The AirFly Pro 2: A Step Up in Wireless Audio

Twelve South has just rolled out the AirFly Pro 2, a dongle that aims to boost the audio experience for those using wireless headphones with devices that don't support Bluetooth. This isn't just for airplanes. It's for any gadget with a 3. 5mm headphone jack. The price? $59. 99, a slight increase from the original. The AirFly Pro 2 comes with a couple of notable improvements. First off, it has dedicated volume control buttons, a feature borrowed from the more affordable AirFly SE. This is a big deal because it means users can adjust the volume directly on the dongle, rather than fumbling with their device. Another key upgrade is the use of a newer Qualcomm QCC3056 audio processor. Twelve South claims this processor enhances sound quality and reduces latency, making movies, music, and games sound better. It also cuts down on background noise, which is great for voice calls. Pairing wireless headphones with the AirFly Pro 2 is supposed to be quicker. The dongle still supports multipoint connectivity, allowing two people to stream audio to their headphones at the same time. Twelve South boasts that the AirFly Pro 2 offers 25 hours of use on a full charge. This is a significant upgrade, as the original AirFly Pro had a shorter battery life. Additionally, the AirFly Pro 2 can function as an aux input source for smartphones, enabling users to play music on older car stereo systems via the input jack. The AirFly Pro 2 can send audio from a headphone jack to wireless headphones or from a smartphone to an aux input. This versatility makes it a handy tool for anyone looking to upgrade their audio experience. However, it's important to note that the AirFly Pro 2 is not a Bluetooth transmitter. It relies on the 3. 5mm headphone jack, so it's not a solution for devices that lack this port. The AirFly Pro 2 is a solid upgrade, but it's not a game-changer. It's a useful tool for those who need it, but it's not a must-have for everyone. It's a step up in wireless audio, but it's not a leap.