AirPods cut the cord, but add another battery to watch

Apple has unveiled AirPods, a pair of separate wireless earphones built around its W1 chip. Sensors detect when the earpieces are being worn, allowing playback to pause when one is removed. A carrying case doubles as a charger, making the case as much a part of the product as the earphones themselves.

The most useful promise may be the least glamorous: easier setup. Wireless audio has long involved menus and pairing steps that feel out of place beside a modern smartphone. Apple is trying to make that process almost disappear for owners of compatible devices.

There is a trade-off. A wired set can be forgotten in a bag until it is needed; these will need power. Whether the extra freedom justifies another charging habit will depend on how smoothly the case fits into everyday use.