AirPods are good for your (hearing) health | The Vergecast

Feeds Reboot and Episode Topics

• The host, David Pierce, is doing a "feeds reboot" where he goes through all his subscriptions and unfollows things he no longer wants, which he finds helpful in managing his online presence and interests (10s).
• He recommends doing a feeds reboot at least once a year, as it helps in getting rid of unwanted sources and making room for new and relevant ones (48s).
• The host finds this process most useful in an RSS reader, where he can systematically go through and reset all the feeds being pushed at him (1m27s).
• The topic of discussion for the day includes smart rings and the hearing health features on the new AirPods Pro 2 (1m59s).
• The host is interested in discussing smart rings, which have seen new entrants and models in the market, and Vong has tested and has thoughts on them (2m0s).
• The hearing health features on the new AirPods Pro 2 are also a topic of discussion, with Chris Welch having tested them and having an opinion on whether they work as promised by Apple (2m17s).
• The host also mentions a fun question on the Vergecast hotline, which will be discussed later in the show (2m41s).

Smart Rings Review

• A smart ring is a device that is worn on the finger, providing access to interesting biometric data, and can be worn all the time due to its unobtrusive design (3m22s).
• The challenge in making a smart ring is its limited space and battery life, making it difficult to create a device that is both functional and useful (3m38s).
• A test was conducted to find the best smart ring by wearing six different rings on the middle three fingers for about two and a half to three months (5m12s).
• The test was done to review the Samsung Galaxy ring and to understand the entire landscape of smart rings available in the market (6m9s).
• The test resulted in six ring tans, which have somewhat faded now, and a winner was declared at the end of the experiment (5m57s).
• The test was called a "Gauntlet" where all the smart rings were tested at the same time to determine which one is the best at being a smart ring (6m32s).
• The test revealed that there were six actual viable competitors in the smart ring market, which was a surprising discovery (6m49s).
• The current generation of smart rings lacks innovative ideas, with many trying to replicate the success of the Aura Ring with slight variations (6m56s).
• The first generation of smart rings, which emerged around 10 years ago, had more diverse ideas, such as Ringley, which focused on fashion, and Motive, which explored two-factor authentication and fitness tracking (7m31s).
• The Aura Ring was the only smart ring from the first generation to survive, and its success has inspired the current batch of smart rings (8m11s).
• The recent surge in smart ring development was partly driven by Samsung's entry into the market in February, which prompted a deeper examination of the technology (8m47s).
• A review of six smart rings revealed that they all have similar features, with few differences in ideas, and some, like the Circular Ring Slim, were underdeveloped and felt cheap (9m40s).
• The Circular Ring Slim had a haptic motor, but its implementation was flawed, with a poorly designed alarm system that required tapping a small logo, which has since been addressed by the manufacturer (10m3s).
• The idea of using a smart ring as a wake-up alarm is seen as a potentially cool use case, especially for those who sleep next to someone and prefer a more discreet wake-up method (10m32s).

The EV Ring by Moano

• The discussion involves evaluating various smart rings, including the EV ring by Moano, which has an open gap at the top, making it easier to take off and more comfortable to wear, especially for people whose fingers swell due to temperature changes or other factors (12m3s).
• The EV ring's design is notable for its adjustability, as it doesn't require a specific size, unlike other smart rings that can be difficult to resize due to the technology inside (12m10s).
• The EV ring has a stylish and attractive design, standing out from its competitors, although its first-generation quirks and software issues need to be addressed (13m18s).
• The company behind the EV ring, Moano, has been working on FDA clearance and has a strong focus on accuracy, which sets them apart from other smart ring manufacturers (11m51s).
• Despite its promising design, the EV ring has some first-generation issues, including software quirks, which the company claims to have addressed in their feedback since the first run (13m32s).
• The importance of software and data presentation is highlighted, as it plays a crucial role in the overall user experience of a fitness tracker like the EV ring (13m49s).
• The Eevee product has a firmware update issue, which raises concerns about the company's attention to detail, but the CEO's background in the medical space and dedication to creating FDA-cleared products is a redeeming factor (14m46s).
• The Eevee product was eliminated from consideration due to its issues, despite the company's potential for growth and improvement (15m12s).

Other Smart Rings and the Aura Ring

• The RingCon was not discussed in detail, with the consensus being that it is a thoroughly fine but unremarkable product (15m48s).
• The Galaxy Ring has excellent hardware, being the slimmest and most comfortable to wear, but it lacks standalone functionality and is heavily tied to the Samsung ecosystem (16m9s).
• The Galaxy Ring's battery life is improved when paired with a Galaxy Watch, and it has a clever ecosystem play with sensor tradeoffs, but this benefit is limited to a small number of users with specific Samsung devices (16m41s).
• The Galaxy Ring can be used as a pinch gesture control for certain Samsung phones, but this feature is only available to users who have already spent a significant amount of money on Samsung devices (17m11s).
• The Galaxy Ring is not available in a discount bundle with other Samsung devices, resulting in a high total cost of over $2,000 for users who want to take full advantage of its features (17m45s).
• The Galaxy Ring is exclusive to the Android ecosystem, which may limit its appeal to users who prefer other operating systems (18m5s).
• The Galaxy Ring is not the entry point into Samsung's ecosystem, and users typically already own other Samsung devices before purchasing the ring (18m55s).
• The target market for smart rings is a defined set of people, often those who do not like smartwatches, and the majority of users are female (19m34s).
• Many women prefer smart rings as a more sleek and understated alternative to bulky smartwatches (20m0s).
• The ecosystem play is both Samsung's greatest strength and weakness, as it is a major advantage for those already invested in the ecosystem but a drawback for those who are not (20m34s).
• The Ultra Human Ring Air came in second place due to its intense focus on training and optimization, which may be a plus for some users but too cluttered for others (20m57s).
• The Ultra Human Ring Air provides features such as caffeine window tracking, drink recommendations, and sun exposure widgets, but its hyperfocus on optimization may be a drawback for some users (21m22s).
• The Aura Ring is more holistic in its approach, making it a better option for those who want a more general-purpose smart ring (21m53s).
• The Aura Ring was chosen as the winner over the Ultra Human Ring, despite the latter being a nice device, due to the Aura Ring's better overall performance and features (22m6s).
• One drawback of the Aura Ring and the Ultra Human Ring is that they use docks for charging, which can be inconvenient, but the batteries on all devices last long enough to make this a minor issue (22m20s).
• The Aura Ring's dock can be problematic as it is not heavy enough and can easily slide off a bedside table and fall to the ground (22m38s).
• The Aura Ring has improved over time, providing more wellness content and thoughtful guidance on how to live a healthy life, rather than just focusing on sleep scores (23m49s).
• The Aura Ring's experience and longevity in the market, now on its fourth generation, have given it an edge over its competitors, who are mostly on their first or second generation (24m39s).
• The Aura Ring's ability to turn data into something meaningful and useful to a wide range of people, rather than just a niche group, is a significant advantage (24m27s).
• Firmware updates have been a challenge for some competitors, but the Aura Ring has improved in this area, making it a more reliable choice (25m24s).
• The Aura Ring's app is user-friendly, providing a good experience for users when they open it (25m31s).
• The Aura ring is considered to have a high level of polish, with a smooth app experience, no jitteriness or crashing, and quick connection times, making it stand out from other similar devices (25m33s).
• The Aura ring Gen 4 has been released, featuring an all-titanium design, a flat interior surface, and recessed sensors for improved comfort and accuracy (26m29s).
• The new design eliminates the sensor bumps on the inside of the ring, which were previously used to ensure good skin contact and mitigate the effects of epoxy resin (26m39s).
• The Gen 4 ring also features a new sensor algorithm, which more than doubles the number of signal pathways that can be used, improving accuracy and data collection even when the ring is moving around on the finger (27m28s).
• The updated design and algorithm also improve battery life, making the Gen 4 ring a notable improvement over its predecessor (27m51s).
• While the Gen 4 ring may not offer a huge difference in terms of wearing experience, it has received significant software updates, including expanded activity tracking, which has improved its overall performance (28m25s).
• The Aura ring is particularly good at sleep tracking, but has also improved its standalone activity tracking capabilities, making it a more well-rounded device (29m1s).

AirPods Activity Tracking

• AirPods have good activity tracking features, including automatic activity detection that has been expanded to 40 activities, which is not limited to the latest model but also available for older models, although it might take some time to roll out to the older devices (29m13s).
• The new sensing algorithm in the latest model makes the activity detection more accurate, but it's not a huge incentive to upgrade unless the batteries are old (29m52s).
• The activity tracking feature includes GPS maps and heart rate monitoring, and it can import data from other devices through the health API, making it a clean and convenient experience (30m18s).
• The feature may not detect all activities, such as housework, and users are encouraged to share their experiences with the feature (30m40s).

Aura Ring Subscription Model

• The company's decision to bring new features to old devices is due to their business model, which includes a $6 monthly subscription fee, a decision that has caused some controversy (31m13s).
• The subscription fee is seen as reasonable by some, as it's a choice and not a requirement, and it's not comparable to essential devices like iPhones (31m32s).
• The company's approach to subscription fees is different from others, such as Marquez, and has been implemented since the Gen 3 model (32m10s).
• The introduction of a subscription fee with the Gen 3 model has caused some users to feel that they are being charged for features that were previously free (32m35s).
• The discussion revolves around the concept of a subscription-based model for health and fitness tracking devices, specifically Aura, and how it affects consumer perception and expectations (32m42s).
• One-time hardware sales may not be enough to sustain companies, especially those investing heavily in research and development, such as Aura, which conducts peer-reviewed studies that can be costly (33m7s).
• The health tech space often lacks rigorous testing, and companies like Aura choose to invest in science and research, which comes at a cost that is passed on to consumers (33m43s).
• The trade-off for consumers is paying for the science and research behind the product, which may be a worthwhile investment for those seeking high-quality devices (34m0s).
• Competitors, such as Samsung, may not need to charge a subscription due to their larger size and diverse revenue streams, while others, like Ringcon, can undercut Aura's prices and still deliver a decent fitness tracking experience (34m34s).

Fitness Tracking Devices and Smart Rings Market

• For some consumers, a dedicated fitness tracking device may not be necessary, as phone apps can provide a relatively sophisticated experience, albeit not comparable to dedicated devices (35m23s).
• The market for dedicated fitness tracking devices seems to cater to consumers seeking the best products, driving companies like Ultra human, Whoop, and Garmin to invest heavily in their offerings (35m56s).
• Apple's influence on the smartwatch market has helped shift the focus towards everyday people, teaching other companies like Google and Samsung to follow suit (36m11s).
• Smart rings, such as the Aura ring, appeal mainly to wellness influencers and individuals who prefer a discreet, non-bulky device that does not resemble a traditional smartwatch, often prioritizing fashion over functionality (36m38s).
• For most people, there is no practical use for a smart ring, as a smartwatch generally offers more features and better value for the price (37m31s).
• However, some individuals prefer smart rings due to their discreet nature, and are willing to pay for the form factor and discretion they provide (38m37s).
• If Apple were to release a smart ring, it could potentially outperform existing smart rings by leveraging the company's decade of experience in health and fitness, and integrating features from its ecosystem (39m10s).
• Currently, smart rings like the Aura ring are essentially basic fitness trackers in a different form factor, with some advantages, such as comfort and sleep tracking capabilities (39m31s).
• The long-term success of smart rings, including the Aura ring, is uncertain, particularly in terms of their subscription plans and ability to expand their features and ecosystem (40m1s).
• Smart rings tend to appeal to a different audience than smartwatches, including celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Gwenyth Paltrow, and Jennifer Aniston, who value their discreet nature (38m27s).

AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Health Features

• Apple's AirPods Pro 2 have a new software update that brings hearing Health features, including an hearing aid mode that could be a big deal for people with hearing loss (41m14s).
• Chris Welch has tested the new features, which are coming out soon with iOS 18.1 and new firmware for the AirPods, allowing users to use their AirPods as hearing protection, hearing aids, and take a hearing test (42m32s).
• The hearing Health features are not just a simple mode that can be turned on, but rather a comprehensive approach that is integrated into the AirPods' functionality, making users more aware of their own hearing and the world around them (43m27s).
• The features are set to roll out the week of October 28th, making them available to all AirPods users (42m43s).
• The new features are seen as a significant development, with the potential to make a big impact on people with hearing loss (41m44s).
• Chris Welch has been testing the features and will share his experience and insights (42m1s).

AirPods Hearing Test and Protection

• AirPods have a hearing aid mode and hearing protection features that are always on by default in all modes, which is a broader and more holistic approach than before, and includes a feature previously known as loud noise reduction (43m34s).
• The hearing protection feature allows users to wear their AirPods at concerts, and the EQ has been tuned so that users can hear better, which is a huge deal for people who don't wear earplugs at concerts (43m56s).
• The process of using the hearing aid feature starts with a hearing test, which is an emotional and nerve-wracking experience, especially for those who haven't seen an audiologist in a long time (44m17s).
• The hearing test is a five-minute process where users hear a series of three-tone beeps at different frequencies, and the test is different for each ear to prevent users from gaming the system (44m46s).
• The test is intense, and hearing loss is a common issue, with 1.5 billion people in the world having some level of hearing loss, but taking the test for the first time can be a significant experience (45m16s).
• The test is similar to a traditional hearing test, but it's been adapted for smartphones, where users tap the screen whenever they hear a tone, and the test accounts for faint noises and uncertainty (45m47s).
• The test results are charted out, and there are five levels of hearing loss: little to no hearing loss, mild, moderate, severe, and profound, and the hearing aid functionality is for anyone with mild to moderate hearing loss (46m7s).
• The AirPods hearing test is a significant development for people who don't want to spend thousands of dollars on professional hearing aids, but it's essential to note that it's not a replacement for professional evaluation and is only suitable for those with little to no, mild, or moderate hearing loss (46m27s).
• The test itself is an interesting experience, and the results can be strangely gratifying, providing a sense of awareness about one's hearing health (47m45s).
• The test can reveal differences in hearing between the left and right ears, which can be intriguing and lead to self-reflection about potential causes, such as exposure to loud sounds or environmental factors (47m57s).
• The AirPods hearing test could go viral on social media platforms like TikTok, raising awareness about hearing health and encouraging people to share their results, although it's essential to respect individuals' privacy and health information (48m15s).
• The AirPods are designed to cater to the first three scales of hearing loss, and those with more severe hearing loss will still require professional evaluation and hearing aids (48m41s).
• Apple's approach to over-the-counter hearing aids is a significant development, potentially leading to a new level of ecosystem lock-in, where users may be more inclined to stay within the Apple ecosystem (49m1s).
• While there are concerns about the impact on smaller companies, the overall sentiment is that the AirPods hearing test is a positive development for hearing health awareness and accessibility (49m18s).
• Apple's hearing aid feature in AirPods can save users a significant amount of money, as it eliminates the need for a separate hearing aid device (49m27s).
• The feature allows users to customize the sound to their liking, including adjusting the loudness, sharpness, and crispness of the audio (49m47s).
• Apple claims that it takes a few days to adjust to the sound of the hearing aid feature, but some users may not notice a significant difference, especially if they have little to no hearing loss (50m2s).
• The battery life of AirPods with the hearing aid mode turned on is approximately 6 hours, which is similar to the battery life of regular AirPods (50m16s).
• The hearing aid feature can help people who need specific frequencies boosted, even if they don't have significant hearing loss (50m8s).
• The feature also includes hearing protection, which can help prevent further hearing damage by reducing loud sounds beyond a certain threshold (51m44s).
• The hearing protection mode works in various modes, including noise cancellation, transparency, and adaptive audio modes (52m0s).
• The feature can be useful for people who are frequently exposed to loud sounds, such as concert photographers, but also for those who want to protect their hearing in everyday situations (51m34s).
• Using AirPods with transparency mode at concerts can help reduce loud noises to safer levels, allowing users to still hear the music and surroundings without risking hearing damage (52m12s).
• The noise cancellation feature in AirPods is designed to brutally suppress loud noises, rather than smoothing them out or making them sound natural, in order to protect users' hearing (52m28s).
• The feature can make loud sounds more bearable, and users may not feel like they're missing out on much in terms of frequency range or sound quality (52m47s).
• Wearing AirPods all the time, including at concerts, has become normalized, and this trend may continue to grow (53m10s).

Social Implications of AirPods and Hearing Aids

• The increased use of AirPods as hearing aids may change social cues, as people may not be able to assume whether someone is using them for music or to aid their hearing (53m43s).
• This shift may lead to a change in how people interact with others who are wearing AirPods, as it may not be clear whether they can hear or are paying attention (53m52s).
• The trend of wearing headphones all the time may continue to grow, making it more common for people to wear them in various settings, including in public places like Starbucks (54m4s).
• This may create challenges for people interacting with those wearing AirPods, as they may not know whether they can hear or are paying attention, and the best approach may be to simply talk to them and hope they can hear (54m57s).
• The assumption that people wearing earbuds or AirPods are being rude or trying to ignore others will likely change over time as the technology becomes more widespread and its benefits are better understood (55m20s).
• The hearing protection features in AirPods are beneficial for everyone, as they help protect against the loud noises of daily life, such as screeching trains in the subway (55m44s).
• The technology is likely to put pressure on other companies, such as Samsung and Google, to develop their own versions of these features (55m27s).

The Future of Hearing Health Technology

• The development of hearing health technology is seen as a positive step, but there are questions about how well it works and for how many people, as people's hearing and ears are different (56m11s).
• Apple is at the forefront of trying to perfect every sound in every instance, as seen in the AirPods Pro 2, which has features such as gaming mode, voice isolation, and spatial audio head tracking (56m36s).
• There is a concern that the focus on processing audio perfectly for every situation may not be the right direction, as it could lead to a "weird everything is AR audio universe" (57m14s).
• The development of health benefits from earbuds is seen as a payoff for the shift towards wireless earbuds and the loss of the headphone jack (57m36s).
• Despite the focus on new features and technology, music remains an important aspect of earbuds, and people can still enjoy their music with the new devices (57m59s).
• Apple's new feature seems to be the next step for companies like Samsung, as it's a huge moment in the industry, and it's likely that other companies will try to copy this feature (58m3s).

AirPods Hearing Aid Mode and Media Assist

• The feature is mostly a good thing, and Apple has done well in making it user-friendly, with an initial setup that doesn't require much effort from the user after taking a hearing test (58m25s).
• The feature includes a hearing aid mode and media assist, which tunes music, phone calls, and videos based on the user's hearing test data, making all these things sound clear (59m5s).
• The feature is comprehensive and always working in the background, with options to turn some features on or off, but mostly it's simple and doesn't require much tinkering (59m26s).
• The simplicity of the feature is important, especially for older people who may not want to dig through settings menus to use it (59m41s).
• The feature has been well-received, with people from the hearing aid community being optimistic and hopeful that it will push the industry forward in making hearing aids more affordable (1h0m16s).

Industry Impact and Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

• The feature is part of a larger trend towards over-the-counter hearing aids, which has been expected since a bill passed a few years ago, and Apple has delivered a product that looks like a pair of headphones but provides some of the help that people need (1h0m29s).
• The audiogram test in AirPods is a low-stress experience that provides gentle results, even if it suggests consulting a doctor about hearing loss (1h0m57s).
• Apple may be ahead of other companies in health-related features due to its long-term focus on vertical integration of hardware, but Google and Samsung can likely catch up quickly (1h1m41s).
• The integration of hearing health features in AirPods might become a standard feature in all headphones, with companies like Sennheiser and Sony potentially struggling to keep up (1h2m2s).
• Apple's hearing health features are tied to the phone and can adjust sound quality accordingly, making it more challenging for third-party companies to replicate (1h2m22s).
• There may be a significant push for awareness about hearing health, which could lead to Apple running ads about these features on TV (1h2m30s).
• The person has experienced occasional ringing in their ears, but overall, their hearing health is good, and they appreciate the audiogram test results (1h2m44s).

AirPods Software Update and New Features

• The software update for AirPods was announced like a new product, despite being just a software update to existing headphones, and it includes features like head nods that work fairly well (1h3m11s).
• The head nods feature is available, but the person who tried it turned it off quickly, and the feature is not used frequently (1h3m45s).
• The iOS 18.1 update is necessary to access the new AirPods features, and it also includes other features like AI-powered notification summaries (1h3m22s).
• The discussion revolves around the potential features and improvements of AirPods, including the possibility of using head nods and AR, with the mention of rumors about AirPods with cameras, which seems bizarre but might have a purpose (1h4m57s).
• The idea of using simple gestures like a double shake of the head to skip songs or make a face to add a song to a "not interested" list on Spotify is proposed (1h5m6s).

Vergecast Hotline and Listener Question about Apple and Nintendo

• The conversation shifts to the Vergecast hotline, where listeners can call or email questions, and a full hotline episode is promised for the future (1h5m43s).
• A question from a listener named Brian from North Carolina is discussed, who asks why Apple doesn't solve its gaming problem by buying Nintendo, considering Apple's large amount of liquid capital (1h6m13s).
• The question raises points about whether Nintendo would say no to a large offer from Apple, if the company's non-American status is a factor, and if Apple simply doesn't care about games (1h6m54s).
• The hypothetical scenario of Apple buying Nintendo and how it would change the gaming world is also considered (1h7m6s).
• Andrew Webster, the Verge's foremost Nintendo expert, is working on a piece about why Apple hasn't bought Nintendo, and what the world would look like if Nintendo were owned by Apple (1h7m21s).
• Webster believes that anyone, including Apple, would want to buy Nintendo if given the opportunity, but Nintendo's large cash reserves and lack of need to sell are major deterrents (1h8m10s).
• Apple's lack of interest in gaming, despite making a lot of money from games, is also a factor, as the company is happy to run a store and take a cut of the work done by others (1h8m51s).
• Webster notes that Nintendo's high hit rate in making successful games is a major appeal, but Apple is content with its current approach to gaming, including its Apple Arcade service (1h9m24s).
• The conversation touches on Nintendo's past experiment with releasing a game on the iPhone, Super Mario Run, which was downloaded 200 million times but not considered a success by Nintendo's standards (1h9m35s).
• An email from Phil Spencer, leaked in 2020, is mentioned, in which he describes Nintendo as the "prime asset" for Microsoft in gaming, and expresses interest in tighter collaboration with the company (1h10m11s).
• The email also notes that Nintendo's large cash reserves and lack of pressure from its board of directors to increase market growth or stock value make it an unlikely acquisition target (1h10m42s).
• Nintendo is a ruthless corporation that extracts as much money as possible from its products, making it difficult to find their games on sale, such as Zelda, even after eight years since the release of the Switch (1h11m16s).
• Nintendo's market cap is around $62 billion, making it a big number that would require a substantial offer to acquire the company, likely much higher than anyone thinks (1h11m37s).
• If Apple were to acquire Nintendo, there are two possible avenues: one good but unsuccessful, and one bad but profitable, with the good scenario being the integration of Nintendo games into Apple Arcade, allowing for perfect hardware optimization (1h12m13s).
• The bad scenario would involve the introduction of free-to-play and loot box models into Nintendo games, such as Animal Crossing and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which would ruin the gaming experience (1h13m26s).
• Nintendo's current independence allows it to prioritize game development over maximizing growth, resulting in high-quality games like Mario Wonder, which was developed without a deadline (1h13m56s).
• The acquisition of Nintendo by a corporation focused on growth could change the incentives and result in a different approach to game development, potentially negatively impacting the quality of games (1h13m54s).
• Nintendo has been around for a long time, and it's difficult to predict what the company will do next, but if they can turn things around after the Wii U, they might be safe from worrying about live service games (1h14m21s).
• There is no information available about the Switch 2 (1h14m44s).

Vergecast Episode Summary and Contact Information

• The Vergecast episode covers various topics, including V's smart ring, battle royale, Chris's story about hearing health and AirPods, and Nintendo and Apple's gaming news (1h15m0s).
• The episode's show notes will include links to more information on the discussed topics, and listeners can visit theverge.com for additional coverage (1h15m13s).
• Listeners can email the Vergecast team at vergecast@theverge.com, call the hotline at 866-VERGE-11, or reach out to share their thoughts, questions, and feelings about technology (1h15m24s).
• The Vergecast team, including Liam, James, Will, and Eric, produces the show, which is part of the VOX media podcast network (1h15m52s).
• The hosts, Nei and another host, will return on Friday to discuss more gadgets, AI, and other technology-related topics (1h15m57s).