Apple AirPods (3rd Generation), new HomePod mini colors, Apple Music Voice Plan announced

New ways to enjoy music

New ways to enjoy music

Apple introduced its 3rd Generation of AirPods, new colors for the HomePod mini, and a new Apple Music Voice Plan.

Apple Music Voice Plan

Designed exclusively for Siri, the Apple Music Voice Plan still features Apple Music’s catalog of 90 million songs, playlists, personalized mixes, and radio stations including Apple Music Radio all for just USD 4.99 per month (PHP 253.12 converted).

Users can directly subscribe to the service through Siri by activating “Hey Siri, start my Apple Music Voice trial,” or through the Apple Music app. Once subscribed, users can play music on Siri-enabled devices such as HomePod mini, AirPods, iPhone, and when using Apple CarPlay.

Apple music also adds playlists based on mood and activity playlists created by Apple Music’s editorial experts that are available on any Apple Music plan. These can be triggered on the Apple Music Voice Plan by saying “Play the dinner party playlist,” “Play something chill,” or even “Play more like this”.

The Apple Music Voice Plan will be initially available in 17 countries and regions, including Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Apple HomePod mini

Aside from White and Space Gray, the HomePod mini now comes in Yellow, Orange, and Blue. The new colors can be seen on the tinted touch surface, mesh fabric, volume icons, and woven power cable. Some features of the HomePod mini are 360-degree audio, Siri via “Hey Siri”, Smart Home control, intercom, and can work seamlessly with iPhone all in a 3.3-inch tall body.

Aside from that, there are no new upgrades to Apple’s smart home speaker and still costs USD 99 (PHP 5,021.78 converted).

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

The AirPods (3rd Generation) gets a redesign and is now reminiscent of the AirPods Pro minus the noise-canceling feature and replaceable ear tips. It now features an improved sound quality, Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ, longer battery life, water resistance, and MagSafe Charging.

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) specs:

  • H1 headphone chip
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
    Adaptive EQ
    Custom high-excursion Apple driver
    Custom high dynamic range amplifier
    Dual beamforming microphones
    Inward-facing microphone
    Audio Sharing
  • Force sensor
  • Force touch controls
  • Sweat and water resistant (IPX4)
  • Works with FindMy App
  • Skin-detect sensor
  • Motion-detecting accelerometer
  • Speech-detecting accelerometer
  • Charging Case:
    Charging via MagSafe, Qi-certified wireless chargers, or Lightning connector
    Up to 30 hours of listening time
    Up to 20 hours of talk time
  • AirPods:
    Up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge
    Up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge with Spatial Audio enabled
    Up to 4 hours of talk time on a single charge
    5 minutes of charge provides 1 hour of listening time and talk time

The Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) is priced at PHP 10,990 and will only be available in White. There is no word yet on its local availability so stay tuned.

Nathaniel is a part-time contributor and writes for WalasTech in his free time from work. He is a tech-savvy person, a morning radio program listener, a podcast host and producer, as well as a heavy social media user.