Are Apple’s AirPods Max headphones worth $549? / Sony’s rumored next-gen PlayStation Portable

Apple is closing out 2020 with one more thing: AirPods Max. The new over-ear headphones are available in five colors and feature active noise-cancellation, spatial audio, and 20-hour battery life. They also cost a whopping $549 and come in a ridiculous-looking bra-shaped case. Input editor Ryan Houlihan and editor in chief Joshua Topolsky join us to discuss Apple’s latest product.

And later: Rumors have been swirling that Sony is working on a new portable PlayStation console that would compete with Nintendo’s Switch platform. While it’s very tempting to imagine a follow up to the legendary PSP and the wildly underrated Vita, executives at Sony would have to be completely out of their minds to do this, argues Ryan in a piece for Input. Ryan and Joshua talk about the rumored next-gen PSP.

On this episode of Input/Output, we express skepticism about Apple’s over-ear headphones and Sony’s possible new handheld gaming system.

Read the original Input stories here:

• AirPods Max with noise-cancellation and 20-hour battery life coming December 15
• A next-gen PSP might sound like a good idea. It isn’t.

Where to find us:

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All week long, our podcast Input/Output digs into the big ideas, fascinating personalities, and important stories from the pages of Input. You'll hear from the editors and writers behind the headlines, unpacking unseen context, sharing valuable insight, and giving voice to points of view that illuminate and enhance your understanding of a future that’s just up ahead. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoy making it.