What you need to know
- The Pixel Buds Pro 2 now actively adjust noise cancellation in real time to counteract subtle shifts or seal slips during movement.
- Audio settings like EQ adjustments (such as boosting bass) can now be toggled on demand using simple voice commands.
- Tapping an earbud activates near real-time listening for over 70 languages, while your connected Pixel phone can broadcast your spoken response back in the target language.
Google’s new earbuds are leaving hardware updates behind in favor of smarter software tricks. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a, which debuted today alongside the Pixel 11 series, are receiving a set of hands-free features to make the earbuds much more adaptable for daily use starting this fall.
The big upgrade is Dynamic ANC, which addresses a surprisingly common issue with earbuds: your fit can change while you’re wearing them. The first-generation Pixel Buds Pro used the standard Silent Seal tech for active noise canceling.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 can now handle slight changes to the seal to keep noise cancelation stronger. That sounds like a useful extension of the Pro 2’s existing ANC system, which Google says already cancels up to twice as much noise as the original Pixel Buds Pro.
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Google is bringing Gemini closer to the controls, too. You can use your voice to change settings, like telling Google to turn up the bass without having to grab your phone.
Sleep tracking is getting a Pixel ecosystem boost. A Pixel Watch can detect when you’ve gone to sleep and pause playback, turn off touch controls, and mute notifications.
Live Translate is another major leap forward. Pressing the Buds switches you to listening mode so you can get the gist of more than 70 languages in near real time without handling your phone. You can also speak normally and have your Pixel phone say the translated response to the other person.
The hardware is still familiar. The Pro 2 is 27% smaller and 24% lighter than the original Pixel Buds Pro, and it comes with Google’s Tensor A1 chip and a redesigned fit.
Additionally, there’s a new Olive finish. Orders will open August 12, with software features rolling out starting in September.