AirPods get a new rival that features a blockbuster upgrade Apple won't match

AirPods remain a top choice for anyone looking for a seamless way to listen to music via their iPhone. These iconic white buds now come in numerous shapes and sizes and can even monitor hearing health and act as a hearing aid. It's not hard to see why AirPods are so popular, but there is now another option that offers a bigger feature that Apple won't match. The audio experts at JBL have just announced the release of their latest Live 4 Series, which all feature a clever case with a much larger screen built into it. JBL is no stranger to this display technology, with previous buds also getting interactive cases.

However, the Live 4 Series does have an advantage, as the screen is bigger and offers a brand-new user interface that JBL promises will unlock even more convenience and customisation. Users will be able to swipe up, down, or side-to-side to easily check notifications, skip songs, or change EQ settings, all without needing to reach for their phones.

The display also lets users quickly switch between their most-used features by adding them to the home screen and it can even be customised by adding new background themes or a favourite pic.

Of course, these are buds, so the way they sound is clearly important. JBL reckons owners will get a decent music experience thanks to new high-fidelity drivers tucked inside.

The active noise cancellation (ANC) has also been boosted plus there's a wind-proof design and an AI-trained algorithm to provide class-leading call quality.

“As earbuds and headphones become more feature-rich it is important that this doesn’t impact the user experience,” said Carsten Olesen, President of Consumer Audio at HARMAN.

“Since we first introduced the Smart Charging CaseTM four years ago, we have used the industry-leading technology to continue innovating – first with the SMART Tx, and now with the refined user interface – to allow a more seamless experience than ever. JBL Live 4 marks an important next step in this journey, and we are very excited to continue driving audio innovation."

JBL Live 4 is available in Buds, Beam and Flex to fit any ear shape. Beam is an in-ear, stem design with ear tips for a sealed fit, while Flex is a stem design that sits in the outer ear for a more open, relaxed fit.

They go on sale today, May 12th, at jbl.com for £179.99.

Live Beam 4 and Live Flex 4 come in Black, Blue, Green, Silver, Orange, Purple and Sand. Live Buds 4 are available in Black, Blue, Silver and Sand.

Along with these new buds, JBL has also confirmed the launch of some other new products.

Firstly, there's the JBL Live 780NC and JBL Live 680NC headphones, which get impressive audio via 40mm dynamic drivers with a compound diaphragm, Spatial Sound and improved ANC. They also come in a number of colours, including Blue, Black, White, Sand, Green, Purple, and Orange

For those wanting to get their next gathering booming, there's JBL PartyBox 330 and JBL PartyBox 130, which not only feature built-in disco lights but also upgraded woofers and new tweeter technology for deeper bass and clearer highs.

These speakers are battery-powered and fully portable.

Finally, there's the JBL EasySing Mics Mini, which not only works as a standard microphone but also includes real-time AI-powered vocal removal from any song. That makes it perfect for a bit of karaoke.