Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4: Health Features Take Center Stage
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Apple's "It's Glowtime" event brought exciting updates to its wearable lineup, with the Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 taking center stage. The MacBreak Weekly team, led by Jason Snell and joined by Andy Ihnatko, Mikah Sargent, and Shelly Brisbin, dove deep into these announcements, highlighting the most impactful features and their potential implications.
Apple Watch Series 10: More Than Meets the Eye
The Apple Watch Series 10 brings subtle yet significant improvements. Jason Snell pointed out that while the Ultra 2 didn't see an update, the mainstream Series 10 received a substantial refresh. Notably, the larger Series 10 model now boasts the biggest display in the Apple Watch lineup, surpassing even the Ultra.
Design changes include a thinner profile and improved off-angle viewing, which Jason suggests will be noticeable on the wrist. The team also discussed the new sleep apnea detection feature, which uses motion sensors to analyze sleep patterns over 30 days. This non-invasive approach to detecting a serious health condition could be a game-changer for many users.
AirPods 4 and the Hearing Health Revolution
Perhaps the most exciting announcement, according to the panel, was the new hearing health feature coming to the existing AirPods Pro. This software update will effectively turn these earbuds into over-the-counter hearing aids, complete with a hearing test feature.
Shelly Brisbin emphasized the potential impact of this feature, noting that it could destigmatize hearing aids and encourage more people to address their hearing health. The panel agreed that at $249, AirPods Pro now represents an incredible value as both earbuds and hearing aids.
The discussion also touched on the new AirPods 4, which come in two variants - one with and one without noise cancellation. The team praised Apple's efforts to improve fit and comfort by using a larger, more diverse sample of ear shapes in their design process.
Health and Accessibility: Apple's Growing Focus
Throughout the conversation, the MacBreak Weekly team highlighted Apple's commitment to health and accessibility features. They noted the company's evolving approach to representation in their marketing materials and the potential for these technologies to democratize healthcare access.
As Andy Ihnatko put it, "Unlike when they talk about privacy, when they talk about health as one of their missions and one of their commitments, that's no lie."
While the Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 may not be revolutionary upgrades, it's clear that Apple is doubling down on health features and accessibility. As these technologies continue to evolve, they have the potential to significantly impact users' lives, far beyond simple convenience.
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