Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 brings Gemini, plus improved ANC and sound quality
Google debuts the second generation of their flagship earbuds, but does anyone want generative AI features in their headphones?
Google launched the first generation of their top-of-the-line earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro in 2022. A little over two years later, Google just announced the second generation on stage at their Made by Google Keynote, alongside new Pixel phones and watches. So, what’s new?
Externally, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 feature a redesign. They are 27% smaller and 24% lighter than the first generation Pixel Buds Pro. Twist the buds to lock them in your ear for workouts, or adjust the other way for comfort. There are four different ear tips sizes, including extra small, small, medium and large. The buds are IP54 dust and water resistant. The case is IPX4 rated.
Inside the new Pixel Buds Pro 2 is an 11mm driver, new high-frequency chamber and new Tensor A1 chip, a Google-designed SoC. Multi-path processing enables dedicated processing for Active Noise Canceling and audio processing individually of each other. This new chip is said to improve Active Noise Cancellation, Clear Calling, battery life and audio processing with ultra low latency. On the topic of ANC, Google claims the Pixel Buds Pro 2 feature twice the noise canceling over the first generation. Continuing on the technicals, Pixel Buds Pro 2 support Bluetooth 5.4 and LE Audio, but no LDAC or aptX Adaptive.
Despite the smaller form-factor, Pixel Buds Pro 2 improves the battery life, with playback of up to 8 hours with ANC on and 30 hours with the case. Switch ANC off, and you’ll be good for an impressive 12 hours on a single charge and 48 hours with the case. Pop the buds back in the case for just 15 minutes, for an extra 3 hours of playback.
The case supports USB-C and wireless charging. A new addition on the case is a ringing speaker. Much like the 2nd generation AirPods Pro, this makes locating the case easier, by ringing it when in range, via the Find My Device app on compatible Android devices. If the buds are out of their case, you will still be able to ring them as before.
As with all of Google’s products announced in the last year, there is a heavy focus on generative AI. Google’s Gemini is powering the smart assistant side of things, allowing for a hands-free, eyes-free assistant. Gemini can summarize emails, give you directions, create YouTube Music playlists, create reminders and much more. At the Keynote, Google also announced Gemini Live, a conversational offspring of the AI technology. Rather than quick answers, use the “let’s talk live” command to get ideas, inspiration and brainstorm, such as practice for an interview. Once you’ve finished your conversation, the full transcript will be available on your phone. These features require a Google One AI Premium subscription for $19.99 per month. Whether anyone will actually use the voice assistant on their earbuds to do more than controlling their music and setting timers remains to be seen.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 brings over many of the already great features from the first generation, such as Transparency Mode, Conversation Detection, which automatically switches from ANC to Transparency when it detects you talking, audio switching between compatible devices, like a phone and watch, spatial audio with head tracking, for a theater like experience when watching movies and shows, tap and swipe sensors for controlling music, calls and the voice assistant, and a proximity sensor to play/pause music automatically when the buds are put in/taken out of your ears. Use the Pixel Buds app to adjust the 5-band EQ to tailor the sound, change the device settings and update the firmware.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 are available in four colors: Porcelain (light), Hazel (dark), Wintergreen (green), Peony (pink). They are available for pre-order now and released on September 26. They are $229, which is $29 more than the first generation pair at launch. Buy them from Amazon now for a $30 Amazon Gift Card (affiliate link).
With many improvements centered around the Pixel and Gemini, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 look to be the best option for Pixel owners. For other mobile device users, there are plenty of other competitive options to choose from, including the first generation Pixel Buds Pro, which are on sale now on Amazon for $139.99 (affiliate link).