Audio Experience

The audio is okay. Pretty good. But not the best. I had been told that the Pro is really the only truly brilliant option if you’re wanting top of the line quality from Apple’s earbuds and this seems to be true. But they’re good enough.

The bass is okay, the highs are.. okay. The mid-range is better. So they feel a bit unbalanced. I’d say the highs and lows lack real depth. And that’s the main issue.

Active Noise Cancellation

The Active Noise Cancellation is almost too good. I have ignored train conductors and people trying to bypass me on streets. I have been oblivious to the needs of my children. But that all shouldn’t be a downer really, it’s wonderfully silent around me and that is just great.

Comfort

I was always worried about the comfort factor with the AirPods 3 and Pro because, well, look at them. No cushiony soft earbud tip to be seen. Shiny, hard, white plastic. Ugh. Have they convinced me otherwise?

No, not really. Weirdly, they’re comfortable in my left ear but not at all in my right. And I have a piercing in my left, which makes it all the more confusing. The right side slips out when I’m working out and just never quite feels stable. They aren’t as comfy as others I’ve worn including the Nothing Ear (2).

Find My… (and it’s impact on expense)

Okay this wasn’t a concern but something I knew I’d appreciate because, scatty. I’ve had three pairs of earbuds in the last year and that’s why I haven’t upgraded to anything expensive. I just keep losing them. But of course Find My has come to the rescue on several occasions. Not only can you beep the case but you can beep each singular earbud. Game. Changing. This feature makes them worth the money because I know I’m less likely to lose them.

Conclusion

On balance, I’d say these are worth it if you can find them on sale, which they certainly were during the last Black Friday. Possibly you’ll find them cheap again on Boxing Day. But if your ears are like mine, you’ll feel a little bit ‘off’ all the time. And if you’re a true audiophile who can’t give up Apple tech, go Pro.

FAQs

Q: Are the AirPods 3 and Pro worth the money?
A: If you can find them on sale, yes. But if you’re an audiophile, you may want to consider the Pro.

Q: How do the AirPods 3 and Pro compare to other earbuds?
A: They’re good, but not the best. The Pro is the best option if you want top of the line quality.

Q: Are the AirPods 3 and Pro comfortable?
A: They’re okay, but not the most comfortable. Some people may find them uncomfortable, especially if they have ear piercings.

Q: What’s the best feature of the AirPods 3 and Pro?
A: The Active Noise Cancellation is almost too good. It’s wonderfully silent around me and that is just great.

The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones on a Budget

The best noise-cancelling headphones can be very expensive, with Apple’s AirPods Max retailing at $550 full price. But one of the best alternatives, the Beats Studio Pro, are now reduced by 51% to just $169.99 in an after-Christmas deal at Best Buy.

A Quality Alternative

These Bluetooth and USB-C over-ear headphones are even made by Apple – Beats was founded by Dr Dre but has been an Apple subsidiary since 2014. We thought they were overpriced on release considering the standard of the competition, but at this price, they’re an ideal AirPods Max alternative for anyone looking for decent comfort and sound quality with active noise cancellation to block out distractions without the huge price tag.

Why the Beats Studio Pro Stands Out

The Beats Studio Pro offers a comfortable fit and excellent sound quality, making it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable pair of noise-cancelling headphones. With a sleek design and durable build, they’re perfect for everyday use.

What’s Included

The Beats Studio Pro comes with a carrying case, a 3.5mm audio cable, and a USB-C cable for charging. They also support wireless connectivity, allowing you to stream your favorite music without any hassle.

About the Deal

This deal is available exclusively at Best Buy, and it’s a limited-time offer, so be sure to act fast to take advantage of it. You can find the Beats Studio Pro in various colors and sizes to fit your preferences.

Other Options

Want to compare the other options. See all of the best deals on the best noise-cancelling headphones in your region below.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Beats Studio Pro is an excellent alternative to the AirPods Max, offering similar quality and performance at a much more affordable price. With its comfortable design, excellent sound quality, and active noise cancellation, it’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking a reliable pair of noise-cancelling headphones without breaking the bank.

FAQs

Q: What is the usual price of the Beats Studio Pro?

A: The usual price of the Beats Studio Pro is $339.99.

Q: How much is the Beats Studio Pro reduced by in this deal?

A: The Beats Studio Pro is reduced by 51% in this deal, making it available at $169.99.

Q: Is this deal available exclusively at Best Buy?

A: Yes, this deal is available exclusively at Best Buy.

Q: How long is this limited-time offer available?

A: The duration of this limited-time offer is not specified, so it’s recommended to act fast to take advantage of it.

The 1960s: A Decade of Revolution in Typography

The 1960s was a time of both cultural and literal revolution, and design was by no means immune. This was a tumultuous period in typography, defined by bold experimentation and a dramatic shift towards geometric forms.

01. New Alphabet

Released in 1967, New Alphabet emerged as one of the most radical typographic experiments of the decade. As Landor’s design director Gianluca Ciancaglini explains: "Instead of trying to force traditional typefaces onto the primitive screens of the 60s, creator Wim Crouwel embraced the limitations and created a typeface made entirely of straight lines." Gone, then, were the curvy serifs and elegant flourishes of classic typefaces. "His innovative approach adapted design to the constraints of the technology, rather than forcing the technology to conform to traditional typographic standards," continues Gianluca. "The result – a simple typeface composed entirely of horizontal and vertical lines, creating a stark, geometric aesthetic."

02. Microgramma

Microgramma was originally designed by Aldo Novarese and Alessandro Butti in 1952, and developed for the Nebiolo Type Foundry. But it reached its zenith of popularity in the 1960s. As Matteo Alabiso, design director at Droga5 London, explains: "A geometric typeface defined by its sturdy, square-like features, Microgramma became a favorite among graphic designers for technical illustrations, publicity, and packaging. Its widespread adoption was partly due to its availability as a Letraset typeface and its incorporation into early typesetters such as AM Varityper."

03. Eurostile

In 1962, Aldo Novarese revisited and refined his earlier work, giving rise to Eurostile; a more polished evolution that introduced lowercase letters alongside the familiar uppercase. As Matteo Alabiso notes: "The addition of lowercase letters enabled Eurostile to find a place in the hearts of graphic designers and typographers, who appreciated its versatility and modernity."

04. Futura

Futura is a sans-serif designed by Paul Renner and released in 1927, as a contribution to the New Frankfurt-project. It is based on geometric shapes, especially the circle, similar in spirit to the Bauhaus design style of the period, and it was developed as a typeface by the Bauer Type Foundry, in competition with Ludwig & Mayer’s seminal Erbar typeface of 1926. It was during the Space Age of the 1960s, though, that Futura became particularly significant. Rosie Garschina, executive creative director of Trollbäck+Company, notes how this geometric sans-serif captured the decade’s optimistic spirit.

05. Times Modern

Say the words "Times Modern" to a typographer and they’ll doubtless think of the font family designed for The Times newspaper by Luke Prowse and Neville Brody’s Research Studios in 2006. But there was another typeface of the same name, which emerged during the phototype era as a distinctive reinterpretation of Times, although its origins remain fairly obscure. This high-contrast display typeface was designed as a more narrow titling version of the original Times, featuring a much taller x-height and shorter descenders. Noël Leu, co-founder of Grilli Type, is among its fans. "Times Modern was inspired by Times, but with distinct proportions and a unique character," he explains. "It has a strong 1960s aesthetic, evoking the era of phototypesetting."

06. Helvetica

We couldn’t complete this list without mentioning Helvetica. Originally designed by Max Miedinger and Eduard Hoffmann in 1957, this neo-groteque sans-serif was originally called Neue Haas Grotesk, but was renamed Helvetica in 1960 to make it more marketable internationally. And it became a defining typeface of the 1960s due to its versatility and clean, modern aesthetic. Rooted in the Swiss design philosophy of simplicity and functionality, Helvetica gained widespread popularity across corporate branding, advertising, and transportation systems during this decade, largely due to its legibility and readability.

Conclusion

The 1960s was a transformative period in typography, marked by bold experimentation and a dramatic shift towards geometric forms. The typefaces mentioned above – New Alphabet, Microgramma, Eurostile, Futura, Times Modern, and Helvetica – all played a significant role in shaping the decade’s design aesthetic. Today, these typefaces continue to influence contemporary visual culture, reminding us of the power of design to shape our understanding of the world.

FAQs

Q: What is the significance of the 1960s in typography?
A: The 1960s was a decade of revolution in typography, marked by bold experimentation and a shift towards geometric forms.

Q: What are some notable typefaces of the 1960s?
A: New Alphabet, Microgramma, Eurostile, Futura, Times Modern, and Helvetica are all notable typefaces of the 1960s.

Q: What is the significance of Helvetica in the 1960s?
A: Helvetica became a defining typeface of the 1960s due to its versatility and clean, modern aesthetic, and its widespread adoption across corporate branding, advertising, and transportation systems.

Environment Artist Creates Immersive Halo-themed Installation

A Tribute to a Beloved Franchise

James Naughton, an environment artist from Manchester in the UK, has created a stunning installation that pays homage to the popular video game franchise, Halo. Titled "Installation 04", this piece is a testament to James’ skill and attention to detail.

A Multi-Tool Approach

James utilized a range of software to bring his vision to life. ZBrush and Blender were used for modeling, while Unreal Engine handled rendering. Additionally, SpeedTree, Substance 3D Painter, and Photoshop all played a crucial role at different stages of the process.

A Look Behind the Scenes

James reflects on his creative process, stating that "whenever you create any environment art, spend lots of time on the blockout and lighting stages: it’s the difference between your art turning out great or falling flat." He also notes that he created all the assets from scratch, except for the character models, which he sourced from 3D asset websites.

A Masterclass in Environment Art

For those interested in refining their 3D skills, James’ work is an excellent example of what can be achieved with dedication and the right tools. If you’re looking to upgrade your creative kit, be sure to check out our guide to the best laptops for 3D modeling.

Conclusion

James’ "Installation 04" is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity. By combining his skills with the latest software and techniques, he has created a truly immersive environment that is sure to inspire and delight fans of the Halo franchise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What software did James use to create "Installation 04"?
A: James used ZBrush, Blender, Unreal Engine, SpeedTree, Substance 3D Painter, and Photoshop.

Q: What was the inspiration behind "Installation 04"?
A: James’ inspiration came from his love for the Halo franchise, which he has been a fan of since his younger years.

Q: What is the most important aspect of creating environment art, according to James?
A: James emphasizes the importance of spending time on the blockout and lighting stages, as it can make or break the final result.

Q: Where can I find more of James’ work?
A: You can find James’ ArtStation profile, where he showcases his other projects and artwork.

The Coffer Illusion: Can You See the 16 Circles?

We love a good optical illusion here at Creative Bloq, and even more so when it’s one that leaves people’s heads spinning like this one. Can there really be 16 circles in the image below? There are, but people are struggling to find them.

The Discovery

Known as the coffer illusion, this piece of visual trickery was discovered by accident by the Stanford University psychologist and vision scientist Anthony Norcia almost two decades ago. And it continues to baffle people today.

The Image

Can you see 16 circles in the optical illusion above? (Image credit: Anthony Norcia)

The Science Behind the Illusion

Norcia’s optical illusion is so clever that it was included in the shortlist for Illusion of the Year back in 2006 – a contest most recently won by a Harry Pottery optical illusion. Now almost two decades later, it’s still leaving people perplexed. Most people see the 20 squares, or coffers (decorative sunken panels), and they struggle to see the 16 circles.

If you still can’t see them, try focusing on the verticals between the rectangles. Or, alternatively, if you’re one of the few people who sees the circles first, focus on the horizontals between them to get to the rectangles (or just check out the tweet below for help).

Why the Circles are Difficult to See

If you’re wondering how it works, or rather why the circles are so difficult to see, it’s apparently to do with our ability (or inability) to switch our perspective once we’ve seen the first shapes that appear to us. The image is very busy and it hits us with a bombardment of visual system information, which our brain has to resolve in favour of one shape or the other.

Most people seem to see the squares rather than the circles. This may be because our brains prioritise sharp contours as more critical to vision since they have more information that can help identify an object.

Conclusion

The Coffer Illusion is a remarkable example of how our brains can be tricked into seeing one thing when in fact another is present. It’s a fascinating insight into how our visual perception works, and it’s a great reminder to keep our minds open to new and unexpected experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did the Coffer Illusion come to be?
A: The Coffer Illusion was discovered by accident by Anthony Norcia, a Stanford University psychologist and vision scientist, almost two decades ago.

Q: Why is it so difficult to see the circles?
A: It’s because our brains prioritize sharp contours as more critical to vision, and the image is very busy, making it hard to switch our perspective.

Q: Can I see the circles if I focus on the verticals between the rectangles?
A: Yes, try focusing on the verticals between the rectangles to see the circles.

Q: Why did the Coffer Illusion win an award?
A: The Coffer Illusion was included in the shortlist for Illusion of the Year back in 2006, a contest that recognizes the most impressive and thought-provoking optical illusions.