For years, we've heard that over-the-counter hearing aids were about to be amazing. They would look like headphones and would go completely unnoticed socially; They will be able to help you adjust the sound around you exactly to your needs in each situation. It's a good idea, but we haven't seen many products that support it. With a new software update coming to Apple's AirPods Pro 2 headphones next week, it may all be starting to come true.
But before that, we have another health and wellness topic to discuss: smart rings. The edgeVictoria Song spent months wearing and testing two handfuls of smart rings to see which one was best. She shares her findings, the reactions she's had to her recent story on the topic, and the new Oura ring that might be the best option.
After all the talk about wearables, we answer a question from Vergecast Hotline (call 866-VERGE11 or email [email protected]) on a topic we've all thought about before: why doesn't someone just buy Nintendo? The edgeAndrew Webster explains why Nintendo is so difficult to understand, why any The company would love to buy it and why that will probably never happen. Then, just for fun, we imagine a world where Apple buys the company. Would it be a win for everyone involved? EITHER someone involved?
If you want to know more about everything we discuss in this episode, here are some links to get you started, starting with smart rings:
And about the hearing health features of the AirPods: