With the current update, Google’s transcript mode will read the translated speech in your ear as the person speaks so that you can keep track and “understand the essence of what is being said during prolonged listening experiences.” This is launched for French, German, Italian and Spanish speakers to first speak words spoken in English, and according to Google, it works best in a “quiet environment where one person speaks at a time.” To enable the feature, you can say “Hey Google, help me understand English” in one of the four supported languages, and you can also see a transcript on your phone to follow along if you wish.
Billy Steele / Engadget
We don’t really hang out with people today, but for the days when we get back to social gatherings, the Pixel Buds get a new feature that makes earbuds sharing easier. Once you have enabled detection for parts and delivered a Bud to your friend, Google will let each of you swipe on your respective earbud to control the volume of just your side.
Our reviewer (and resident audio expert) Billy Steele notes when he tested the Pixel Buds that although they have decent bass tones, they could certainly use a little more oomph. If you feel the same way, this update has treated you right. Google adds a bass boost / EQ option in the app so you can customize your audio to suit your preferences.
Not everyone likes these touch controls, especially if you accidentally touch them when you are around. You now have the option to enable or disable it, either through the app or by asking the assistant to enable or disable touch control. You can also ask the assistant to tell you the battery level of your Buds after you receive this update.
For the more widespread among us, Google is also expanding its Find My Device to show you the latest known location of the Buds. If you are sure that they are in your area, you can use the already used tool to make one of the buttons make a ringing sound so that you can search for them.
The definitive update in this release is an experimental tool called “Attention Alerts.” According to Google, this AI is used to listen to “a few key sounds” such as screaming dolls, barking dogs or blaring sirens, and will tell you when they hear them while you have your earbuds in. The buds already listen to ambient sound to adjust your play volume dynamically, so Attention Alerts sounds like it builds on this feature to make it safer for music in your ears when you’re out of the world.
If you did not receive the update, search for Google Pixel Buds in the Play Store to see if you can download it manually. For more help, visit the Google site for more information.
