Google officially announce the Pixel Buds A-Series – $99 true wireless earbuds
Image Credit: Google
Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series hope to offer the same sound quality, smart features and design at $80 less than the regular Pixel Buds.
Around a month ago, Google accidently announced the new Pixel Buds A-Series via a now deleted Tweet from the official Android Twitter account. With Google I/O due later that month, we presumed the official drop would be on stage, but Google have decided now is the time for the world to hear of their new true wireless earbuds. As with Google’s other ‘A-Series’ devices, Pixel Buds A-Series will sit alongside the regular $179 Pixel Buds released last year, at a lower price. While the A-Series does represent a drop in cost, thankfully it doesn’t also represent a drop in quality or comfort. Google Pixel Buds A-Series have all the essential features you’ll need in true wireless earbuds, but understandably (at the price) no active noise cancellation.
Custom-designed 12mm dynamic speaker drivers produce “full, clear and natural sound”, with the Bass Boost option providing that extra punch. Adaptive Sound will increase or descrease the volume of your content based on your surroundings, great for moving between your quiet home to the noisy city street, or jogging past a loud construction site.
The A-Series buds feature an almost identical design buds and case, available in Clearly White and a new Dark Olive option. The low-profile design provides a firm fit and good seal for low frequencies. Three eartip sizes allow you to customize the fit, while the stabilizer arc should help the buds stay in place. The spatial vent allows air to flow freely, reducing in-ear pressure.
Beamforming microphones focus on your voice and reduce outside noise for clear calls. Google-Assistant built-in to the buds gives you hands-free access to check the weather, get answers to questions, change the volume, have notifications read to you and so much more. When paired with a Pixel or Android 6.0+ phone, real-time translation will help you conversate in more than 40 languages. For example just say “Hey Google, help me speak Japanese” to get started. Alternatively, use the touch controls to answer calls, as well as play, pause and skip tracks with a simple tap.
Google Pixel Buds A-Series provide a strong connection for clear and uninterrupted sound. Fast Pair with Pixel and Android phones allow you to link your buds with just a tap, while iOS and other devices can connect as usual using Blutooth. Use Find My Device on an Android phone to ring your lost buds. When the Pixel Buds A-Series aren’t within range, Find My Device will show the last known location on a map. The battery in Pixel Buds A-Series provides the same 5 hours of listening or 2.5 hours of talk time on a single charge, with 24 hours in the charging case. Quick charge will top you up with an additional 3 hours of listening from just 15 minutes in the case. IPx4 will keep the buds protected from sweat and rain.
Unfortunately, there’s still no active noise cancelling option from Google with the addition of the A-Series, however this is expected from a pair coming in at $99. Hopefully the next generation of Pixel Buds will feature ANC. Pre-orders are open today in the US and Canada, with shipping starting June 17th. Other countries, such as the UK can join the waitlist by heading to the Google Store.
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