Quote:
Originally Posted by pwalker8
Once again, after digesting, one of the cooler things that I noticed was the ability to use your AirPods almost as hearing aids, I guess it's like those devices you see advertised on late night TV and obscure cable channels that allow people who are a bit hard of hearing to focus on conversations. It wasn't clear to me if this was just for the next generation AirPods, or it this will be available for all AirPods. I can actually use that. I have trouble following conversations in a noisy environment. It looked like they have similar technology that allows you to block external noises when you are on the phone as well.
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Okay I went back and rewatched the AirPods section of the Keynote video which appears at about 34:20-37:40. I turned on CC to ensure I heard everything properly.
Conversation Boost
- Specifically states AirPods Pro but doesn’t mention non-pro model.
- Helps those with mild hearing challenges.
- Uses computational audio and beamforming microphones to focus the AirPods Pro on the person talking in front of you (assuming you are facing them).
- You can also reduce the amount of ambient noise in settings.
So I doubt the AirPods Pro will really work as hearing aids as such. Basically it looks like they are pointing the mics right at the person’s face you are talking to, similar to reporters thrusting a mic near the mouth of the person they are interviewing. Reducing the ambient noise level will probably help out a lot too. I suspect the AirPods Pro will help with face to face conversation, but I’m skeptical these are nearly as sophisticated as they make them seem.
Spatial Audio
Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking is now coming to tvOS. The guy in the Keynote video shows the AirPods Pro, and then the AirPods Max, but it isn’t clear if both support spatial audio with dynamic head tracking while watching the ATV.
Personally I hate wearing headsets as they are uncomfortable since I wear eyeglasses, plus they make my ears sweat. But if spatial audio works on the AirPods Pro then they might be an option for watching TV, although at $250 they are way overpriced. The AirPods Max cost an insane $550, so there is no way I would buy them even if they were comfortable to wear!