Google has recently unveiled its latest flagship earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro 2, alongside a range of new phones and the Pixel Watch 3. Priced at $229, these upgraded earbuds offer a host of enhanced features that make them a compelling option for consumers. While the overall design remains similar to the original Pixel Buds Pro, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are lighter and 27 percent smaller. Google has reintroduced the wing fins, which provide a more secure fit, especially during physical activities like exercise.
One of the standout features of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the improved noise cancellation, which Google claims is twice as powerful as the previous generation. The earbuds now do a better job of reducing higher-frequency sounds, potentially placing them in competition with top players like Bose. To enhance performance, Google has incorporated a new chip called the Tensor A1, similar to how Apple equips AirPods with its own silicon. The overall sound quality has also seen significant improvements, with 11-millimeter drivers and multi-path processing on the Tensor A1 chip ensuring a more immersive audio experience without compromising on noise cancellation functionality.
In terms of aesthetics, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are available in a variety of colors including hazel gray, porcelain, pink, and green. The case, while retaining its previous shape, now features a speaker that enables users to easily locate their earbuds using the Find My Device network. Additionally, the earbuds have an IP54 rating against dust and water, making them suitable for outdoor and active use.
Voice calls are expected to be clearer than ever thanks to Google’s updated Clear Calling algorithms. The earbuds also support conversation detection, automatically pausing music and activating transparency mode when the user speaks. This hands-free feature allows for seamless interaction with Google’s Gemini AI, although some users may prefer to use voice commands for specific tasks such as adjusting volume or initiating calls.
Battery life on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is impressive, offering up to eight hours of continuous listening with ANC enabled, and up to 30 hours overall with additional charging from the case. The earbuds utilize Bluetooth 5.4 and are futureproofed with LE Audio support, although they do not currently support higher-bitrate codecs like LDAC or AptX Adaptive. Spatial audio head tracking and multipoint connectivity for seamless device switching are also included, enhancing the overall user experience.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are set to be released on September 26th, allowing consumers to experience firsthand the advancements in ANC and sound quality. With a more compact design, improved features, and extended battery life, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are poised to be a worthy successor to their predecessor. Stay tuned for upcoming reviews to learn more about the performance of these cutting-edge earbuds.