Google’s Pixel Buds get new transcript mode, attention alerts and share detection

Google is adding a number of new features to its Pixel Buds today – and also addresses issues with cutouts / disconnections that some early buyers have experienced. The latest update of the firmware should reduce “instances of calls during calls” and “have better auto-recovery if one or both earbuds lose connection.” A new transcript mode is designed to translate long speeches directly into your ears, which is ideal for when you are listening to a lecture or speech where one person speaks in a language you do not understand. The Pixel Buds have always supported a translation feature, but this transcript mode is designed for one-way translation instead of back-and-forth conversations, and it’s a more discreet way to translate with the Buds. It will initially be available for translation from French, German, Italian and Spanish into English.

In addition to the new transcript mode, Google is also adding some more audio options. A new bass boost mode enhances the bass you hear from the Pixel Buds. This pairs well with a better sharing detection feature, allowing now Pixel Buds users to share a single earbud with one and have individual volume control over each earbud.

Photo by Becca Farsace / The Verge

Google today also launches a new experimental feature of Pixel Buds. Attention Alerts are designed to alert Pixel Buds users to important events happening around them while listening to music. When a baby in the vicinity cries when an emergency car passes by with its siren on, the Pixel Buds will automatically lower the volume temporarily so you can hear what is happening around you.

If you’re someone who often misspells your Pixel Buds, Google’s also improves the ability to find them. While you can already ring the earbuds to find them, you can now see their last known location on a map as well. Google Assistant also gets some improvements on the Pixel Buds. You may now ask “how much battery life do I have left on my earbuds?” and assistant will respond. You can also enable or disable the Pixel Buds touch control through Google Assistant.

All of these new features roll out today to Google’s Pixel Buds.