Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 uses AI to provide more flexible ANC

Key Takeaways

• Pixel Buds Pro 2 leverages Google’s Tensor A1 chip with advanced ANC and AI capabilities, improving comfort and performance.
• Smaller, lighter design with new stabilizer and improved battery life.
• Advanced AI features such as conversation detection pause music during conversations and adapt to external sounds more effectively.

Google’s new Pixel Buds Pro 2 are investing heavily in AI and are the first pair of earbuds built with the tech giant’s Tensor chip, opening new avenues for dynamic AI capabilities.

Google’s latest earbuds are first compatible with the Google Pixel 9 series and the Pixel Watch 3. According to the company, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are designed to improve comfort and performance for everyday use. With their twist-to-adjust technology and noise canceling technology (ANC) Silent Seal 2.0, Pixel Buds Pro 2 aims to bring significant improvements than before.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 design and specifications changes

Google’s latest earbuds are small and lightweight

Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 keep a lot from the 2022 version of the wireless earbuds. The oval-shaped charging case returns without a change in its dimensions. The overall shape and design is almost identical to its predecessor, too. However, the earbuds now measure 22.74mm x 23.08mm x 17.03mm (as opposed to 22.33mm x 22.03mm x 23.72mm). The buds themselves are small and the curves are very noticeable going into the tips of the ear. The earbuds feature a 27 percent size reduction and are much lighter, with each bud weighing 4.7g (down from 6.2g).

This year, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 introduces a twist-to-adjust stabilizer. When exercising, the earbuds can be locked to avoid accidental falls. Besides, they can be adjusted on the other side for a general comfort of the whole day. This is the feature I am most looking forward to practicing in the gym.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are built on the Tensor A1 chip, making them the first two earbuds to use Google’s Tensor. Google notes that the use of the Tensor A1 chip provides improved performance and battery life. While each bud supports custom-designed 11mm speaker drivers, transparent mode, and in-ear pressure relief, the Tensor chipset should also offer improved sound quality.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers up to 12 hours with ANC off and 48 hours with the charging case. In comparison, the predecessor supports seven hours of battery life without ANC and up to 31 hours thanks to its charging case. With ANC on, you can expect around eight hours of listening time. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 continues to support a five-minute charge to deliver up to 1.5 hours of battery life.

Other notable improvements include support for Bluetooth 5.4. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds are IP54 rated while the wireless charging case includes an improved IPX4 water resistance rating. The earbuds can also switch devices automatically if you’re watching a movie on your tablet and starting a podcast on your phone.

Google AI and Silent Seal 2.0 technology are key features this year

Thanks to the Tensor A1 chip and Google AI, ANC is improved

Although Google has made some minor changes and improvements to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, it’s the ANC that stands out. The company says its new earbuds can process sound 90 times faster than the speed of sound. Using three built-in microphones in each earbud, Pixel Buds Pro 2 adapts to your location three million times per second.

Silent Seal 2.0 has an extended frequency range, allowing the Pixel Buds Pro 2 to cancel a wider range of unwanted sounds. This should give you a listening experience that is less disturbed by outside noises. With Clear Call on the Pixel, you should notice a slight noise when talking to someone on the phone. Even if a friend or family member is on the subway or near a busy area, their voice should be clear with reduced noise.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 also uses AI to detect when the wearer starts talking. The Chat Finder feature automatically pauses the music when you start a chat. Pixel Buds Pro 2 will also automatically switch to transparent mode so you can better hear the other person talking. When the conversation ends, Pixel Buds Pro 2 automatically resumes playing music and switches to ANC.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 price and availability

Pre-orders for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are available now

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 launches on September 26 for $229. Pre-orders for the new earbuds are available now. Initially, Google supports several color options to choose from. These include porcelain, hazel, wintergreen, and peony. At launch, Pixel Buds Pro 2 is available in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, and several other regions of the world.