Google reveal their first Pixel Buds with ANC
Image Credit: Google
Google just announced the Pixel Buds Pro, a $200 pair of true wireless earbuds with active noise cancelling.
Google’s annual developer conference, Google I/O saw all the new software and a surprising amount of hardware the tech company are working on, including Pixel Watch, Pixel 6A, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel Tablet, AR glasses, and software updates, like Android 13, Google Wallet, Search, Assistant and privacy. One such hardware product are the new Pixel Buds Pro.
At $199.99, Pixel Buds Pro will sit alongside the more affordable Pixel Buds A-Series at $99, Google’s capable true wireless earbuds without ANC. The biggest difference between the two pairs and any previous Pixel Buds is the addition of Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal. Using a custom 6-core processor, custom algorithm and custom speakers, Pixel Buds Pro monitor and reduce the ambient noise around you. Transparency mode can be toggled on to let in some of the world around you.
Pixel Buds wearers will also notice the redesigned exterior to the buds. Gone are the wing tips in favour of pliable eartips with a moldable design that conforms to the share of your ears, soft matte finish, and two-tone design. The buds come in Coral, Lemongrass, Fog and Charcoal. The Pixel Buds Pro relieves ear canal pressure using sensors. Both the buds (IPX4) and case (IPX2) are sweat and water resistant. You’ll find small, medium and large tip sizes including in the box.
Housed in the buds are custom-designed 11mm drivers, that can be customized using the 5-band EQ. Volume EQ automatically adjusts the tuning as you change the volume, to ensure they sound great at low and high volume. Spatial audio support is coming later this year for supported movies and TV shows on compatible Pixel phones.
Your voice will sound clear for calls and the assistant thanks to beamforming microphones, voice accelerometers and wind-blocking mesh covers. Speaking of, the buds of course support hand-free Google Assistant when connected to supported Android devices. As with previous models, the Pixel Buds Pro support real-time translation in 40 languages. Otherwise, use the touch controls for play/pause, next/previous track, calls, Google Assistant and volume. These can be customized on Android devices. Pixel Buds Pro support multi-point connectivity, for quick switching between Android, iOS, tablets and laptops.
Battery life is impressive at 7 hours on a single charge with ANC turned on and 11 hours with ANC turned off. Including the case, you’ll receive 20 hours of total listening with ANC turned on and a whopping 31 hours with ANC turned off. The case wireless charges or via USB-C.
Pre-orders open on July 21. At $199.99, Pixel Buds Pro are some of the best earbuds at that price for Android and Windows users. Pixel Buds A-Series remain a great option at $99 for those what don’t want ANC. Apple users should checkout the AirPods and AirPods Pro. If you’re after an overhead pair of headphones, check out the new Sony WH-1000XM5.