Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Monday, October 18, 2021
Introducing the next generation of AirPods: The world’s most popular wireless headphones just got better
The new AirPods feature spatial audio and industry-leading sound, longer battery life, and an all-new design
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced the third generation of AirPods featuring spatial audio, delivering advanced features and a magical experience in a new contoured design. By combining the power of the H1 chip with an Apple-designed acoustic system, the new AirPods use computational audio to deliver breakthrough sound with Adaptive EQ. Users can enjoy spatial audio featuring Dolby Atmos in Apple Music, movies, and tv shows, along with dynamic head tracking, across Apple devices. The new AirPods are resistant to sweat and water, and feature a force sensor for easy and intuitive control of music and phone calls. The extended battery life enables up to six hours of listening time1 and up to 30 hours of total listening time with the convenient charging case. AirPods (3rd generation) join the world’s most popular family of headphones and are available to order starting today, and in stores beginning Tuesday, October 26.
“AirPods forever changed wireless headphones with their groundbreaking design, incredible sound, and magical experience,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “We are excited to introduce the next generation of AirPods, featuring unrivaled sound through Adaptive EQ and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, along with seamless interaction between Apple devices — making the world’s best-selling headphones even better.”
All-New Design
The new design of AirPods is lightweight and contoured, sitting at just the right angle for comfort and to direct audio into the ear. For a more subtle appearance, the stem is shorter than the previous generation and features the same intuitive force sensor as AirPods Pro for media control. The new AirPods are resistant to both sweat and water, with an IPX4 rating for both the earbuds and the charging case.2
Breakthrough Audio Features
AirPods (3rd generation) build on the great sound quality that AirPods are known for, starting with a custom driver and a high dynamic range amplifier that together produce powerful bass with crisp, clean high frequencies. The microphone is covered by an acoustic mesh to help reduce the sound of wind, so the speaker’s voice comes across distinctly on calls. AirPods also feature AAC-ELD, a superior speech codec that offers full HD voice quality, providing clear, natural communication for FaceTime calls.
The new AirPods use computational audio to bring the breakthrough experiences that customers love on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max — like Adaptive EQ and spatial audio with dynamic head tracking — to even more people.
The powerful H1 chip combines with an Apple-designed acoustic system, and uses computational audio to deliver breakthrough sound with Adaptive EQ.
For an optimal listening experience with rich detail, the new AirPods feature Adaptive EQ that tunes sound in real time based on how AirPods fit in the user’s ear. An inward-facing microphone monitors for sound, and then Adaptive EQ, powered by computational audio, tunes the low and mid frequencies to account for what may be lost due to variances in fit.
Spatial audio creates a three-dimensional theater-like experience, placing sound virtually anywhere in space, and with Dolby Atmos, AirPods have never sounded better. Users can also enjoy this multi-level experience with dynamic head tracking, so music, video, and even Group FaceTime calls feel more immersive than ever before. Using advanced spatial audio algorithms, and by applying directional audio filters to subtly adjust the frequencies that each ear receives, the new AirPods can place sound all around the user.
Magical Experience
With one-touch setup that automatically pairs AirPods with other Apple devices, users can effortlessly enjoy music throughout the day. Audio Sharing allows listeners to share the audio stream between two sets of AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max, while using iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV.
A new skin-detect sensor accurately discerns if AirPods are in the ear — versus in a pocket or on a table — and pauses playback when removed. To help with sound clarity, beamforming microphones block out ambient noise and focus on the user’s voice, while users can also enjoy a hands-free experience by simply saying “Hey Siri” for requests.
Longer Battery Life
AirPods (3rd generation) offer an extra hour of battery life over the previous generations, with up to six hours of listening time and up to four hours of talk time. Just five minutes of charging provides about an hour of battery life, and with four additional charges in the case, users can get up to 30 hours of total listening time.3 AirPods are now also part of the MagSafe ecosystem for convenient wireless charging.
AirPods with iOS and iPadOS
AirPods offer exceptional convenience and sound quality, and with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, users can enjoy the following features:
- With spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, voices in a Group FaceTime call sound like they’re coming from the direction in which the person is positioned on the screen, making it seem as if everyone is in the same room.4
- Announce Notifications allows Siri to read important time-sensitive notifications, including alerts from Messages, Reminders, Calendar, and calls, as well as any third-party apps that adopt the API.
- AirPods are now part of the Find My network of hundreds of millions of iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers around the world, offering proximity view in the Find My app and Lost Mode, as well as separation alerts and sounds.
Apple and the Environment
AirPods are designed with numerous materials and features to reduce their environmental impact, including the 100 percent recycled rare earth elements used in all magnets. The case also uses 100 percent recycled tin in the solder of the main logic board, and 100 percent recycled aluminum in the hinge. AirPods are also free of potentially harmful substances such as mercury, BFRs, PVC, and beryllium. For energy efficiency, AirPods meet US Department of Energy requirements for battery charger systems. Apple’s Zero Waste program helps suppliers eliminate waste sent to landfills, and all final assembly supplier sites are transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy for Apple production. In the packaging, 100 percent of the virgin wood fiber comes from responsibly managed forests.
Today, Apple is carbon neutral for global corporate operations, and by 2030, plans to have net-zero climate impact across the entire business, which includes manufacturing supply chains and all product life cycles. This means that every Apple device sold, from component manufacturing, assembly, transport, customer use, charging, all the way through recycling and material recovery, will be 100 percent carbon neutral.
Pricing and Availability
- AirPods (3rd generation) will be available for $179 (US) and are available to order from apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in the US and more than 26 other countries and regions starting today, with availability in stores beginning Tuesday, October 26.
- AirPods (2nd generation) will be available at the new price of $129 (US).
- AirPods Pro now come with MagSafe Charging Case for the same price of $249 (US).
- With the Apple Music Voice Plan, users can enjoy millions of songs, playlists, and stations in the Apple Music catalog through Siri. The Apple Music Voice Plan will be available later this fall in select countries and regions for $4.99 (US) per month.
- New subscribers can get Apple Music free for six months with the purchase of any AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max.5
- AirPods require Apple devices running iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1, watchOS 8.1, tvOS 15.1, or macOS Monterey, all available as free software updates next week.
- Customers can add personal engraving with emoji, text, and numbers to cases for AirPods Pro, AirPods (3rd generation), and AirPods (2nd generation) for free on apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app.
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
17 Best Places to Visit in Thailand (In 2020)
Looking for the best places to visit in Thailand?
Thailand, known as the land of the smiles, has been on the travelers’ circuit for many years.
But it’s a big country and there is a lot to explore, so if you’ve got limited time it can be a challenge to decide where to travel in Thailand.
Don’t worry, though, because I’m here to help. I’m Ollie Lindsey, full time traveler who has explored Thailand extensively, and in this post I will walk you through 17 Thailand destinations I think you can’t miss.
Oh, and before we dive in, be sure to bookmark these 14 Tips for Solo Travel in Thailand and our guide to whether you need travel insurance for Thailand.
Ok, commercial break over! Let’s explore the top places to travel in Thailand:
17 Best Places to Visit in Thailand
1. Chiang Mai
In my opinion, Chiang Mai is the best of all places to visit in Thailand!
Its unique mix of culture and city vibes, plus amazing restaurants to boot, makes it one of the best places to travel in Thailand!
Leisurely strolling around the old town is one of the main things to do here although there is plenty to keep you entertained with sights and attractions in abundance in and around the city.
Visit Thailand’s second city and bear witness to the wonderful modern Wats, amazing night markets all surrounded by beautiful countryside that is ripe for day treks!
Plus, Chiang Mai is the perfect place for exploring the many highlights of Northern Thailand.
2. Ko Chang
Perhaps the most underrated of the Thai islands, Ko Chang offers that small island feel but enough space to actually spread out.
Located in the far east of Thailand near the border with Cambodia, Ko Chang’s relative distance from the more famous islands has kept it under-the-radar compared to the more popular islands in Thailand.
But those who make the journey will be rewarded with lush tropical forests butting up against white sand beaches that look postcard-perfect.
It’s like stepping back in time to the Thai islands of yore!
3. Bangkok
The buzzing capital full of old time charm, traditional architecture blended with modern infrastructure and convince.Try the street food, check out the 7-11s on every corner and no trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting the famous Wat Pho and the Golden Mount.
Throbbing nightlife is easy to find especially along the famous Khao San Road, where bars, restaurants and clubs operate until the wee hours of the morning.
Transportation around Bangkok is reasonably priced, with multiple quick and convenient with options; MRT and BTS train lines, taxis (ensure that they turn the meter on!) as well as tuk tuks and motorbike taxis (haggle hard!)
Bangkok is one of those places to visit in Thailand that is a bit polarizing. You’re like to either love it or hate it. But it’s a must-see, and also the perfect place for easy access to other Thailand destinations.
4. Ayutthaya
An ancient town with historical temples dotted in every nook and cranny!Ayutthaya has some of the best Thailand attractions, the most famous of which is Wat Mahathat with the face of the Buddha carved into a tree!
Quaint little guesthouses and restaurants to suit every taste are available too. It’s one of my favourite places to visit in Thailand without a doubt.
Note that distances between the sights are huge and not to be underestimated! Hiring a tuk tuk for the day is an option to help get around.
However, if you’d prefer more freedom for a cheaper price, I’d personally recommend hiring a push bike or scooter to get around. Both are available from guesthouses or there is a row of shops directly opposite the railway station.
Accessible by bus, minivan or train from most of the major Thailand destinations. From Bangkok, the train is the cheapest (14 Thai Baht p/person) with regular services throughout the day.
From Bangkok, minivans run from 6am-6pm shuttling back and forth (60 Thai Baht p/person) and buses can be booked in advance. Prices vary depending on company and the level of service.
5. Sukothai
Lesser visited than its more famous brother Ayutthaya, this underrated Thailand destination shouldn’t be missed as a main Thailand attraction.
You’ll find yourself surrounded by history much older than the temples in Ayutthaya. Spread out across the town, hiring transport such as push bikes from your accomodation is recommended.
A typical Thai town has developed around the old sights sporting modern Wats, 7-11 convenient stores as well as ample accommodation options and restaurants.
6. Chiang Rai
Not far from Chiang Mai is another one of the many well-known Thailand destinations: Chiang Rai.
Head here for more modern Wats, beautiful countryside, waterfalls and the famous glistening all-white Wat Rong Khun. Trips to this Wat can be arranged with tour agencies or at your hotel/guesthouse.
Add Chiang Rai to your list of places to travel in Thailand!
7. Pai
The ultimate backpacker hangout!
Pai is a worthy addition to the list of places to visit in Thailand.
Bamboo huts, hippie cafes and restaurants with activities such as hiking, mountain biking and rafting available along the river running through the centre.
Further out of town, there are caves ripe for exploration that you can enter to see Buddha statues and more!
To get around and explore further afield and see beautiful rice paddies along quiet country roads as well as outer lying Wats, rental of a push bike or scooter is highly recommended and there are plenty of places to hire from.
8. Mae Hong Son
If you’re doing a northern loop, don’t miss another one of the underrated Thailand destinations: Mae Hong Son, the lush mountain province containing Pai (but a lot more than just Pai!).
Close to the Chinese border lies this beautifully kept and friendly Thai town with Wats and trekking options aplenty! Transportation, day hikes and longer treks can be arranged through agencies.
Modern Wats, a lovely small town vibe and even hot springs! As places to travel in Thailand go, it’s definitely worthwhile!
9. Chiang Dao
Peaceful countryside, well-kept Wats and beautiful scenery.
This place doesn’t receive many foreign visitors making it one of the better off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Thailand.
There is plenty here to keep you busy though with rafting, trekking and visits to hill tribe villages also possible as well as a unique cave temple. The north has many wonderful areas and this is another one of the best places to travel in Thailand.
Speak to your hotel/guesthouse about transport to the top choices of the local attractions.
10. Ko Tao
Ko Tao is definitely one of the most popular Thai islands and, if you visit during peak season, you may find it a bit crowded.
But, hey, some places are popular for a reason right?
And in the case of Ko Tao, the beauty of the beaches and the azure water is definitely worth fighting the crowds to visit.
Ko Tao is a popular places to get PADI accreditation for new divers, so add it to your list of places to visit in Thailand if that’s on your Thailand bucket list!
11. Mae Salong (Santikhiri)
Another non-touristy place to travel in Thailand, Mae Salong has a bit of a Chinese feel.
It’s a worthwhile stop on the trail as another of Thailand’s destinations sporting a rare sight of tea plantations in this hilly region.
Cooler air and views of greenery are what make this place a great addition to your ‘places to visit in Thailand’ list!
12. Prachuap Khiri Khan
Another great opportunity to soak up Thai culture at its best without the crowds, making it one for the list of places to travel in Thailand it has everything quintessentially Thai.
Fantastic stretches of beach, some charming architecture and climbing the ‘mountain’ to reach Wat Thammikaram are all highlights of this lovely quiet area.
Simple accomodation and eateries are available here. Wondering around yourself is perfectly possible and the best way to see the local way of life. Watch out for the monkeys though!
13. Ko Phangan
The island itself is one of Thailand’s attractions!
Well-known for its monthly Full Moon Party, Ko Phangan is as close to a ‘bucket list’ destination as far as Thailands destinations go.
It does however still have little areas of quieter solitude such as the area of Had Salad on the northern tip of the island.
Hiring a scooter is a must if you intend to get ANYWHERE on the island at your own free will. The roads and relatively peaceful but usual driving virulence is required!
14. Railey
Don’t miss Railey when looking at places to travel in Thailand!
Multiple beaches to explore, viewpoints to climb for stunning vistas and even rock climbing for thrill seekers!
Ample accommodation, restaurants and bars to suit every budget, it’s a tough place to beat!
Beach vibes and classic traveler hangouts. Plus perfect sand and clear water, so what more could you ask for?
Be prepared that on some of the islands you might have to walk out to meet the boat or jump off it and walk to the shore in water possibly up to your waist!
Although this is becoming rarer as floating docks are being put in place. But hey, jumping off a boat and wading to the shore is a rite of passage when traveling the Thai islands!
15. Ko Lanta
Looking for cheaper and better quality accommodation whilst seeking peace and quiet on the Thai islands?
Look no further!
Of all of Thailand’s destinations, Ko Lanta is an absolute gem!
The beaches aren’t the best but if you’re seeking the similar Thai beach aura without the full moon parties, you can’t go wrong heading to this lesser known island.
Hiring a scooter a whizzing along the coast, feeling the breeze and stopping at the beaches along the way is the best way to see things and generally get around!
16. Kanchanaburi
A charming Thai town with a very strong historical significance.
From Kanchanaburi, sections of the infamous Burma-Thai railway aka: The Death Railway can be seen. The quiet and beautiful river Kwai is also a feature.
Besides from war cemeteries and museums among the Thailand attractions, if you’re seeking a spot of culture there are also famous cave temples that can be seen here too.
17. Khao Sok National Park
Dense greenery meets coastal sands! Here, you’ll find both a place to trek in jungle and relax on the beach!
Unique accommodation is available in every form; bamboo huts or hotels; whatever you fancy!
Be sure to visit both areas when you are here. Take a walk to see the stunning waterfalls, boat trips to famous floating bungalows and have a dip in the clear blue water!
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