Airpods Pro: very bad quality in Headset mode on Windows 10

Anonymous
2020-04-02T12:50:11+00:00

Dear all,

I've got my new Airpods Pro, they work well with my iPhone.

Also on Windows 10 via bluetooth, sound quality is good when using the "Airpods stereo" mode.

However, in the headset mode ("Airpods Hands-Free AG Audio") sound and especially microphone quality is extremely bad. I tried to change the default format (see screenshot, it's only 8000Hz), but I cannot change it as it's grey. Any advice to get a better microphone quality?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

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Anonymous
2022-01-17T19:57:00+00:00

According to this post it should be fixed already in Insiders Build (currently Dev Channel only).

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-09-07T08:39:12+00:00

    Definately a windows issue. Be it drivers or Windows 10 itself. The same bluetooth hardware works flawlessly and smoothly when booting the same machine in macos. They are horrible using hands free mode in windows 10 and don't work at all as a proper microphone. 

    So yeah, definately windows 10. 

    Unfortunately I do not have another set of bluetooth headphones from another company to see if it is "politially motivated" on one of the sides of the companies.

    I don't have Air Pods but I have a set of AfterShokz that I can use on my Android phone and my Macbook but not on any Windows 10 PC. Now, with COVID-19 and more people working remotely, Microsoft need to prioritise this. We can't use Teams or zoom etc on Windows 10 with a Bluetooth headset. Not good enough

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-09-07T08:46:53+00:00

    Exactly this. It's weird: I use a macbook just for video-conferencing and calls because being forced to wired headphones in 2020 is so cruel. It's a bit like getting used to 3 screens and then ending up with one laptop in homeoffice. It's just a HUGE step backwards.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-09-07T08:57:17+00:00

    Apparently this is not a Windows issue but a lack of support from Bluetooth. You can get a better idea of what's happening in here: https://www.reddit.com/r/sony/comments/fqf71z/wh1000xm3_can_only_use_stereo_or_handsfree_but/

    it's absolutely a Windows issue. Mobile phones can do it and so can Macs. Did you actually read it?

    I read it and understand it. Did you?The difference is that when using bluetooth headsets with cellphones or airpods with macs they are smart for switching between the HSP and A2DP profiles.

    I see that your problem is the mic quality, the are some reddit posts that mentioned using a BT dongle and installing their drivers to connect to the airpods. They report good call quality.

    If you have problems switching between the profiles, it is easy to do it. You just click on the speaker icon and select between headphone and headset.

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-09-07T09:05:19+00:00

    we need to flood the Feedback Hub with this issue https://aka.ms/AA9k7uk

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