Pop star Richard Marx helped an air crew restrain a man after he "attacked passengers and crew" on a Korean Air flight.
The Right Here Waiting singer stepped in when the man started pushing flight attendants and grabbing them by the hair.
At one point, the 1980s and 1990s songwriter and performer used a rope to tie the man to his seat.
He posted a series of pictures on his Twitter feed and Facebook pages showing the struggle with the passenger.
He tweeted: "You will be hearing about our flight#480 on @KoreanAir_KE . Passenger next to us attacked passengers and crew."
He said the "entire chaotic and dangerous event" lasted four hours.
He added on Facebook: "My wife and I are safe but one crew member and two passengers were injured.
"The all female crew was clueless and not trained as to how to restrain this psycho and he was only initially subdued when I and a couple other male passengers intervened.
"He then later easily broke his restraints and attacked more crew and another passenger. When we landed in Seoul police boarded the plane.
"Heading home to Los Angeles soon but Korean Air should be sanctioned for not knowing how to handle a situation like this without passenger interference."
Referring to his former MTV VJ wife Daisy Fuentes he later added: "Daisy and I are home safe and sound. No big "hero" move at all. Just did what I would hope anyone would do in same situation. Tnx 4 concern"
The couple were travelling from Hanoi in Vietnam to Seoul, South Korea on Korean flight 480 at the time when the unruly passenger allegedly began attacking others on board.
Fuentes later wrote on her Facebook page: "On our flight from Hanoi to Seoul a guy sitting in the next row from us got crazy & started attacking the flight attendants & passengers.
"When he started pushing the female staff and pulling them by the hair Richard was the first to help subdue him.
"This went on for FOUR hrs. I feel horrible for the abuse the staff had to endure but no one was prepared for this.
"They never fully got control of him. They didn't know how to use the taser & they didn't know how to secure the rope around him (he got loose from their rope restraints 3 times)."
One of the pictures on her Facebook page shows an air stewardess pointing a Taser while another shows a man with ropes wrapped around his arms and shoulders, apparently strapped to his chair.
Korean Air told Business Insider in a statement: "According to the response protocol, Korean Air's flight attendants have subdued the unruly passenger and tied him up with ropes."
The airline added that the passenger had been turned over to the police at Seoul's Incheon Airport.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Mark Zuckerberg builds an AI assistant to run his house — and entertain his toddler
Mark Zuckerberg has a new housemate: Jarvis, an artificial intelligence assistant he created this year that can control appliances, play music, recognize faces and, perhaps most impressively, entertain his toddler.
The Facebook founder spent 100 hours putting together the virtual assistant — named after the artificial intelligence system in “Iron Man” — which understands spoken commands as well as text messages, he wrote in a 3,000-word Facebook post Monday.
Among Jarvis’s skills: adjusting the home thermostat, turning on lights and operating the toaster. The virtual assistant texts Zuckerberg images of visitors who stop by during the day and opens the front door for those it recognizes. It can also tell when Zuckerberg’s 1-year-old daughter, Max, wakes up “so it can start playing music or a Mandarin lesson,” he wrote.
In a tongue-in-cheek video he posted Tuesday on Facebook, Zuckerberg offers an example of Jarvis at work: “Max woke up a few minutes ago. I’m entertaining her,” the virtual assistant (voiced by Morgan Freeman) tells Zuckerberg, before turning his attention to the toddler. “Good morning Max, let’s practice our Mandarin.”
The year-long project was part of an effort to learn about the state of artificial intelligence, Zuckerberg wrote, and also an opportunity to experiment with cutting-edge technology at a time when voice-activated assistants like Amazon’s Echo and Google Home are gaining widespread popularity. (Amazon.com founder Jeffrey P. Bezos owns The Washington Post.)
At this point, I mostly just ask Jarvis to “play me some music” and by looking at my past listening patterns, it mostly nails something I’d want to hear. If it gets the mood wrong, I can just tell it, for example, “that’s not light, play something light”, and it can both learn the classification for that song and adjust immediately. It also knows whether I’m talking to it or Priscilla is, so it can make recommendations based on what we each listen to. In general, I’ve found we use these more open-ended requests more frequently than more specific asks. No commercial products I know of do this today, and this seems like a big opportunity.
[Google’s smart home hub is promising, but still a work in progress]
Building the robot was the easier — and less time-consuming — of his two goals for the year, he said. The other was to run 365 miles in 2016.
“Now I have a pretty good system that understands me and can do lots of things,” Zuckerberg, adding that he’s tried to give his robot a sense of humor. “I’ve taught it fun little games like Priscilla or I can ask it who we should tickle and it will randomly tell our family to all go tickle one of us, Max or Beast. I’ve also had fun adding classic lines like ‘I’m sorry, Priscilla. I’m afraid I can’t do that.’”
But there are also some kinks to work out, particularly around voice commands. When Zuckerberg demonstrated the technology for a Fast Company story, he had to ask the robot to turn off the lights four times before it complied. Shutting down the music took another two tries. (“Wow, that’s like the most fails that it’s ever had,” the 32-year-old told the reporter, visibly embarrassed.)
Next up, Zuckerberg plans to create an Android app for the robot and connect it to more appliances around the house, such as his Big Green Egg grill. The ultimate challenge, he says, is “to build a system that could learn completely new skills on its own.”
”In the longer term, I’d like to explore teaching Jarvis how to learn new skills itself rather than me having to teach it how to perform specific tasks,” he wrote. “If I spent another year on this challenge, I’d focus more on learning how learning works.”
The Facebook founder spent 100 hours putting together the virtual assistant — named after the artificial intelligence system in “Iron Man” — which understands spoken commands as well as text messages, he wrote in a 3,000-word Facebook post Monday.
Among Jarvis’s skills: adjusting the home thermostat, turning on lights and operating the toaster. The virtual assistant texts Zuckerberg images of visitors who stop by during the day and opens the front door for those it recognizes. It can also tell when Zuckerberg’s 1-year-old daughter, Max, wakes up “so it can start playing music or a Mandarin lesson,” he wrote.
In a tongue-in-cheek video he posted Tuesday on Facebook, Zuckerberg offers an example of Jarvis at work: “Max woke up a few minutes ago. I’m entertaining her,” the virtual assistant (voiced by Morgan Freeman) tells Zuckerberg, before turning his attention to the toddler. “Good morning Max, let’s practice our Mandarin.”
The year-long project was part of an effort to learn about the state of artificial intelligence, Zuckerberg wrote, and also an opportunity to experiment with cutting-edge technology at a time when voice-activated assistants like Amazon’s Echo and Google Home are gaining widespread popularity. (Amazon.com founder Jeffrey P. Bezos owns The Washington Post.)
At this point, I mostly just ask Jarvis to “play me some music” and by looking at my past listening patterns, it mostly nails something I’d want to hear. If it gets the mood wrong, I can just tell it, for example, “that’s not light, play something light”, and it can both learn the classification for that song and adjust immediately. It also knows whether I’m talking to it or Priscilla is, so it can make recommendations based on what we each listen to. In general, I’ve found we use these more open-ended requests more frequently than more specific asks. No commercial products I know of do this today, and this seems like a big opportunity.
[Google’s smart home hub is promising, but still a work in progress]
Building the robot was the easier — and less time-consuming — of his two goals for the year, he said. The other was to run 365 miles in 2016.
“Now I have a pretty good system that understands me and can do lots of things,” Zuckerberg, adding that he’s tried to give his robot a sense of humor. “I’ve taught it fun little games like Priscilla or I can ask it who we should tickle and it will randomly tell our family to all go tickle one of us, Max or Beast. I’ve also had fun adding classic lines like ‘I’m sorry, Priscilla. I’m afraid I can’t do that.’”
But there are also some kinks to work out, particularly around voice commands. When Zuckerberg demonstrated the technology for a Fast Company story, he had to ask the robot to turn off the lights four times before it complied. Shutting down the music took another two tries. (“Wow, that’s like the most fails that it’s ever had,” the 32-year-old told the reporter, visibly embarrassed.)
Next up, Zuckerberg plans to create an Android app for the robot and connect it to more appliances around the house, such as his Big Green Egg grill. The ultimate challenge, he says, is “to build a system that could learn completely new skills on its own.”
”In the longer term, I’d like to explore teaching Jarvis how to learn new skills itself rather than me having to teach it how to perform specific tasks,” he wrote. “If I spent another year on this challenge, I’d focus more on learning how learning works.”
Defiant Gambian president refuses to step aside
Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has reiterated he won't step down despite losing the December 1 election, as West African leaders and Western powers urged him to hand over power peacefully.
Jammeh initially conceded defeat on state television after 22 years in power, but a week later reversed his position, denouncing the election results and demanding a new vote.
Last week, Gambian troops took over the Independent Electoral Commission office in the capital, Banjul, and instructed its chairman to leave while barring other employees from entering.
Jammeh's pledge to stay was broadcast on state television on Tuesday and indicated a hardening of the veteran president's position. It came a day after president-elect Adama Barrow said he was ready to take office on January 18 - the day Jammeh's mandate ends.
"I am not a coward. My right cannot be intimidated and violated. This is my position. Nobody can deprive me of that victory except the Almighty Allah," Jammeh said.
He also condemned West Africa's regional bloc ECOWAS for what he termed "meddling" in The Gambia's affairs.
The political crisis in The Gambia will be settled internally and peacefully, Jammeh said, adding he would maintain his position of challenging the election result.
No prosecution
A spokesman for the opposition coalition that backed president-elect Barrow assured on Tuesday that Jammeh will not face prosecution on leaving office.
Jammeh's government has been accused of detaining, torturing and killing opponents.
"ECOWAS wanted to know whether the incoming administration plans to prosecute outgoing President Yahya Jammeh," spokesman Halifa Sallah said after talks with the Economic Community of West African States on the peaceful transfer of power.
"There is no indication of a threat [of prosecution] or the need to threaten outgoing President Yahya Jammeh," he said.
"President-elect Barrow says he is going to treat outgoing President Yahya Jammeh like a former head of state and would consult him for advice," Sallah told AFP news agency.
Backing the opposition candidate, French President Francois Hollande said the results of the December 1 polls were "indisputable", and Barrow "must be installed as soon as possible".
Last week, ECOWAS said Jammeh must step down when his term runs out and vowed "to take all necessary action to enforce the results" of the poll - without spelling out what those measures might be.
Jammeh, who came to power in 1994 as a 29-year-old army officer following a military coup, had won four previous polls.
Jammeh initially conceded defeat on state television after 22 years in power, but a week later reversed his position, denouncing the election results and demanding a new vote.
Last week, Gambian troops took over the Independent Electoral Commission office in the capital, Banjul, and instructed its chairman to leave while barring other employees from entering.
Jammeh's pledge to stay was broadcast on state television on Tuesday and indicated a hardening of the veteran president's position. It came a day after president-elect Adama Barrow said he was ready to take office on January 18 - the day Jammeh's mandate ends.
"I am not a coward. My right cannot be intimidated and violated. This is my position. Nobody can deprive me of that victory except the Almighty Allah," Jammeh said.
He also condemned West Africa's regional bloc ECOWAS for what he termed "meddling" in The Gambia's affairs.
The political crisis in The Gambia will be settled internally and peacefully, Jammeh said, adding he would maintain his position of challenging the election result.
No prosecution
A spokesman for the opposition coalition that backed president-elect Barrow assured on Tuesday that Jammeh will not face prosecution on leaving office.
Jammeh's government has been accused of detaining, torturing and killing opponents.
"ECOWAS wanted to know whether the incoming administration plans to prosecute outgoing President Yahya Jammeh," spokesman Halifa Sallah said after talks with the Economic Community of West African States on the peaceful transfer of power.
"There is no indication of a threat [of prosecution] or the need to threaten outgoing President Yahya Jammeh," he said.
"President-elect Barrow says he is going to treat outgoing President Yahya Jammeh like a former head of state and would consult him for advice," Sallah told AFP news agency.
Backing the opposition candidate, French President Francois Hollande said the results of the December 1 polls were "indisputable", and Barrow "must be installed as soon as possible".
Last week, ECOWAS said Jammeh must step down when his term runs out and vowed "to take all necessary action to enforce the results" of the poll - without spelling out what those measures might be.
Jammeh, who came to power in 1994 as a 29-year-old army officer following a military coup, had won four previous polls.
Barack Obama permanently bans new Arctic oil drilling
President Obama has issued a ban on new oil and gas drilling in US waters as he attempts to leave his stamp on environmental policy before leaving office.
The ban affects almost 120 million acres of federal waters off Alaska and in the Atlantic.
Donald Trump, who succeeds President Obama next month, has said he will expand offshore oil and gas drilling.
Canada's prime minister Justin Trudeau issued a similar ban in its own Arctic waters.
Mr Obama is using a provision in a 1953 law which says "the president of the United States may, from time to time, withdraw from disposition any of the unleased lands of the outer Continental Shelf".
Industry officials accused Mr Obama of "last minute political rhetoric".
"Instead of building on our nation's position as a global energy leader, today's unilateral mandate could put America back on a path of energy dependence for decades to come," said Dan Naatz of the Independent Petroleum Association of America.
Environmental groups hope the ban, despite relying on executive powers, will be difficult for future presidents to reverse.
"This decision will help protect existing lucrative coastal tourism and fishing businesses from offshore drilling, which promises smaller, short-lived returns and threatens coastal livelihoods," said Jacqueline Savitz of the advocacy group Oceana.
The White House has said it is confident the order will withstand any legal challenge and said the language of the statute does not give authority to future presidents to undo it.
Under the ban, 115 million acres of federal waters off Alaska in the Chukchi sea and most of the Beaufort seas and 3.8 million acres of the Atlantic from New England to Chesapeake Bay would be off limits to new oil and gas leasings.
The administration has cited environmental concerns in both regions to justify the moratorium. Mr Obama also stressed the importance of the Chukchi and Beaufort seas for native Alaskans and the vulnerability of the ecosystem to an oil spill.
He also noted that just 0.1% of offshore crude oil production came from the Arctic in 2015.
A memo from Mr Trump's energy transition team has said his policy could increase production in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas. His team has not responded to Mr Obama's ban.
The American Petroleum Institute has said Mr Trump will likely use a presidential memorandum to lift the ban.
Erik Milito, API director of industry operations, said: "We are hopeful the incoming administration will reverse this decision as the nation continues to need a robust strategy for developing offshore and onshore energy."
The ban affects almost 120 million acres of federal waters off Alaska and in the Atlantic.
Donald Trump, who succeeds President Obama next month, has said he will expand offshore oil and gas drilling.
Canada's prime minister Justin Trudeau issued a similar ban in its own Arctic waters.
Mr Obama is using a provision in a 1953 law which says "the president of the United States may, from time to time, withdraw from disposition any of the unleased lands of the outer Continental Shelf".
Industry officials accused Mr Obama of "last minute political rhetoric".
"Instead of building on our nation's position as a global energy leader, today's unilateral mandate could put America back on a path of energy dependence for decades to come," said Dan Naatz of the Independent Petroleum Association of America.
Environmental groups hope the ban, despite relying on executive powers, will be difficult for future presidents to reverse.
"This decision will help protect existing lucrative coastal tourism and fishing businesses from offshore drilling, which promises smaller, short-lived returns and threatens coastal livelihoods," said Jacqueline Savitz of the advocacy group Oceana.
The White House has said it is confident the order will withstand any legal challenge and said the language of the statute does not give authority to future presidents to undo it.
Under the ban, 115 million acres of federal waters off Alaska in the Chukchi sea and most of the Beaufort seas and 3.8 million acres of the Atlantic from New England to Chesapeake Bay would be off limits to new oil and gas leasings.
The administration has cited environmental concerns in both regions to justify the moratorium. Mr Obama also stressed the importance of the Chukchi and Beaufort seas for native Alaskans and the vulnerability of the ecosystem to an oil spill.
He also noted that just 0.1% of offshore crude oil production came from the Arctic in 2015.
A memo from Mr Trump's energy transition team has said his policy could increase production in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas. His team has not responded to Mr Obama's ban.
The American Petroleum Institute has said Mr Trump will likely use a presidential memorandum to lift the ban.
Erik Milito, API director of industry operations, said: "We are hopeful the incoming administration will reverse this decision as the nation continues to need a robust strategy for developing offshore and onshore energy."
Berlin Christmas market attack: Lorry killer on the run as IS claims atrocity
Police are hunting the driver of the lorry that ploughed into a busy Christmas market in Berlin as Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.
The terrorist group said one of its "soldiers" carried out Monday evening's deadly crash "in response to calls for targeting citizens of the crusader coalition".
It comes as officers released without charge the only person arrested over the atrocity - a Pakistani asylum seeker.
Prosecutors said there was not enough evidence to link him to the rampage in which 12 people were killed in the German capital.
The decision to free him means the main suspect, who is believed to be armed, is still on the loose.
Witnesses were able to follow the truck's driver from the scene but lost track of the perpetrator.
The arrested man, who denied any involvement, matched descriptions of the driver, according to prosecutors.
But investigators have not been able to prove he was in the truck's cab at the time of the crash.
The terrorist group said one of its "soldiers" carried out Monday evening's deadly crash "in response to calls for targeting citizens of the crusader coalition".
It comes as officers released without charge the only person arrested over the atrocity - a Pakistani asylum seeker.
Prosecutors said there was not enough evidence to link him to the rampage in which 12 people were killed in the German capital.
The decision to free him means the main suspect, who is believed to be armed, is still on the loose.
Witnesses were able to follow the truck's driver from the scene but lost track of the perpetrator.
The arrested man, who denied any involvement, matched descriptions of the driver, according to prosecutors.
But investigators have not been able to prove he was in the truck's cab at the time of the crash.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Berlin lorry attack: Italian woman feared to be among victims
There are fears that a missing Italian woman could have been one of the victims of the deadly Berlin lorry attack.
Relatives and friends of 31-year-old Fabrizia Di Lorenzo have appealed on social media for information about her.
The woman's mobile phone and travel card were found at the scene of Monday evening's Christmas market atrocity in which 12 people were killed and 48 wounded.
She did not turn up for work on Tuesday and her mother and brother have reportedly travelled to the German city to give their DNA to authorities.
The woman's tearful father, Gaetano, was reported as saying: "There should be no doubt, waiting for confirmation, but I have no illusions."
Ms Di Lorenzo, who comes from the Italian town of Sulmona in Abruzzo, works for a transport company in Berlin.
Her cousin, who uses the name @thebitstreamer on Twitter, put out an appeal for help after the crash.
She said: "#Berlin. my cousin (Fabrizia Di Lorenzo) not replying to us since yesterday night. Some1 found her phone and metro pass on the site. #help."
The Italian ambassador to Berlin, Pietro Benassi, reportedly said: "We are looking for a person and have reasons to be concerned."
A manhunt is under way for the driver of the lorry after a suspect - a 23-year-old Pakistani asylum seeker - was released due to lack of evidence.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Six of the victims were German, while the nationalities of the others have not yet been confirmed by authorities.
A Polish man, who was thought to be the original driver of the truck before it was reportedly hijacked, was found shot dead in the cab.
Meanwhile, there are fears for an Israeli woman who is still missing. Her husband, aged in his 60s, was injured in the attack.
Relatives and friends of 31-year-old Fabrizia Di Lorenzo have appealed on social media for information about her.
The woman's mobile phone and travel card were found at the scene of Monday evening's Christmas market atrocity in which 12 people were killed and 48 wounded.
She did not turn up for work on Tuesday and her mother and brother have reportedly travelled to the German city to give their DNA to authorities.
The woman's tearful father, Gaetano, was reported as saying: "There should be no doubt, waiting for confirmation, but I have no illusions."
Ms Di Lorenzo, who comes from the Italian town of Sulmona in Abruzzo, works for a transport company in Berlin.
Her cousin, who uses the name @thebitstreamer on Twitter, put out an appeal for help after the crash.
She said: "#Berlin. my cousin (Fabrizia Di Lorenzo) not replying to us since yesterday night. Some1 found her phone and metro pass on the site. #help."
The Italian ambassador to Berlin, Pietro Benassi, reportedly said: "We are looking for a person and have reasons to be concerned."
A manhunt is under way for the driver of the lorry after a suspect - a 23-year-old Pakistani asylum seeker - was released due to lack of evidence.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Six of the victims were German, while the nationalities of the others have not yet been confirmed by authorities.
A Polish man, who was thought to be the original driver of the truck before it was reportedly hijacked, was found shot dead in the cab.
Meanwhile, there are fears for an Israeli woman who is still missing. Her husband, aged in his 60s, was injured in the attack.
Review: Apple’s AirPod Wireless Earbuds
The good: Easy setup, comfortable, Automatically pauses music when you remove a bud
The bad: Expensive, Looks awkward when you’re wearing them, Limited playback controls
Who should buy: Applefans willing to splurge on tangle-free earbuds
When Apple launched the iPhone 7 this year, one controversial move stood out: The Cupertino, Calif.’s flagship smartphone no longer features a headphone jack. Instead, users connect older headphones to the phone’s port via an adapter, use the included earbuds that connect the same way, or opt for wireless Bluetooth headphones.
Using Bluetooth headphones, however, can be a pain. Pairing them can be a nightmare, and signals sometimes drop in the middle of a call or a song. Apple’s attempt to fix those problems is now available in the form of AirPods, $159 wireless headphones that, thanks to the company’s unique technology, instantly pair with a nearby iPhone. AirPods also have sensors allowing them to automatically mute a song when one bud is removed, while two taps on the side activate Siri, Apple’s digital assistant.
After an uncharacteristic delay that lasted over a month, Apple’s AirPods went up for sale in early December. I’ve been using them for several days, and have found that they offer a reliable and consistent wireless experience, but little else that make them worth the price.
Here’s a closer look at what it’s like to use Apple’s AirPods:
Setup, Comfort, and Design
The AirPods’ most compelling feature, as I wrote in September, is how simple they are to set up. As soon as I opened the case’s lid, a small window appeared on my iPhone’s home screen indicating that the earbuds had successfully paired with my phone. This pop-up also shows the remaining battery life in each bud, as well as in their case, which has an internal battery that extends the AirPods’ lifespan. The graphic appeared almost instantly whenever I flipped open the AirPod’s case while on the home screen, but I noticed some sluggishness when my iPhone was locked. Still, the near-instant pairing makes Apple’s AirPods stand out from the other Bluetooth earbuds on the market today.
Apple’s new headphones are just about as comfortable as its traditional wired buds, save for one important difference: they’re actually enjoyable to wear during a run. I usually hate wearing any type of earbud while exercising — no matter how tightly I insert them, they always feel loose and tend to pop out. This wasn’t the case with the AirPods, which I wore during a 40-minute run without having to adjust a single time. I also find them to be more comfortable for extended use than most in-ear headphones, which are meant to be worn deeper in the ear canal and block more external noise.
As with Apple’s traditional buds, the AirPods don’t include multiple tips in different sizes. That means buyers can’t adjust their fit to match their ear size and shape — so if Apple earbuds tend to be uncomfortable for you, the AirPods probably won’t work well either. If that’s a deal breaker, try checking out the Powerbeats3, which also include the Apple chip that allows for instantaneous connections. (Read our list of alternative wireless earbuds here.)
Comfort is important, of course, but when it comes to anything worn on your body, so are aesthetics. That’s where the AirPods fall short. The bottom portion of the AirPods stem out from the ear when being worn, resulting in an awkward look that you might find uncomfortable. If AirPods take off and become more common, of course, this weirdness factor may wear off.
Audio Quality, Siri, and Battery Life
Of course, sound is the most important quality for any audio equipment. Apple’s AirPods are sure to please casual listeners looking for a reliable pair of wireless earbuds. Unless you’re a hardcore audiophile, the rich, clear sound quality will be more than satisfactory. Through the AirPods, music sounded well-balanced, with just enough bass to add depth without feeling overwhelming.
Importantly, the sound never cut out, which is a problem reviewers have cited with other wireless headphones. This also held true whenever I answered a phone call wearing the AirPods, even if my iPhone was stored in a back pocket. This could be thanks to Apple’s W1 chip, the tech that also enables the lightning-fast pairing.
Still, the audio quality wasn’t much better than what Apple’s wired EarPods offer, which come included with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus for no extra charge. In fact, the standard EarPods sounded a bit louder than the AirPods during my testing. I also noticed that the Apple’s wireless headphones produce some white noise when the microphones are activated, which can be distracting during a phone conversation.
Still, the audio was loud enough to efficiently drown out most of the noise on a crowded subway platform. These aren’t true noise-cancelling headphones, so look elsewhere if you’d like that kind of experience. But I didn’t find myself struggling to hear music in crowded spaces while wearing the AirPods.
A common knock against Apple’s wired EarPods is that they don’t last very long. After a few months of heavy use, one of the buds will sometimes stop working. Hopefully, more premium and costly earbuds like the AirPods shouldn’t have that issue, but I haven’t used them long enough to find out.
A big advantage the AirPods have over Apple’s standard wired buds is in their ability to detect when they’re in an ear, and when they’re taken out. This makes it possible to automatically pause music by removing a single bud, which can be handy when you need to quickly listen to what’s happening in your environment, whether it’s an unexpected announcement from your train conductor or a tourist asking for directions.
Two quick taps of either AirPod, meanwhile, will activate Siri, Apple’s digital aide. I found that two quick taps often worked best; if there’s a longer pause in between presses, Siri wouldn’t answer. You can ask Siri the same types of questions and issue similar commands as you would using EarPods, such as skipping a song, getting directions home, and asking it to play a specific playlist. Microphones on the AirPods help Siri hear your requests while your phone is tucked away. This double tap command can also be configured to play or pause music instead of summoning Siri, but unfortunately, you can’t have both.
The AirPods’ carrying case, which is about the same size as a pack of dental floss, charges the buds, meaning I didn’t have to worry about them running out of juice. After four full days of use, the case was down to 12%. I never listened to the AirPods for more than an hour at a time without returning them to their charging holster, so the headphones’ battery level was usually between 90 and 100% during my testing. Apple claims the AirPods should be able to offer five hours of playback before their battery depletes.
Conclusion
With the AirPods, Apple has created a pair of wireless headphones without significant compromises, provided you’re not obsessed with top-quality sound. Certain features, like the quick-pairing and removing a bud to pause audio, show that Apple focused on practical ways to improve the earbud experience.
But I wish the AirPods did more for the price. It’s asking a lot to pay $159 for headphones that offer a similar experience in terms of audio quality and Siri functionality as the EarPods that come with every new iPhone. (Apple will charge you another $69 for a replacement AirPod if you happen to lose one.) Yes, $159 is cheaper than most wireless earbuds, like Samsung’s Gear Icon X($199.99), and the Bragi Dash ($299). But both of those devices offer more functionality, like fitness tracking, more playback controls, and internal storage for playing music when your phone isn’t nearby. While I enjoyed using the AirPods, I would have loved them if I could tap them to skip a track or adjust the volume. That small addition would make the AirPods just about perfect, especially for the price.
The bad: Expensive, Looks awkward when you’re wearing them, Limited playback controls
Who should buy: Applefans willing to splurge on tangle-free earbuds
When Apple launched the iPhone 7 this year, one controversial move stood out: The Cupertino, Calif.’s flagship smartphone no longer features a headphone jack. Instead, users connect older headphones to the phone’s port via an adapter, use the included earbuds that connect the same way, or opt for wireless Bluetooth headphones.
Using Bluetooth headphones, however, can be a pain. Pairing them can be a nightmare, and signals sometimes drop in the middle of a call or a song. Apple’s attempt to fix those problems is now available in the form of AirPods, $159 wireless headphones that, thanks to the company’s unique technology, instantly pair with a nearby iPhone. AirPods also have sensors allowing them to automatically mute a song when one bud is removed, while two taps on the side activate Siri, Apple’s digital assistant.
After an uncharacteristic delay that lasted over a month, Apple’s AirPods went up for sale in early December. I’ve been using them for several days, and have found that they offer a reliable and consistent wireless experience, but little else that make them worth the price.
Here’s a closer look at what it’s like to use Apple’s AirPods:
Setup, Comfort, and Design
The AirPods’ most compelling feature, as I wrote in September, is how simple they are to set up. As soon as I opened the case’s lid, a small window appeared on my iPhone’s home screen indicating that the earbuds had successfully paired with my phone. This pop-up also shows the remaining battery life in each bud, as well as in their case, which has an internal battery that extends the AirPods’ lifespan. The graphic appeared almost instantly whenever I flipped open the AirPod’s case while on the home screen, but I noticed some sluggishness when my iPhone was locked. Still, the near-instant pairing makes Apple’s AirPods stand out from the other Bluetooth earbuds on the market today.
Apple’s new headphones are just about as comfortable as its traditional wired buds, save for one important difference: they’re actually enjoyable to wear during a run. I usually hate wearing any type of earbud while exercising — no matter how tightly I insert them, they always feel loose and tend to pop out. This wasn’t the case with the AirPods, which I wore during a 40-minute run without having to adjust a single time. I also find them to be more comfortable for extended use than most in-ear headphones, which are meant to be worn deeper in the ear canal and block more external noise.
As with Apple’s traditional buds, the AirPods don’t include multiple tips in different sizes. That means buyers can’t adjust their fit to match their ear size and shape — so if Apple earbuds tend to be uncomfortable for you, the AirPods probably won’t work well either. If that’s a deal breaker, try checking out the Powerbeats3, which also include the Apple chip that allows for instantaneous connections. (Read our list of alternative wireless earbuds here.)
Comfort is important, of course, but when it comes to anything worn on your body, so are aesthetics. That’s where the AirPods fall short. The bottom portion of the AirPods stem out from the ear when being worn, resulting in an awkward look that you might find uncomfortable. If AirPods take off and become more common, of course, this weirdness factor may wear off.
Audio Quality, Siri, and Battery Life
Of course, sound is the most important quality for any audio equipment. Apple’s AirPods are sure to please casual listeners looking for a reliable pair of wireless earbuds. Unless you’re a hardcore audiophile, the rich, clear sound quality will be more than satisfactory. Through the AirPods, music sounded well-balanced, with just enough bass to add depth without feeling overwhelming.
Importantly, the sound never cut out, which is a problem reviewers have cited with other wireless headphones. This also held true whenever I answered a phone call wearing the AirPods, even if my iPhone was stored in a back pocket. This could be thanks to Apple’s W1 chip, the tech that also enables the lightning-fast pairing.
Still, the audio quality wasn’t much better than what Apple’s wired EarPods offer, which come included with the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus for no extra charge. In fact, the standard EarPods sounded a bit louder than the AirPods during my testing. I also noticed that the Apple’s wireless headphones produce some white noise when the microphones are activated, which can be distracting during a phone conversation.
Still, the audio was loud enough to efficiently drown out most of the noise on a crowded subway platform. These aren’t true noise-cancelling headphones, so look elsewhere if you’d like that kind of experience. But I didn’t find myself struggling to hear music in crowded spaces while wearing the AirPods.
A common knock against Apple’s wired EarPods is that they don’t last very long. After a few months of heavy use, one of the buds will sometimes stop working. Hopefully, more premium and costly earbuds like the AirPods shouldn’t have that issue, but I haven’t used them long enough to find out.
A big advantage the AirPods have over Apple’s standard wired buds is in their ability to detect when they’re in an ear, and when they’re taken out. This makes it possible to automatically pause music by removing a single bud, which can be handy when you need to quickly listen to what’s happening in your environment, whether it’s an unexpected announcement from your train conductor or a tourist asking for directions.
Two quick taps of either AirPod, meanwhile, will activate Siri, Apple’s digital aide. I found that two quick taps often worked best; if there’s a longer pause in between presses, Siri wouldn’t answer. You can ask Siri the same types of questions and issue similar commands as you would using EarPods, such as skipping a song, getting directions home, and asking it to play a specific playlist. Microphones on the AirPods help Siri hear your requests while your phone is tucked away. This double tap command can also be configured to play or pause music instead of summoning Siri, but unfortunately, you can’t have both.
The AirPods’ carrying case, which is about the same size as a pack of dental floss, charges the buds, meaning I didn’t have to worry about them running out of juice. After four full days of use, the case was down to 12%. I never listened to the AirPods for more than an hour at a time without returning them to their charging holster, so the headphones’ battery level was usually between 90 and 100% during my testing. Apple claims the AirPods should be able to offer five hours of playback before their battery depletes.
Conclusion
With the AirPods, Apple has created a pair of wireless headphones without significant compromises, provided you’re not obsessed with top-quality sound. Certain features, like the quick-pairing and removing a bud to pause audio, show that Apple focused on practical ways to improve the earbud experience.
But I wish the AirPods did more for the price. It’s asking a lot to pay $159 for headphones that offer a similar experience in terms of audio quality and Siri functionality as the EarPods that come with every new iPhone. (Apple will charge you another $69 for a replacement AirPod if you happen to lose one.) Yes, $159 is cheaper than most wireless earbuds, like Samsung’s Gear Icon X($199.99), and the Bragi Dash ($299). But both of those devices offer more functionality, like fitness tracking, more playback controls, and internal storage for playing music when your phone isn’t nearby. While I enjoyed using the AirPods, I would have loved them if I could tap them to skip a track or adjust the volume. That small addition would make the AirPods just about perfect, especially for the price.
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