Google has started pushing software release_6.144 for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and 2a, adding new features and highlighting an AI angle of new capabilities.
It has been a while since Google updated the headphones, as the Pixel Buds Pro 2 launched a bit more than two years ago and the less capable, more affordable Pixel Buds 2a are exactly one year old. The company decided to change its strategy from launching new headphones each year to offering prolonged support for existing hardware, considerably increasing the capabilities of the devices.
Here is a breakdown:
The star of the show is Dynamic Active Noise Cancellation. Your buds will now automatically adjust audio or noise cancellation based on your ear seal. This feature is exclusive to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and will be interesting for me to try, as I never managed to get a perfect seal from the right bud despite trying a size up or down with the silicone tips.
More exciting is the support for enhanced live translate. It is a more natural way to translate on the go, as the phone stays in the pocket and translation starts by a simple touch of the earbuds. It is available on both the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a, and I will be happy to give it a go.
One can change audio settings using voice. The interaction with bud settings can be initiated by Gemini voice commands. Turning on noise cancellation, adjusting EQ, or enabling touch controls works via Gemini-powered voice commands, supported on both the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a.
Tap to Mute is another feature, as you can now tap the microphone. This works on both the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a, but it comes exclusive to Pixel phone owners.
Buds can now auto pause media while you are sleeping. The algorithm will detect that you fell asleep and pause the audio playback, turn off touch gestures, and silence notifications so you can get the sleep you need. The feature is available on both the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a.
The new update is available in the US, but not in Europe, at least not in my case, as Google likes to do these upgrades gradually. Interestingly enough, a US device in Austria does get an immediate update, but not the device purchased in the EU. Europeans have to wait, but from my experience, we are just a few days behind
