Summary
- Adaptive Audio dynamically adjusts volume to balance awareness and reduce persistent background noise.
- Loud Noise Protection auto-lowers volume for sudden loud sounds to protect hearing (not for impulse blasts).
- Gemini Live improves voice isolation; head gestures let you nod or shake to answer, decline, or reply hands-free.
Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are really good, and they’re better every year thanks to Google supporting them with new updates and features every so often. Now, the latest batch of Pixel Buds Pro 2 features is rolling out, and it’s looking good.
Google has begun rolling out a new firmware update for its Pixel Buds Pro 2, packing a lot of new features. The biggest one is perhaps “Adaptive Audio,” a new setting that appears alongside the existing Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes. This mode is designed to dynamically adjust audio volume in response to a user’s changing environment. Unlike standard transparency modes, which simply pass through ambient sound, Adaptive Audio is kind of a middle-of-the-road option, allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings while reducing the volume of persistent, unwanted background noise. Keeping tabs on your environment doesn’t necessarily mean having to listen to everything.
It’s particularly useful in situations where you need to be aware of your surroundings, such as while cycling, walking through a busy city, or using public transportation. In the same vein, there’s also now a new “Loud Noise Protection” feature. This will automatically engage when the earbuds detect sudden, loud environmental sounds like construction work or passing sirens, temporarily reducing the volume to protect your hearing. However, Google clarifies that this feature is not intended as a protective measure against sharp, impulse sounds such as fireworks or explosions.
Gemini Live can now better isolate your voice from background noise. This improvement is designed to help the assistant be more reliable and responsive in noisy environments, such as when other people are talking nearby or a television is on in the background. You also now have a head gestures option—utilizing the accelerometers and other sensors built into the earbuds, you can now perform a number of simple and straightforward hands-free actions. A nod of the head can be used to answer an incoming call or to initiate a dictated reply to a text message. Conversely, shaking your head will decline the call or dismiss the text reply prompt.
These features are landing for users via firmware version 4.467. If you don’t see it yet, you might need to wait a bit before it actually becomes available.
- Microphones
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3 per earbud
- Bluetooth
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4.0+
- IP Rating
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IP54
- Driver Size
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11 mm
- Dimensions and weight (case)
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Android, iOS, Windows
- Colors
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Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, Peony
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are designed for maximum comfort and a secure fit, featuring the new Tensor A1 chip for advanced audio processing and enhanced battery life. They offer Silent Seal 2.0 for superior noise cancelation, improved Clear Calling, and seamless integration with other Pixel devices, making them the best earbuds for Pixel users.
Source: 9to5Google
