Google rolled out a good amount of surprises at its annual developer conference. The Mountain View giant not only focused on software, such as its Android 13 operating system but also unveiled the new Pixel 7, the Pixel 6a, and the Pixel Buds Pro. Will they become the ultimate headphones for Android users? Let’s see.
Google’s new TWS proposal seeks to compete directly with Apple’s AirPods Pro, but they are mainly focused on users of the green Android ecosystem. Among its features, we find Bluetooth wireless connectivity, active noise cancellation, a transparency mode, and IPX4 water resistance.
Pixel Buds Pro technical specifications
| Pixel Buds Pro | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Each earbud: 22.33 x 22.03 x 23.72mm Charging case: 25 x 50 x 63.2mm |
| Weight | Each earbud: 6.2g (with medium earpad) Charging case: 62.4 g (with earbuds) |
| Connection | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Compactibility | iOS and Android |
| Autonomy | No Noise Cancellation up to 11 hours Up to 31 hours with the charging case WITH NOISE CANCELLATION up to 7 hours Up to 20 hours with the charging case |
| Charging Case | USB-C Qi wireless charging |
| Price | $199 |
Long battery life and active noise cancellation
One of the highlights of these headphones is their battery life. The Pixel Buds Pro will offer up to 11 hours of playback without noise cancellation. If we activate this feature, the usage time will drop to seven hours, but we will always have the possibility of using the charging case to extend the use for several more hours.
Precisely, speaking of noise cancellation, Google says that this feature is based on a processor, algorithms, and custom speakers to reduce external noise as much as possible. If we do not want such an aggressive filter, we can opt for an “Ambient Sound Mode”, which will allow us to hear the sounds of the environment.
The Pixel Buds Pro promises powerful and clear calls or music thanks to 11 mm speaker transducers and a volume equalizer that adjusts automatically. And if we want to switch songs, adjust the volume, change noise cancellation modes or answer a call, we can resort to touch controls.
As mentioned above, these headphones seek to be the equivalent of the AirPods Pro but stop the Google ecosystem. In this sense, Android users will be able to automatically switch between one device and another without having to open the Bluetooth settings menu. And, although the Pixel Buds Pro also works on iOS, this feature will go by the wayside for Apple’s system.
Pricing and Availability
Like the new Pixel 6a, these headphones will go on sale this summer. They will arrive in four colors (coral, fog gray, charcoal, and lime green) for $199. Of course, the USB-C charging cable will have to be purchased separately.
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