From 9to5google.com
Quick Points
- So, Google’s spinning a cool update frankly, for the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which is starting to roll out.
- There’s this new “Adaptive Audio” feature that adjusts volume levels based on your surroundings, so you can, like, enjoy your jams while staying aware of what's happening around you.
- They’re also adding some tech magic for calls and texts using head gestures—like nodding to answer! How fun is that?
- Just a heads-up: while it protects against loud noises like sirens or construction, it’s not going to save you from super sudden sharp sounds.
- It update's gradual rollout means it'll take a bit before everyone gets the new features.
Following the announcement at Made by Google 2025, the big Pixel Buds Pro 2 Feature Drop is now beginning to roll out.
“Adaptive” Audio appears as a new option in the Active Noise Control bar alongside Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Off. It will adjust volume levels in accordance with your current environment. The goal is to let you listen to audio while still being able to hear the world.
Adaptive Audio keeps you aware of your surroundings while dynamically reducing the volume of unwanted noises and sounds. Whether you’re out walking, cycling, on the metro, or at the gym, you can stay alert while still enjoying your music, podcasts, and audiobooks.
When Adaptive Audio is enabled, Loud Noise Protection will automatically be enabled and activate as needed if there are sirens, construction sounds, or other sudden loud noises. Google warns that it is “not suitable to safeguard against sharp, sudden impulse sounds, such as gunshots, explosions, or fireworks.”
Gemini Live is now better at listening to you in noisy environments like when there’s a TV in the background or if there are people around you. This is available on the Pixel 8 and newer Google phones thanks to “advanced audio processing that prioritizes your voice and eliminates background noise.”
To set-up the ability to answer calls and send text with a nod of your head, go to the Pixel Buds app > Controls and gesture > Use head gestures. This is powered by the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s accelerometers and other “dedicated sensors.”
- When there’s a call, you can nod your head to answer or shake to decline.
- For incoming texts, nodding your head will trigger a reply and let you dictate the response. You can shade your head to dismiss the reply attempt.
Head gestures will not be available immediately after the firmware update and are rolling out over the next few weeks.
This big Pixel Buds Pro 2 update is gradually rolling out starting today with firmware version 4.467.
To check, open the Pixel Buds app > More settings > Firmware update.
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Sounds Nerdy Insights
- Basically, What’s interesting here's how Google's focusing on keeping you connected with both the audio world and your environment at the same time. Love that idea of not totally zoning out while enjoying music!
- Plus, integrating those head gestures feels pretty futuristic, clearly, right? I mean, who wouldn’t feel cool nodding their way through phone calls? It’s like living in a sci-fi movie.
- I wonder if this will catch on with other brands? Haptic controls really do seem to bring a fresh twist to interaction. Makes me think of where gesture control could go next in tech!
- However, the caution against certain loud noises makes me consider safety implications. That's kind of crucial to address—hopefully they’ll refine this feature over time. Can't afford any missed alerts.
- There’s definitely growth potential for these features; if Google nails down adaptive sound further and enhances safety measures as well, they could lead the pack in wearable tech. Let’s hope they keep evolving it!
- Sounds like these buds are making strides toward relevance in our distracted lives; that's something we can all get behind!
- Lastly, I'd love to see future updates adding even more multifunctionality—maybe polling other people listening with their Buds? That could be an exciting community feature.
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