It's not about maintaining a single app store, it's about companies like Spotify and Netflix not being able to sell a subscription without giving 30% to the app store. I think it makes sense, and allows 3rd parties to maintain more of their revenue. It's anti-competitive in that Apple also has their version of Spotify that competes directly but isn't really subject to the 30% handicap.
I fail to see the difference. You can't install an app from any source other than the official Apple app store because the device forbids it. I suppose the subscription model muddies the waters, however, as the app itself is free. I think we basically agree though because I believe Apple hides behind the "We keep you safe!" thing as a way to keep the revenues flowing, which is anti-competitive. There's nothing stopping them from doing exactly what Android does: force you to accept the risk and then let you install from any source you want.
^ As a consumer, can't you still just choose to only purchase from Apple's store because you trust it?
Of course, but that option doesn't currently exist because the device itself won't allow it. Apple has coded iOS to only install apps from the official app store. The very definition of a monopoly, no?
You can purchase Xbox and PS games from about 300 retailers who are welcome to charge whatever price they want. You aren't locked into buying games from the Microsoft or Sony stores.
If you own an iPhone, you only have one option for purchasing apps.
To be honest, I do see Apple's side here as well and aren't convinced a lawsuit is successful. It's not a monopoly in the pure definition as you can buy phones from several manufacturers.
Are Airpods any good? Or am I better off getting a different brand of wireless headphones? I'm shopping now because I'm tired of having no headphones.
The pros are their convenience. They take two seconds to pair and then will work on all of your iOS devices. Pop them in and they’ll start working. The charging case is compact and gives you plenty of play time.
You don’t get that convenience if you’re on android. The sound quality is mediocre. It’s probably good enough for most people. I use them mainly for podcasts. There’s no sound isolation (can be a positive if you need to be aware of your surroundings.) The fit isn’t great for me because of the hard plastic but lots of people say that isn’t an issue.
Apple owns Beats and they just released the Powerbeats Pro. They sync just as theory as the AirPods but don’t have all of the features. They do have soft tips if fit is a dealbreaker for the AirPods.
The new Galaxy Buds are supposed to be really good but you need a Samsung phone to take full advantage of them.
Got myself some AirPods the other week. Highly recommend them (if they fit your ears). The ease of pairing and no wires to untangle makes me use them so much more frequently than any other headphones I own.
If that sounds ridiculous to you, then you're probably right. They're 100% overpriced for what they are. Nobody NEEDS them. But they do what they're supposed to really well (IMO).
Last edited by Flames0910; 05-14-2019 at 05:49 PM.
I like the AirPods so far, although the double-tap is a bit hit or miss. I set it up to either pause or advance to the next song. I understand you are supposed to somehow tap the behind your ear to get it to work more reliably.
I think they probably could fit a bit snugger into my ear, maybe maybe that is where the silicone sleeves help. I was leaning to the side and one fell out.
I also have a pair of over-the-ear noise-cancelling Sony headphones which are good, but they feel a bit too heavy and make my ears sore after awhile.
You might be able to stack up some Costco deals to get a bit more off, but I hadn’t seen them at that price before so decided to treat myself - and you can never have enough extra lightning cables.
Speaking of AirPods, apparently the knockoff engineers have created almost perfect fakes.
Which means if you aren't buying them form an official retailer there is a good chance that the seller has bought a fake and is flipping them as the real deal.
Wish I could wear Airpods, but the apple stuff never fits in my ear. I would assume they are like the standard wired earpods they have always included for years with the iphones. That shape just never fits in my ears, I always need the ones that go directly into the ear canal, as opposed to the ones that just sit on the outside.
Wish I could wear Airpods, but the apple stuff never fits in my ear. I would assume they are like the standard wired earpods they have always included for years with the iphones. That shape just never fits in my ears, I always need the ones that go directly into the ear canal, as opposed to the ones that just sit on the outside.
I think you're lucky if that's what fits you. That's basically every other product on the market at this point. For people like me that only fit into Apple earbuds, I have nothing to choose from almost.
Wish I could wear Airpods, but the apple stuff never fits in my ear. I would assume they are like the standard wired earpods they have always included for years with the iphones. That shape just never fits in my ears, I always need the ones that go directly into the ear canal, as opposed to the ones that just sit on the outside.
I think the one difference you might find is that without the cord kind of tugging down on them, they do tend to stay in place a bit better than the wired ones.
I always disliked the wired ones because they fell out, but the AirPods seem to fit perfectly, so my issue was probably also the wire. I love that I can take one earbud out and the sound goes from stereo to mono. I used to hate taking out an earbud and then hitting a great song with overly aggressive mixing and suddenly you can't hear half the song.
Any recommendations on battery backup packs for a 13" Macbook pro and a decent dual monitor docking station? Bought a Purefix mini dock but that's just for travel, looking for something to have on the desk. Will probably pick up an ultra wide monitor as Macs seem to suck on dual monitors.
Went from a 2015 one to a new one and now none of my accessories work now.
