The second generation Pixel Buds debuted a few months ago. We walked away and could not recommend them, but these wireless earbuds get some new features today that will hopefully enhance the experience a bit. They include bass boost, parts detection and a few others. Plus, some fixes have been implemented to hopefully alleviate the connectivity issues that some have experienced.
These new features were released last month along with a promise to fix the audio cutout issue that the Pixel Buds have been dealing with for months. Google tells us that this version, v550, includes fixes for “reduced instances of calls during calls, better autorecovery if one or both earbuds lose connection, improves media playback stability for phones that have audio encoding software,” and treats an issue where one earbud does not connect when pulled out of the case. “We are also told that those who continue with connection issues should feel free to reach out to Google customer support.
Now to the new features. The first is bass boost, which is pretty self explanatory; you can turn the bass up in the Pixel Buds settings. Also new is partition detection; the Pixel Buds can see when an earbud is sharing with someone else, at what point they will allow both people to swipe their button to control their own volume. Pretty handy.
Google also adds a transcription mode, which translates things on the fly from English to French, German, Italian and Spanish. Understandably, it is said to work best in quiet environments with only one person at a time. In Spanish, for example, the trigger would be “Hey Google, ayúdame a entender inglés” (help me understand English). Again, this only works for translating English speech into the other four languages at the moment, not the other way around. Users can also follow on their phone to read the transcript.
Other add-ons include Attention Alerts, which are an experimental feature that reduces the volume of your audio when it barking at dogs, barking at babies, or detecting cars with sirens. This seems difficult to implement, so it will be interesting to see how effective it proves to be. There’s also an update for Find My Device that will show the last known location of your Pixel Buds (when they were last connected to your phone). Finally, there are two new assistant commands that you can use. You can now ask Google to turn your touch controls on and off. Additionally, you can ask how much battery life you have left on the earbuds, which is pretty handy.
These features are rolling out today, so keep an eye out for them.
Boost your bass and share your sounds with Pixel Buds
Today we’ll release new Pixel Buds features to help you customize your unique sound experience, find your earbuds more easily when you place them incorrectly and get more done with your earbuds – including an experimental feature that alerts you to what’s there goes around even when you have your Pixel Buds in.
Personalize your audio experience
When Pixel Buds launched earlier this year, we heard that people wanted more control and customization over their audio experience. So today we introduce bass boost and detection sharing to give you more options to use Pixel Buds in a way that is unique to you. You can improve your bass directly in the Pixel Buds settings, and if you decide to share one of your earbuds with someone, you no longer have to sacrifice your volume preferences thanks to sharing detection. When enabled, partition detection automatically detects when you share an earbud with one and you can swipe both individually on your respective earbud to control your own volume. So whether you’re listening to music or watching a movie with a friend, you can share your Pixel Buds seamlessly.
Translate, transcribe and transform your conversations
Building on Pixel Buds’ helpful chat mode translating feature, which helps you talk over and over with another person, lets you follow the new transcript mode by reading the translated speech directly into your ear, and helps you understand the essence of what is being said in longer listening experiences. Initially for French, German, Italian and Spanish speakers to translate English speech, transcription mode can help you to stay present and focus on the person speaking. Transcript mode works best in a quiet environment where one person is talking at a time. For example, just say “Hey Google, ayúdame in entender inglés” to start listening, and optionally follow on your phone screen to see the translated transcript.
More useful features
If your dog burns, baby cries as an emergency car rides by ringing sirens, Attention Alerts – an experimental feature that alerts you to important things happening around you – will reduce the volume of your content currently around to warn you of what is happening. ring my earbuds earlier this year so you can hear where your Pixel Buds are if you have placed them incorrectly. Well, you can see them too. We have added an update to Find My Device that will show you the last known location of your Pixel Buds on a map, even if they are no longer connected to your Android phone
Ask Google Assistant
Google Assistant on Pixel Buds becomes even more useful by helping you do more with your earbuds on the go. Now you can ask Google to turn touch controls on and off so you do not have to worry about them starting accidentally. You can also turn touch controls on and off in the Pixel Buds settings. And you can now ask Google Assistant to help you monitor your battery life by saying “Hey Google, how much battery life do I have left on my earbuds?
All of this is starting to roll out to Pixel Buds users today. Go to the Help Center for more information.
