Commentary: Apple keeps adding features to its AirPods, and the AirPods Pro 2 in particular. But there’s one key feature that’s missing that would make a world of difference.
Apple keeps adding features to its AirPods, and the AirPods Pro 2 in particular. But there’s one key feature that’s missing that would make a world of difference.
On a recent flight from New York to Los Angeles, I kept my AirPods Pro 2 in my pocket (one of my go-to earbuds for flights; so are these) and used Jabra’s new Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds instead. While Jabra’s upgraded Elite 8 Active buds (and new Elite 10 Gen 2) don’t look any different from the originals, they include a rather useful new feature: Their case turns into a Bluetooth transmitter to wirelessly stream the audio from JetBlue’s inflight entertainment system to the Elite 8 Active.
A few true wireless earbuds, including the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Poly Voyager Free 60 Plus have charging cases that act as Bluetooth transmitters. With the included cable, you simply connect the case to the 3.5mm port in your seat’s console or armrest and you’re good to go.
I had to read the instructions a couple of times to connect the Elite 8 Active’s case to JetBlue’s inflight entertainment system, but it’s a pretty straightforward process. Once the buds were connected to the case, I had no performance issues — the audio and video were synched perfectly, and there was no audio lag. I also didn’t have to unplug my headphones every time I needed to get out of my seat or let someone in my row get up and out.
As you can see from the photo above, It’s not the most elegant solution, but it allows you to use your wireless buds to watch inflight entertainment without having to carry around a second pair of headphones to use wired. Alternatively, you could buy a Bluetooth wireless audio transmitter. Twelve South makes the popular AirFly Pro ($55) and there are plenty of other options on Amazon. But it seems like we’re at the point where more premium earbuds should have the Bluetooth transmitter feature built into their charging cases.
