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The AirPods will soon have another unique feature as Apple gears up to incorporate the Live Listen function onto the wireless and cordless earphones through iOS 12.
Apple officially announced iOS 12 and its upcoming features during the Worldwide Developers Conference 2018 this week. However, TechCrunch reported that there is one important development Apple did not mention on stage — the addition of the Live Listen function on the AirPods upon the release of the next iOS build.
The Live Listen feature was first launched in 2014. iOS devices supported with the Made for iPhone hearing aid program practically turn their iPhone or iPad into a microphone. Once the Live Listen feature is activated, a person can hear through his or her iOS-compatible hearing aid any audio or voice that the iOS device picks up even in a noisy or very open environment. That same function will be incorporated onto the AirPods once iOS 12 is installed.
An AirPod user can turn on the Live Listen feature whenever he or she is in a very noisy place like a restaurant or a club. Since the iOS 12-powered device will act as a remote mic for the AirPods, it will be much easier to hear a person speaking near an iPhone or iPad through the cordless headset.
The upcoming feature on the AirPods can be a promising tool for people with hearing limitations. But it is important to note that they should not be taken as a replacement for real hearing aids even with the Live Listen feature. For people with restricted hearing capabilities, it is always best to consult with a specialist.
TechCrunch noted that the AirPods have been recognized as among the best inventions Apple has offered. And the incorporation of the Live Listen feature just adds to the many reasons that entice people into owning a pair of the first-of-their-kind earphones.
