The AirPods 2 coming at you quick

Apple continues to uphold its reputation as one of the leading tech giants that constantly revolutionizes the smartphone game. After all, each flagship and accessories release is intently listened to and oftentimes changes the game as we’ve just become accustomed to it.

In 2016, the Cupertino-based company cut the proverbial umbilical earphone cord when it released its first AirPods, together with the iPhone 7—much to everyone’s surprise. Many hardcore iPhone fans were quite taken aback by the sudden change. While some weren’t quite ready to embrace the new tech when it was introduced, we now know just how the market has come to enjoy it in all its glory.

With each generation of the iPhone since, there has been a growing anticipation for the AirPods 2, which is set to be the most revolutionary ear accessory in history. Rumors are swirling that they’re coming in this year, so if you plan to shop around for the latest wireless earphones, it might be best to wait for the AirPods 2 to experience the latest in this space.

Siri Integration

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The new AirPods are expected to feature integrated voice activation, which means you can access Apple’s resident virtual assistant by simply saying, “Hey, Siri.” For a completely hands-free experience while listening to your tunes, you can simply ask the AI to swap songs or increase the volume.

Water Resistance

Image via iMore

There’s no swimming with the AirPods 2—they donm’t have the same true waterproofing that the Apple Watch has. However, the second generation does come with some water repellent coating so there’s no need to worry if you’re walking under some light rain.

Fitness Tracking

Image via Mashable

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Apple filed a patent for biometric sensors that would allow the AirPods 2 to have fitness tracking capabilities. Theoretically, these could help monitor both heart rate and stroke volume. When combined, the AirPods could even calculate cardiac output. If all things go according to plan, they would be much better at determining just how fit a person is rather than just measuring vitals.

Better Sound Output

Image via Apple

Another patent by Apple suggests that the company is working on some nifty tech involving how earbuds handle outside noise while dissipating pressure from the inner ear. It shows a valve system that would let sound escape the ear canal, thus eliminating that reverberating effect that happens when you speak while wearing earbuds.

The patent also describes how earbuds would handle ambient noise by using a microphone to filter in noise from your surroundings. This way, you’ll be aware of what’s going on while listening to your music.

Wireless charging

Image via NDTV

Apple has already dived into the world of wireless charging with its AirPower mat, which supports both the iPhone 8 models and up, the Apple Watch 3 and the current AirPods via different charging case. Given that it already supports the first-gen AirPods, it’s expected that AirPower would support the AirPods 2, which would allow you to charge all your Apple products on a single charging pad.

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There’s plenty to be excited about with these new features. A must-have? Definitely.