It feels like last week whenApple announced the AirPods Max, its first proper pair of over-ear headphones.
At the time, the launch SEEMED momentous.
People wereshocked/appalled/excitedabout the headphones andApples aspirations, but a year later?
Theres an overwhelming sense of meh around the devices.
Much of this, Im sure, is down to the inherent flaws in theAirPodsMax.
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But there is one element of the over-ear headphones I cant excuse: the case.
Theres much to praise the AirPods Max for.
And its allbecause of the case.
The AirPods Max case hamstrings them.
Because the headphones are so exposed while protected, I never take them out of the house.
Effectively, I cant trust they wont get broken or damaged while theyre in my backpack.
This is totally at odds with something likethe Sony WH-1000XM4, my headphones of choice.
While the AirPods Max beat them in some instances, they dont come close to matching overall package.
The case has fucked it.
The only way around this is getting acase for your AirPods Max case but thats neither elegant or easy.
And its also stupid.
Now, I dont expect these headphones to break Apples historical actions.
That means we wont see a 3.5mm jack, Android support, or a physical power button.
I also wouldnt hold your breath for a lower price unless the company releases a lite version.
This is in line with how the company operates.
Until then, the case remains an atrocious blight on whats otherwise and excellent product.
