Windows 10 finally getting full AirPods support in imminent update

Windows 10 finally getting full AirPods back up in imminent update

Windows 10 adding AAC support for AirPods

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An upcoming Windows 10 update is gear up to give whatsoever connected AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max a heave past adding back up for Apple tree' favored AAC Bluetooth codec.

A Windows Blog post detailed the Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 21370, which released yesterday to members of the Windows Insider Plan. The build focuses on improving Bluetooth audio functionality, including AAC back up and streamlining parts of the Windows x UI.

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Insider Preview Builds aren't the same every bit full Windows updates, but they exist to test out new features, operation improvements and issues fixes, so anything that makes information technology into an Insider Preview Build has a very skilful risk of becoming a bonafide Windows 10 addition soon afterward.

In the example of AAC back up, the move could outcome in ameliorate sound quality when playing AAC files (yes, it'southward both a file type and a Bluetooth codec) over a supportive speaker or pair of headphones — of which the AirPods models are prime number candidates.

Currently, Windows 10 only supports the SBC and aptX codecs; because none of the AirPods work with the higher-quality aptX, AAC files from sources like Apple Music need to be encoded to the lower-quality SBC codec. This conversion procedure causes an even bigger drib in sound quality than yous already go from the lossy SBC. And so if both Windows and your headphones support the AAC codec, you tin can skip the process and enjoy amend-sounding songs.

The update will besides tidy upwardly the "Select playback device" menu you can open from the Windows 10 taskbar then that certain Bluetooth devices don't appear twice. Currently, devices like headsets can show up more than once, even if simply one of the selections will really ensure playback uses that device; in this Insider Preview Build, only ane endpoint is visible per device, and Windows will automatically select the right one.

On top of these connected, smaller updates, Microsoft is planning to give its Os a major design overhaul with the upcoming Windows ten Dominicus Valley update. At that place's no solid release date for this though we're expecting information technology to launch erstwhile subsequently this yr.

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James joined Tom's Guide in 2020, bringing years of feel in consumer tech and product testing. Equally Sound Editor, James covers headphones, speakers, soundbars and annihilation else that intentionally makes noise. A PC enthusiast, he also covers the occasional spot of computing and gaming news, usually relating to how hard it is to find graphics card stock.