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Apple technology
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Versus Road Traffic Noise
I regularly walk beside a road with heavy traffic, vainly listening to podcasts. Can the new AirPods Pro triumph over cars, SUVs, and trucks?
I hate noise, but I didn’t realise how much until I gave up driving a few years ago. That’s when I started walking everywhere and discovered that traffic is very noisy. The road noise from a passing truck actually scares me.
Why didn’t I know all that before? The noise-proofing on modern cars is wonderful. As a driver, I hadn’t the faintest idea about how much noise pollution I was creating.
When I walk, I like to listen to podcasts, but when traffic becomes heavy, it’s impossible to hear what people are saying — or even what I’m thinking.
When Apple launched its 2nd generation AirPod Pro, it made a point of claiming how well it masks out loud noise, such as pneumatic drills: heavy traffic-grade noise.
It was like offering someone dying of dehydration a cool glass of water (for $249).
I wanted to believe, but wondered whether it was true. I ordered a pair anyway, and recently took them for a field test.
Want to know how it worked out?
Unboxing the buds
Apple transformed mundane product packaging into an art form. I enjoyed the plop of the lid as it separated from the main box. I unwrapped the new AirPods, which looked very much like the first generation.
The only difference I noticed on the case was holes on the bottom, which now makes sounds. It beeped at me. Stroking the earplugs on the new AirPod Pros controls volume.
Pairing it with my iPhone 12 Pro Max was simplicity itself. A picture of the AirPods appeared on the iPhone screen, and it connected the first time. No issues there.
What was more problematic was getting a good fit for my ears. Clearly, noise cancellation was a key…
