The MacRumors Show: A Week With the AirPods Pro 2 and Apple Watch Ultra

To add further to the adaptive transparency discussion .. As I've aged I've found it harder to hear conversation in noisy restaurants. After reading up on AirPods Pro transparency I learned that, with my AirPods Pro 2 connected, If I go to 'Accessibility' > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations > Transparency Mode > 'Custom Transparency Mode On', I then get slider control of transparency mode 'Amplification'; 'Transparency Balance'; 'Tone' slider from darker to brighter; 'Ambient Noise Reduction' slider; and then a toggle for 'Conversation Boost'.

Last night at a noisy restaurant, I made sure 'Conversation Boost' was on and that "Ambient Noise Reduction was fully up. It works. As long as I was facing my brother when he was talking he came in loud and clear while at the same time it didn't sound so noisy in there. And, as an aside, according to my brother, I wasn't talking so loud this time.

I've used Apple's 'Live Listen' but the problem with it and over the counter hearing aids is ALL sounds get amplified. With the AirPods Pro we get selective amplification - like with those very expensive hearing aids.

Lastly .. I've typed this up because because I found that searching for this information on my own, even knowing specifically what I was looking for, took a LOT of effort.

Another thing you can do to help adjust the sound is to download the Mimi app https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mimi-hearing-test/id932496645 which creates an audiogram and puts it in the health app and is used in the setting listed above. It is like an an equalizer to adjust the frequencies to help compensate.

I bought a set to of AirPods Pro just to use the left side as hearing aid, and it works great in many sound environments. My Audiologist wanted me to spend 3 grand on a new aid. I was able to use the audiogram she created and my iPhone read it and programed the AirPods accordingly. I also tried the Mimi app and created a form of audiogram which programed both sides.

To add further to the adaptive transparency discussion .. As I've aged I've found it harder to hear conversation in noisy restaurants. After reading up on AirPods Pro transparency I learned that, with my AirPods Pro 2 connected, If I go to 'Accessibility' > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations > Transparency Mode > 'Custom Transparency Mode On', I then get slider control of transparency mode 'Amplification'; 'Transparency Balance'; 'Tone' slider from darker to brighter; 'Ambient Noise Reduction' slider; and then a toggle for 'Conversation Boost'.

Last night at a noisy restaurant, I made sure 'Conversation Boost' was on and that "Ambient Noise Reduction was fully up. It works. As long as I was facing my brother when he was talking he came in loud and clear while at the same time it didn't sound so noisy in there. And, as an aside, according to my brother, I wasn't talking so loud this time.

I've used Apple's 'Live Listen' but the problem with it and over the counter hearing aids is ALL sounds get amplified. With the AirPods Pro we get selective amplification - like with those very expensive hearing aids.

Lastly .. I've typed this up because because I found that searching for this information on my own, even knowing specifically what I was looking for, took a LOT of effort.

The Apple Watch Ultra has proved, for me, to be my favorite design of them all. From first generation to now. I have medium-size wrists and it is not too big at all. I preferred the Alpine Green band, but Best Buy had Ocean Midnight for next-day delivery, so opted for it. Turns out I like the band better.

The Ultra will be different for every user. My daughter thinks it is huge, I see it as just-right. Battery life is sick, the display is sick, the whole watch is sick. I am pleased. Quite frankly, best Apple Watch I have worn.

Note: I am seeing open-box Ultras showing up on Best Buy site for $60+ off. I checked every day and found an open box and the new one, which I purchased. Quite a few knock-off bands on Amazon for under $20, many which match Apple’s design and color options, giving the same look as Apple’s bands, without waiting for the right one to be in stock, or delivered.

Trying my best not to order the Apple Watch Ultra... 😁

Speaking of lanyard. Would be nice to have one on the iPhone. All good cameras have a lanyard attachment. I know one can get a loop on some cases. Not found one that easily attaches and removes. The example, original Apple TV remote lanyard attachment. A nice to have Apple.

Fact: My Apple Watch Ultra is better than yours.
Fact: My iPhone 14 Pro Max took too long to ship.
Fact: Luke Miani has not produced a decent video in two years.