Apple has launched the firmware 4A400 for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. This version includes the long-awaited ‘Find My’ support to find the headphones even when they are not connected to the iPhone. However, it is not the only novelty that Apple has implemented. The new update also arrives with Conversation Boost, a function that amplifies outside sound for clearer listening.
Conversation Boost is an accessibility feature that the company says will help people with mild hearing impairments. to better understand what you are hearing and to have more fluent conversations with other users. This feature makes use of the beamforming microphones on the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, which pick up outside sound and transmit it to the ear, amplifying the voice of the person wearing the headphones. Also that of the user with whom you are starting a conversation.
The new feature is available through the accessibility settings. To activate it, the user can access the section audio and visual> headphone settings> ambient sound mode. At the bottom of the screen an option called ‘Speech Amplification’ will be displayed that must be activated.
Now, every time ambient sound mode is activated of the AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, the outside sound will be amplified. From the accessibility settings itself, it is possible to adjust the tone of each earpiece, reduce background noise or select the level of amplification.
Live listening also available on AirPods Pro with iOS 15
In parallel, iOS 15 has an option called ‘Live Listening’, which allows you to listen, through AirPods or other compatible headphones, what the iPhone microphone picks up. Again, with a magnification that can be comfortably adjusted from the iPhone. To activate this function, you need to pin the ‘Hearing’ setting to the control center. You can do it from Settings> Control Center> Hearing. Then, click on the direct button that will be displayed when the notification panel is displayed and click on the ‘Listen live’ button.
The new firmware update for the AirPods Pro, let’s remember, installs automatically. To get it there as soon as possible, make sure the headphones are within reach of the iPhone, are connected to the case, and have enough battery.