10 cool AirPods features you probably didn't know about

Fox News - Apr 25th, 2025
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Apple's AirPods have introduced a host of innovative features that extend far beyond traditional earbud functionalities, significantly enhancing user convenience and accessibility. Key among these is the ability to use AirPods as a hearing aid, transforming them into a crucial assistive technology for the hearing impaired. Other notable functionalities include hands-free Siri access, customizable controls, and the ability to share audio with another set of headphones. These features showcase Apple's commitment to integrating seamless, user-friendly technology within its ecosystem, further solidifying AirPods' status as an essential accessory for Apple users.

The broader implications of these advancements highlight a shift toward more integrated tech solutions that cater to diverse user needs, including those with accessibility challenges. By turning AirPods into versatile devices capable of performing tasks traditionally requiring separate gadgets, Apple continues to lead in the personal tech space, influencing competitors and setting new industry standards. The story underscores the significance of innovation in consumer electronics, emphasizing how such developments can enhance everyday experiences and accessibility for users, potentially driving future tech trends in similar directions.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a comprehensive overview of AirPods' features, highlighting several innovative and lesser-known capabilities. It scores well in accuracy, timeliness, and public interest due to its focus on a popular and current consumer product. However, the article lacks balance, as it does not address any potential drawbacks or limitations of AirPods, and it could benefit from greater transparency and source attribution. The clarity and readability of the article are strengths, making it accessible to a wide audience. While the article is unlikely to provoke controversy or drive significant societal impact, it effectively engages readers by encouraging them to explore their devices further and share their experiences. Overall, the article serves as a useful resource for AirPods users looking to maximize their devices' potential, though it could be improved by addressing the noted weaknesses in balance and transparency.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article presents a largely accurate depiction of AirPods' features, aligning well with known functionalities. For instance, the claims about pairing AirPods with an Apple Watch and using them as a microphone are verified and accurate. Similarly, the feature allowing users to share audio between two sets of AirPods is correctly detailed. However, the mention of using AirPods as a hearing aid is somewhat misleading, as this feature is more specific to the AirPods Pro 2 and involves the 'Live Listen' feature, which is not a substitute for a traditional hearing aid. Additionally, the claim about using head gestures to answer calls lacks sufficient backing from official Apple documentation, suggesting a need for further verification.

6
Balance

The article predominantly focuses on the positive aspects of AirPods, highlighting various innovative features that enhance user experience. However, it lacks balance as it does not address any potential drawbacks or limitations of the AirPods. For example, it could have mentioned issues like battery life concerns or the cost of AirPods compared to other wireless earbuds. By omitting these aspects, the article presents a somewhat one-sided view that favors Apple products without acknowledging any criticisms or alternative perspectives.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and easy to understand, with a straightforward presentation of the AirPods' features. The language is accessible, and the structure is logical, with each feature explained in a separate section. However, some technical details, such as the requirements for specific features (e.g., iOS version compatibility), could have been more explicitly stated to enhance reader comprehension. Overall, the tone is neutral and informative, but the inclusion of more detailed explanations would improve clarity further.

5
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite sources or provide references for the claims made about AirPods features. While the information appears to be consistent with Apple's known product capabilities, the lack of direct attribution to official Apple documentation or expert reviews reduces the reliability of the content. The author, Kurt 'CyberGuy' Knutsson, is identified as a tech journalist, which lends some credibility, but the absence of diverse sources or expert opinions limits the depth of the analysis.

4
Transparency

The article does not offer much transparency regarding the basis for its claims or the methodology used to evaluate the AirPods' features. There is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, such as affiliations with Apple or incentives for promoting the product. Additionally, the article does not explain how the features were tested or if the author has any firsthand experience with the devices. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for readers to fully trust the information presented.

Sources

  1. https://support.apple.com/en-us/120991
  2. https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/hearing-health/
  3. https://support.apple.com/guide/airpods/hearing-health-features-airpods-pro-2-devd9aac5b42/web
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5noO6dnGBs
  5. https://support.apple.com/en-us/120992