Technology
AirPods 4 vs. Pro 2: Is the newer model worth it?
I’ve been reviewing Apple AirPods in addition to other wireless earbuds for years now, and I currently use Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 earbuds as my daily driver.
It’s still safe to say that the Apple AirPods Pro series earbuds are a bit better in terms of sound quality than the standard AirPods series; however, with the release of the AirPods 4 in September 2024, the gap has been closed significantly.
If you’ve been shopping around for new earbuds for your iOS devices, you might be deciding which is the better buy for you — the AirPods 4 or the AirPods Pro 2. Today, I’ll do an in-depth comparison of the two Apple offerings to help you decide which one is the better purchase. Let’s get into it.
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A woman holds AirPods (Kurt “The CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Pricing: AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2
AirPods 4 are cheaper, but you can get a good deal on AirPods Pro 2
If you are shopping for AirPods on a budget, the AirPods 4 standard model is a quality set of earbuds that retails for $129 from Apple. An AirPod 4 model with active noise cancellation is also available, but you’ll need to pay a bit more for it at $179. We’ll unlikely see any price fluctuation on the AirPods 4 until the winter holiday season since they were just released. Still, even that is unlikely outside of bundle deals with the newest iPhone 16.
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The more premium AirPods Pro 2 retails from Apple at an MSRP of $250. However, keep in mind that the AirPods Pro 2 was released in March 2019, meaning they frequently go on sale from third-party stores and websites such as Amazon and BestBuy. At the time of writing, you can pick up a pair of AirPods Pro 2 for $189 from Amazon.
AirPods next to an iPhone (Kurt “The CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Hardware: AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2
The AirPods 4 catch up to the H2 chip
For me, audio quality is the most essential factor in buying new headphones or earbuds. When it comes to the actual hardware inside both of these earbuds, they are pretty on par. The AirPods 4 features the same H2 chip that has been in the Apple AirPods Pro 2 since 2019.
When I first tried the debut Apple AirPods, I found something missing in the overall audio quality. The H2 chip finally converted me to AirPods in 2019 with the Apple AirPod Pro 2, and I’m more than excited to see it finally come to the standard AirPods series. The H2 chip brings many new hardware-based audio features to the AirPods, such as spatial audio, dynamic head tracking, hands-free interaction with Siri and an improved microphone with voice isolation.
For the AirPods 4 with ANC, you’ll also get access to the AirPods Pro 2 ANC settings, which include adaptive audio, conversation awareness and a transparency mode that balances background noise in your earbuds to help you hear a bit of everything. The AirPods 4 feature a force sensor, which allows you to control playback with a simple tap on the AirPods stem, while the AirPods Pro 2 feature a Touch control, which will enable you to turn the volume up or down by swiping on the AirPod Pro 2 while it’s in your ear.
A person holding AirPods (Kurt “The CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Performance: AirPods 4 vs. AirPods Pro 2
Comparable performance, different wearing styles
Thanks to the audio improvements that come with the H2 chip, there really isn’t much to write about the difference in audio quality between the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, especially if you compare the AirPods 4 with ANC to the AirPods Pro 2. The ultimate difference comes down to whether you find silicone-tipped earbuds comfortable. I personally like the forming-to-size use of silicone tips, and I generally prefer silicone-tipped earbuds over plastic earbuds, which means I prefer the AirPods Pro series over standard AirPods.
However, many people find plastic-tipped earbuds like the one featured on the AirPods to be fine or comfortable. It ultimately comes down to which type of earbud you prefer. This also depends on whether you want or need ANC. I like ANC, especially when traveling by plane or on a train, to block out background noise. However, some people find that ANC, especially when paired with a silicone-tipped earbud, can cause headaches or an uncomfortable layer of pressure between the earbud and ear.
If this describes you, I recommend getting the AirPods 4 without ANC and avoiding the AirPods Pro series. At the same time, if you enjoy the plastic construction of the earbuds but also want ANC, you can pick up the AirPods 4 with ANC, which is a better bargain than the AirPods Pro 2.
A set of Apple AirPods (Apple)
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Now is a great time to pick up any AirPods, as the new AirPods 4 release has brought prices down. Thanks to the inclusion of the H2 chip into the AirPods 4 lineup, especially the AirPods 4 with ANC, you are essentially getting the same audio quality in the AirPods Pro 2, just with a different earbud tip style. If you prefer the silicone-tip earbud style of the AirPods Pro 2, I would suggest keeping an eye on prices at stores such as Amazon. That way, you can keep track of any sales on the AirPods Pro 2 as we approach the holiday shopping season.
Are you planning on buying any new headphones or earbuds as the holiday shopping season approaches? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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Technology
OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle
OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
Technology
Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?
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You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
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FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
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1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
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5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
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Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Technology
Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes
Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.
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