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Mobile Syrup

Apple provides solution to AirPods Pro 2 issue with Google Pixel

Apple is finally providing a solution to those facing issues connecting the new AirPods Pro 2 to a Google Pixel device. While it’s likely the use of AirPods on a Pixel isn’t all too common, some users who prefer to do so began facing problems last month.

Google Pixel owners who attempted to pair the new AirPods Pro 2 from Apple ran into connection issues. MobileSyrup’s own Dean Daley recounts this very issue. When connected to a Pixel device, the AirPods Pro 2 had audio dropout issues. Strangely, the earbuds retained their connection throughout the issue.

Users note the issue stems from the A2DP hardware. A temporary fix involved disabling the Bluetooth A2DP hardware offload on a Pixel 6 or Pixel 7 within the Developer Settings. However, this results in lower audio quality. Now, Apple is stepping in with a fix of its own.

Apple recently launched its 5B58 firmware. Via the update, AirPods Pro 2 no longer runs into the issue when connecting to Pixel devices. The simple, yet effective solution popped up on Reddit. Thankfully, Apple’s firmware solution requires no extra effort aside from allowing the device to update. In order to do so, the AirPods Pro 2 must be near an Apple device ie: iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

To make sure a pair of AirPod Pro 2 earbuds are running the latest firmware, users must connect them to an iOS device. From there, users must navigate to the ‘Settings’ app. Next, click ‘General’ and ‘About.’ Following that, find the ‘AirPods’ option and ensure “5B58” is next to the ‘Firmware Version.’

Source: Reddit via: Android Police

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Mobile Syrup

AirPods Pro 2 aren’t working well with Pixel 6, 7, but there’s a temporary fix

A few weeks ago, I purchased the AirPods Pro second generation and used the true wireless earbuds with my iPhone 13 Pro. However, I’m someone who often likes to use an Android device alongside an Apple handset throughout the week. So, I tried using the AirPods Pro with my Pixel 6 and was frustrated that the two didn’t seem to work well together. Following that, I used the AirPods Pro 2 with my Pixel 7 Pro and had the same concern.

The problem here is the AirPods Pro 2 connect to the Pixel devices, but after about a minute or two, the audio stops, even though the AirPods remain connected.

This turns out to be a common issue, with people hitting the Google subreddit explaining their concerns. Apparently, this has something to do with a bug with A2DP offloading. Well-known leaker Max Weinbach, from 9to5Google, has reported there’s a temporary fix for this problem. In the Developer Settings, you can toggle ‘Disable Bluetooth A2DP hardware offload.’

According to 9to5, enabling this will fix the issue but also lowers audio quality. The feature offloads audio decoding from the phone to the earbuds, which is poised to help compression and quality when using Apple’s AirPods Pro gen 2.

Currently, it’s unknown if the bug is on the Apple end or Google end of the spectrum. However, if it’s a Google problem, there might be a fix sometime soon.

I’m just happy this means I won’t also need to buy the Pixel Buds Pro.

Source: 9to5Google, Pixel subreddit 

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Mobile Syrup

Apple’s AirPods could eventually switch to USB-C

Apple’s AirPods could make the jump to USB-C in 2023, according to a recent tweet from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

That said, Apple’s rumoured AirPods Pro 2, which are expected to launch later this year, won’t feature the new port technology. Though Kuo doesn’t mention it in his tweet, the AirPods’ 2023 switch to USB will likely be paired with the iPhone’s rumoured jump to the port technology.

Apple’s AirPods case is currently charged through the company’s proprietary Lightning port.

Back in May, Kuo hinted that Apple is likely working on a USB-C iPhone that will release in 2023. Recent European Union (EU) legislation requires all smartphones sold in the region to feature USB-C by fall 2024.

With the Mac, most of the iPad line and likely at some point in the next few years, the iPhone moving to USB-C, it makes sense for Apple’s wireless earbuds to also ditch Lightning. There are even reports that the entry-level iPad might make the move to USB-C alongside ditching the 3.55mm headphone jack.

Source: @mingchikuo Via: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

Apple AirPods Pro 2 believed to feature lossless audio support and a trackable charging case

Apple is reportedly well into development on its AirPods Pro 2 and a new report shines a light on what features to expect. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the AirPods Pro 2 will support Apple Lossless Audio Codec(ALAC) audio as well as a trackable charging case.

In Kuo’s latest note to investors, seen by MacRumors, it’s believed ALAC will make its way to the new AirPods Pro model. ALAC is a feature that has been sorely missing from the standard AirPods Pros.

Additionally, Kuo claims the AirPods Pro 2 would feature a trackable charging case. In the event that the device is lost, the user is said to be able to trigger a sound to emit from the device to help locate the case. It’s likely that this feature will work in tandem with Apple’s Find My app. A similar feature exists now, but the sound only emits from the individual AirPods.

ALAC supports up to eight channels of audio and uses half the storage space that uncompressed data would require. It also provides a listening experience that’s comparable to the original studio recording. For many audiophiles, lossless is preferred.

Currently, ALAC is supported on a multitude of Apple devices through Apple Music. These include Mac, HomePod, and Apple TV 4K. ALAC is also available on Android devices. However, Apple’s suite of AirPods, including the AirPods Max and Beats, all use Apple’s AAC Bluetooth Codec. Thus, AALC support on AirPods Pro 2 would be a major improvement over the Bluetooth connections. The current audio support provides excellent audio quality already. Though, those with a keen ear point out the difference and improvements ALAC brings.

AirPods Pro 2 is expected to launch sometime during the fourth quarter of 2022 and will feature a new design.

Source: MacRumors