The latest addition to Google’s line of premium earphones is the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. The successor to the Pixel Buds Pro, this new model boasts a series of refinements that enhance user comfort and audio performance, albeit with a slightly steeper price.
The newly-unveiled Pixel Buds Pro 2 champions an optimized design. They have retained the iconic shape reminiscent of the original model, but they are now significantly lighter and smaller, promising a more comfortable fit. Users can expect a new stabilizer that allows for an adjustable fit to ensure the earbuds stay secure while in use. Moreover, reports suggest they are 24% lighter and 27% smaller compared to their previous iteration.
A major internal upgrade is the inclusion of the Tensor A1 chip, designed to deliver ultra-low latency for audio processing. This chip elevates the earbuds’ active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities, enabling it to cancel out a broader variety of environmental sounds more effectively. In addition to the stronger ANC, there’s a dedicated audio channel that ensures high-clarity playback, distinct from the ANC pathway.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 doesn’t just focus on sound quality; the battery life has also seen an improvement despite their smaller size. With ANC activated, they can last for up 8 hours, and without ANC, they extend to 12 hours, totaling up to 30 hours of use with the charging case. Without ANC, the total battery life can reach up to 48 hours. These earbuds support both wired and wireless charging options and boast a quick-charge feature that can provide up to 3 hours of listening time after just 15 minutes in the case.
In the realm of artificial intelligence, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 also steps up. They integrate features such as Gemini, designed to assist users with hands-free commands and reminders, and Gemini Live, offering interactive conversations with the AI assistant, even when the phone is locked.
As for colors, the new earbuds are available in a range of four stylish options. They also come equipped with intuitive touch controls for media and volume, support Bluetooth Multipoint, and feature a low-latency mode for gaming, spatial audio with head tracking, and transparency mode. An innovative Conversation Detection feature even intelligently turns off ANC when it detects that the user is speaking.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are priced at $229, a bump up from their predecessor’s launch price, and come in the shades of Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, and Peony. Interested buyers can pre-order them now, with an official release date set for September 26.
This new iteration certainly raises the bar for Google’s audio devices, although the more affordable Pixel Buds A-Series remains available for those looking for a budget-friendly option with robust features.
Whether you’re an audiophile, a busy professional in need of smart assistance, or simply seeking a comfortable and long-lasting pair of earbuds, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 has positioned itself as a premium option to consider. With their blend of enhanced AI, refined audio processing, and consumer-friendly design touches, these earbuds aim to deliver a listening experience that balances innovation with comfort and performance.
