Apple AirPods will also work with non-Apple devices

NEW DELHI: Apple is known for its closed ecosystem of devices and operating system. However, some media reports suggest that that Apple's newly-launched Bluetooth
earphones, called AirPods , will work with non-Apple devices as well.
According to a report in The Verge, Apple has told the website that AirPods will be able to work with non-Apple devices via Bluetooth. This is contrary to the information in the AirPods press release.

However, Apple has a caveat from those planning to use it with non-Apple devices. AirPods "just lose the magic (ease of setup, seamless transitioning from device-to-device, Siri, etc.) when not used with an Apple device," the company told The Verge.

Apparently, the users can pair the AirPods with other devices but won't be able to use Siri by using the tapping gesture. Also, the non-Apple smartphones might fail to detect when the Airpod case is opened and the earphones have been pulled out. However, users can still use it as a regular Bluetooth speaker.

For those unaware, Apple AirPods let users access the company's digital assistant Siri by tapping gestures. In addition, functions like changing tracks and controlling volume can be executed by double tapping on the headphones as well. Apple AirPods come with their own charging-cum-carrying case and are priced at Rs 15,400 in India. They will hit the Indian shores in early October, the same time when Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus launch in India.

Apple AirPods are powered by an ultra-low power Apple-designed W1 chip. The chip lets the earphones deliver high-quality audio and improve battery life. Furthermore, there are optical sensors and accelerometers in each AirPod that automatically sync when plugged into the ears.

Removing them automatically pauses the music, thus saving battery life. It is also possible to remove one of the Airpods from the ears for having a conversation and then plug it back to resume listening to music. Apple says that the W1 chip operates on one-third of the power of traditional wireless chips, delivering up to 5 hours of listing time.