Entertainment
5 things you may have missed about Apples AirPods Max 2
It took Apple six years to properly update the AirPods Max, and at first glance, it might seem like a fairly minor update. After all, the new AirPods Max 2 still look the same, come with the same case, and are even sold in the exact same five colors as their predecessor.
The new features mainly revolve around Apple’s H2 chip, which has unlocked several smart features, as well as improved active noise cancellation (check our initial coverage for a rundown of what’s new).
Having browsed through Apple’s official tech specs, however, we’ve found that the new AirPods Max 2 have quite a bit new functionality that might not be apparent at first glance. Here’s five hidden features we’ve found:
1. It’s ‘Siri’ not ‘Hey Siri’
When you need to invoke Apple’s smart assistant on the new AirPods Max 2, you can just say “Siri” to do so. On AirPods that sport the old H2 chip, you need to say “Hey Siri.” It’s a small difference, but it saves time (for some, at least; I’ve gotten so accustomed to the “hey” part that I’ll probably just keep saying it).
The buttons are the same as before. But you might not need to touch them as often, as Siri Interactions are now supported.
Credit: Apple
You can now also respond to Siri via head gestures; just nod or shake your head for a “yes” or “no” answer.
2. Loud Sound Reduction
The Loud Sound Reduction feature, already present in the latest AirPods Pro, helps you prevent exposure to loud environmental noise, such as a car horn.
While Apple highlighted this one in its press release accompanying the AirPods Max 2 launch, we’re mentioning it here because it does not show up in Apple’s comparison tool. It is, however, listed in the official tech specs for AirPods Max 2.
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The Loud Sound Reduction feature is on by default in Transparency and Adaptive Audio listening modes.
3. Bluetooth 5.3 vs. 5.0
The AirPods Max 2 come with Bluetooth 5.3, as opposed to Bluetooth 5.0 on the AirPods Max with USB-C. In theory, this should mean lower power usage, improved connectivity, and quicker connections with other devices. Wireless audio latency has also been reduced, which is great news for music creators and gamers.
4. New high dynamic range amplifier: Yes, but, what can it do?
Apple mentioned that the AirPods Max 2 have a new high dynamic range amplifier, but the company only said this enables “even cleaner audio while maintaining the incredible sound signature of AirPods Max”.
Cleaner sound at higher volumes.
Credit: Apple
While that’s pretty vague, we can tell you that the high dynamic range amplifier’s job is to amplify an audio signal while keeping noise and distortion low. We can also take a look at the latest AirPods Pro 3, which also feature a new, custom high dynamic range amplifier. In our review, we found they sound significantly better than their predecessor.
Based on that, and given that the AirPods Pro 3 also feature Apple’s H3 chip, we can predict that the AirPods Max 2 will not only have cleaner audio, but also an improved soundstage, accurate sound reproduction at higher volumes, and the benefits should also be audible in Spatial Audio.
If you dig into Apple’s “learn more” bits on the AirPods Max 2 official page, you’ll find an explanation that matches the above. “Modeled after those in high‑end floor‑standing speakers, the driver’s dual‑neodymium ring magnet motor minimizes total harmonic distortion across the entire audible range. With the new high dynamic range amplifier, the result is consistently clear playback, even at higher volumes,” it says.
5. Your old case still fits
Perhaps the worst, or at least most divisive, features of the AirPods Max are their odd, bra-like case that doesn’t really do a great job of protecting the headphones. Yes, you get it included in the price, but it’s just…odd. Fortunately, there’s a number of great, third-party cases that are compatible with Apple’s sleep mode, meaning the AirPods Max won’t drain too much battery when they’re in the case.
If you have the old AirPods Max and are thinking of upgrading, and you’re wondering whether your old third-party case will fit the new ones, we’ve got good news. We’ve compared the weight and size specs for the AirPods Max 2 and the original AirPods Max headphones, and they’re exactly the same: 187.3 x 168.6 x 83.44 mililmeters, weighing exactly 386.2 grams. We’d prefer it if Apple shed some of that weight, but at least your old case will fit.
Entertainment
Get a free Samsung Galaxy S26 from T-Mobile without trading in your old phone
FREE SAMSUNG GALAXY S26: Sign up for a T-Mobile Experience Beyond plan for 24 months and get a free Samsung Galaxy S26 (256GB) which ordinarily costs $899.99. Existing T-Mobile Go5G Plus members also qualify for the deal.
It’s tough to find a free deal these days. We usually have a massive amount of fine text to read, but T-Mobile is making this deal pretty simple. Sign up for two years of coverage (which you probably needed anyway) and get a free Samsung Galaxy S26 (256GB). Here’s how to qualify.
To get a free Samsung Galaxy S26 (256GB) instead of paying the list price of $899.99, sign on for 24 months of a T-Mobile Experience or Better Value plan. You’ll save the $900 over the next 24 months of bill credit at T-Mobile. No trade in is required to cash in on this deal.
Announced in February, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is the latest model from the major iPhone competitor. It comes with added features like better AI capabilities and a 50 megapixel camera. Samsung also mentions improvements in display clarity with the new S26, giving off better colors and sharper details.
If you’re one for selfies, the Samsung Galaxy S26 could be a great option. Samsung designed the front-facing camera to have a wider view, making it easier to capture selfies with the group.
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If you’re going with T-Mobile coverage, it’s well worth hopping on this free Samsung Galaxy S26 deal. The cell phone bill was inevitable so you might as well snag a free upgraded phone in the process.
Entertainment
Buy a $300 Delta gift card and get a free $20 Starbucks gift card
BUY A DELTA GIFT CARD FOR $300+ AND GET A FREE STARBUCKS GIFT CARD: Through May 11, buy a Delta gift card for $300 or more and get a free $20 Starbucks eGift card.
Credit: Delta / Starbucks
The price of flying these days is shocking. If you plan on traveling soon on a route served by Delta, it’s well worth checking out this deal to get something for free. It’ll help ease the pain of the ticket price.
Through May 11, purchase a Delta gift card worth $300 or more and get a free $20 Starbucks eGift card. It’s as simple as that. You can also qualify for the deal by buying multiple gift cards that total at least $300. The deal with apply automatically and you’ll receive a separate email containing the free Starbucks card.
Booking flights these days is not much fun. Prices are ahh…. abnormal, but Delta has eased the pain a bit thanks to this deal. The carrier is positioning this free Starbucks gift card deal as a good option for Mother’s Day, but realistically, it’s useful for anyone who plans to book with Delta soon.
Keep in mind the Delta gift card and Starbucks card will never expire. Delta mentions this offer is valid until May 11 at 11:59 p.m. ET or for the first 11,000 purchasers, whichever comes first. That means it might be smart to hop on this deal soon since there’s no way to know if it’ll last until May 11.
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If you plan on flying soon or want to gift a special someone a Delta gift card worth $300 or more, snag this deal to get a free $20 Starbucks eGift card. It’s a win-win situation for those who plan to fly with Delta.
Entertainment
Snag a pair of Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $50 off
SAVE $50: As of May 6, get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) for $399 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $449. That’s a discount of 11%.
$399
at Amazon
$449
Save $50
If you want to experience your favorite music to the fullest, you need headphones that are up to the task. Bose can typically be counted on to provide that kind of quality, especially with its QuietComfort lineup. You can try its newest model for less right now for less thanks to this Amazon deal, which heavily discounts the cans so you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on them.
As of May 6, get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) for $399 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $449. That’s $50 off and a discount of 11%.
Though an incremental upgrade from the previous QuietComfort model, these have some new features you’ll want to try out. But mostly, these comfortable headphones are all about feeling great on your ears and sounding fantastic. They offer noise cancellation and spatialized audio so it sounds as though you’re right where the music is. The new Cinema Mode can help to spatialize and balance background and sound and sound effects when watching movies to help put you right into the film as well.
Beyond that they can be used to take calls with their built-in microphones. They’ll last a long time while you’re on the phone too, with 30 hours of play time when listening to songs, podcasts, or taking meetings.
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Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard took the headphones for a spin in her review and and called them a “well-rounded pair of headphones”, praising their blend of “comfort, noise cancellation, and sound”.
If you’re ready to pick up a new pair of headphones at a discount that’ll tick all the boxes for you, grab these before the discount disappears.
Get a free Samsung Galaxy S26 from T-Mobile without trading in your old phone
Buy a $300 Delta gift card and get a free $20 Starbucks gift card
