Live translation is not perfect and may produce incorrect phrases, especially in fast-paced conversations or with multiple speakers [7][10][11][12] - The live translation feature is less useful for bilingual individuals, as the delayed translation can be disruptive [13] Future Developments - Upcoming features include sleep scores on the Apple Watch and a new $40 fast iPhone charger [20] - Further testing and comparisons against competitors like Google's live translation are needed [13]

Product Design & Fit - The primary concern with previous AirPods models (regular & Pro) was the fit, which was inconsistent across users [1] - AirPods Pro 3 features a more angled shape compared to the flatter AirPods Pro 2 [2] - The new design allows users to twist and adjust the fit for a more secure seal, addressing a common issue with previous models [2][3] User Experience & Performance - Users can feel the seal tightening as they adjust the AirPods Pro 3, enhancing the secureness without discomfort [3] - Testing indicates the AirPods Pro 3 remain secure even during rigorous activities like running [4] - The company recommends potential buyers with prior fit issues try the AirPods Pro 3 before purchasing [4]

Probably the two biggest improvements people were looking for in the AirPods Pro 3 are to the sound quality and noise cancelling with voice calling performance a close third. When it comes to noise cancelling, I tested them on a plane against the AirPods Pro 2 and could definitely tell a difference with the Pro 3's tamping down the cabin noise to a faint hum. I can't tell you if the noise cancelling is two times better, but it is noticeably better.When I got back to New York City, I put them up against the ...

Product Upgrades & Features - The AirPods Pro 3 maintains the $249 list price of its predecessor [2] - The AirPods Pro 3 is equipped with the same Apple H2 chip found in the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4 series, and Beats Power Beats Pro 2 [3] - Noise cancelling is claimed to be two times better than the AirPods Pro 2 [5] - The ear tips have been redesigned with memory foam infused into the silicone and now come in five sizes [5][6] - The AirPods Pro 3 now features heart rate sensors, similar to the Beats Power Beats Pro 2 [4] - The case has a new U2 chip that increases the range of precision find my by 150% [11] - The AirPods Pro 3 are now rated IP57 for water and dust resistance, upgraded from IPX4 [10] - Battery life is improved to up to eight hours with noise cancelling on, compared to six hours on the AirPods Pro 2 [11] Performance & Comparison - Noise cancelling performance is now comparable to Bose and Sony's top-tier earbuds [13][14] - Sound quality is improved with better bass definition and clarity, putting them in the league of Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 [16][17] - Voice calling performance is improved due to upgraded microphones [19]

Core Insights - Apple Inc. is set to release iOS 26 on September 15, featuring a significant redesign and new AI-driven functionalities [1] Design Overhaul - The new "Liquid Glass" interface represents Apple's most substantial design change since iOS 7, emphasizing translucency, depth, and real-time reflections [2] - This design will be consistent across multiple platforms, including iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26, ensuring a unified visual experience for users [3] AI Integration - Apple is enhancing its AI capabilities with the expansion of Apple Intelligence across core applications, introducing features like Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone, as well as contextual question answering through ChatGPT integration [3] Developer Tools - A new Foundation Models framework has been introduced to allow developers to integrate Apple's AI into third-party applications [4] Core App Redesigns - The Camera app features a simplified interface with swipe controls, while Photos now includes Spatial Scene views for 3D-like wallpapers [5] - Safari adopts Liquid Glass buttons and an optional floating tab bar, and other apps like Music, News, and Podcasts have been optimized for more screen space [5] Enhanced Communication Features - The Phone app introduces Call Screening and Hold Assist, while Messages now includes features for screening texts, customizable backgrounds, polls, and Apple Cash transfers in group chats [7] Audio and CarPlay Improvements - AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 will support studio-quality sound recording and can trigger the iPhone camera [8] - CarPlay will feature the Liquid Glass design, along with widgets and Live Activities [8] Power and Privacy Enhancements - iOS 26 introduces Adaptive Power to optimize battery life during heavy use, alongside new privacy features that include intelligent filtering in Messages and automated text summarization [10]

Core Viewpoint - Apple has removed the iPhone 16 Pro series from its official website, sparking discussions on social media about the implications for the new iPhone 17 series and consumer reactions [4][6]. Group 1: Product Launch and Pricing - Apple introduced new products including iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air, with prices ranging from 5,999 yuan to 17,999 yuan [5]. - The iPhone 16 series is now limited to the standard 16 and 16e models, while the Pro series has been completely removed from sale [6]. Group 2: Consumer Reactions - The removal of the iPhone 16 Pro series has led to various reactions from consumers, with some questioning if the new iPhone 17 Pro Max will not sell well, and others expressing regret over recent purchases of the 16 Pro [7]. - There has been a noticeable increase in the search volume for the iPhone 16 Pro on second-hand platforms like Xianyu, indicating a surge in interest for the now discontinued model [8]. Group 3: Customer Service Insights - An Apple customer service representative indicated that older models are typically removed from sale when new products are launched, but suggested that consumers might still find stock in physical stores or on platforms like Tmall [10]. - The representative also mentioned that there are no current government subsidies available on the Apple website, but consumers can benefit from trade-in discounts and interest-free installment plans [10].