Accessories

AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2 get look, health upgrades

Whole lineup gets an update

Published

September 10, 2024

Rodneil Quiteles

The newest iteration of the AirPods is now more supped-up than ever, and the Pro version adds health-related features. Let’s dive into what’s new with the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2.

AirPods 4

Powered by the H2 chip, the AirPods 4 now has features you would expect from TWS earbuds with the price it commands and then some.

It’s open-ear design has been remodeled to fit just about as many ears as possible. Apple says it’s “built with an unparalleled data set that uses advanced modeling tools, like 3D photogrammetry and laser topography, to precisely map and analyze thousands of ear shapes and over 50 million individual data points in total.” They claim it’s now more comfortable than ever.

On the Sound Quality and other audio features front, the improvements come by way of the H2 chip. It now has personalized Spatial Audio, dynamic head tracking, and a slew of smart features. These include voice isolation for clearer call quality and Siri interactions which detects if you’re nodding to say yes or shaking your head in disagreement.

The stem now has a force sensor to control media and calls. The charging case is 10% smaller than the AirPods 3, charges via USB-C and wirelessly.

In addition, there’s a version of the AirPods Pro with Active Noise Cancellation. But it’s also smart enough to know if you’re talking to someone and reduces its effects as needed.

AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2 is now health-device just like the Apple Watch. And it’s built on three key pillars: prevention, awareness, and assistance.

Prevention

Hearing Protection comes to AirPods Pro. This helps users prevent exposure to loud environmental noise while preserving the sound signature of what they’re listening to,

The ear tips help to provide passive noise reduction, while the H2 chip helps to actively reduce louder, more intermittent noise at 48,000 times per second.

On by default across all listening modes, Hearing Protection is helpful in a variety of loud settings. Plus, with an all-new multiband high dynamic range algorithm, sounds at live events like concerts remain natural and vibrant so users don’t miss a beat.

Awareness

Apple is also introducing a scientifically validated Hearing Test feature with AirPods Pro and a compatible iPhone or iPad, expanding the ability for users to quickly check their hearing from the comfort of their home in minutes.

The test is simple to take, utilizes a standard clinical approach called pure-tone audiometry, leverages advanced acoustic science, and provides users with an interactive experience.

When a user completes the test, they will see an easy-to-understand summary of their results in a personalized hearing profile for AirPods Pro, which is stored privately and securely in their Health app. Users can also share these results with their healthcare providers for more informed conversations.

Assistance

AirPods Pro also add an innovative, over-the-counter Hearing Aid capability for users with mild to moderate hearing loss.

It uses the personalized hearing profile from the Hearing Test. The new feature transforms the AirPods Pro 2 into a clinical-grade hearing aid.

After setup, the feature enables personalized dynamic adjustments so users have the sounds around them boosted in real time. This helps users better engage in conversation and keeps them connected to the people and environment around them. The user’s personalized hearing profile is automatically applied to music, movies, games, and phone calls across their devices without needing to adjust any settings.

The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are expected to receive marketing authorization from global health authorities soon, and will be available this fall in more than 100 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany, and Japan.

AirPods Max gets new colors

Five to be exact. Apple’s Over-ear headphones don’t get much by way of anything groundbreakingly new. But it now comes in midnight, starlight, blue, orange, and purple.

Price and availability

AirPods 4 — Priced at USD 129/ SGD 199.
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation — Priced at USD 179/ SGD 249.

Both are available from apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app in the US, Singapore, and over 57 other countries and regions. Availability begins Friday, September 20.

AirPods Pro 2 — Priced at USD 249.

Available from apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app today.

Related Topics:AirPods AirPods 4 AirPods Max AirPods Pro 2 Apple

Accessories

Jackery SolarSaga series: Free power for small devices

Portable solar panels can charge small gadgets directly

Published

March 22, 2026

GadgetMatch

As fuel prices continue to surge as of late, one of the ways to make up for the additional expenses is to turn to alternative power sources. That’s including solar power.

And Jackery is here to help Philippine consumers, with the availability of their portable SolarSaga panels.

These solar panels are an alternative to traditional and permanently installed rooftop solar panels. They are engineered for modern and mobile life with portable, lightweight, and sleek designs. They are built primarily to be set up and put away easily, and charge small devices directly.

Simply put the Jackery SolarSaga panels where sunlight is available, and it will convert up to 25% of sunlight into usable energy.

To charge small gadgets like phones and portable fans, or even smartwatches, the SolarSaga panels come with a USB-C and USB-A port.

Another way is connecting the SolarSaga to Jackery’s Explorer power stations like the Explorer 300 Plus or 1000 Plus.

From there, users can power up devices, essentially for free. On its own, the Jackery SolarSaga panels are available in 100W and 200W variants.

The panels are also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance. This makes them usable outdoors when brought to adventures like camping, picnics, or beach trips.

The panels are already available through Jackery’s Lazada and Shopee platforms, as well as Techroom’s Lazada and Shopee accounts.

Accessories

UGREEN adds new Nexode Pro power bank, charger to lineup

Intelligent displays, fast-charging, user-focused design

Published

March 22, 2026

GadgetMatch

UGREEN has expanded its Nexode Pro charging lineup with two new devices designed for the modern user. They are the Nexode Pro 10000mAh 55W Power Bank and Nexode Pro 100W 5-Port Charger.

These new offerings combine intelligent digital displays, fast-charging capabilities, and user-focused designs for reliable power — whether at the desk or on the move.

The Nexode Pro 10000mAh Power Bank is the ultimate travel companion, delivering strong charging performance in a compact and travel-friendly form.

It supports up to 45W single-port fast charge, meeting the industry standard for high-speed portable charging. It can reach up to 55W as well when charging compatible Xiaomi devices.

The accessory is equipped with two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a built-in retractable USB-C cable. As such, it can power up to three small devices simultaneously without requiring extra cables.

With a rated capacity of 36Wh, the power bank also meets airline carry-on requirements.

Meanwhile, the UGREEN Nexode Pro 10W 5-Port Charger supports workstations. It has four USB-C ports, a USB-A port, and up to a 100W output.

It also has a built-in smart TFT display for easy power distribution monitoring.

Accessories

Hermès launches a $5,000 MagSafe charger

The charging brick is sold separately.

Published

March 20, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Paddock Yoyo + Grand Paddock case

How extra are you as an Apple fan? No matter what you say, you’ll probably never be as extra as someone who buys a US$ 5,000 MagSafe charging case for their iPhone and Apple Watch. Hermès has just launched a series of leather chargers and cases specifically made for Apple fans.

Available now, Hermès has three types of MagSafe chargers for iPhone users. The cheapest one, the Paddock Solo, is a simple leather-bound puck that can charge a single device. The charger also has a braided 3.3ft USB cable. It costs an eye-watering US$ 1,250.

Paddock Solo charger

On the other hand, the Paddock Yoyo charger offers two charging zones for two devices simultaneously. Shaped like a yoyo (hence, the name), it allows users to roll the cable into a convenient stack. It costs US$ 1,750.

Finally, the Paddock Duo is a charging pad that allows for two devices simultaneously. It just doesn’t have a pocket for the cable. It likewise costs US$ 1,750.

Paddock Duo charger

Now, if you want to upgrade your pricey charging kit even further, Hermès has two cases for them: the Petit Paddock case and the Grand Paddock case.

The Petit Paddock case, as the name suggest, is a snug leather case that fits only the charger (and a brick, if bundled with the Yoyo). The charger and case combo will set you back by US$ 3,725 for the Solo, and US$ 4,225 for either the Duo or the Yoyo.