We’ve dropped new features for Pixel Buds which will be rolling out in stages starting today.1 The features will be available through a firmware update which will automatically install when you’re connected to an Android 6.0+ device. Read on to learn about the new features.
Bass boost
Need a little more oomph? Just turn on bass boost in the Pixel Buds sound settings.1
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Sharing detection
Now, when you share one of your earbuds with a friend, each of you can control the volume individually.1
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Check battery with Google Assistant
Just say, “Hey Google, what’s the battery on my earbuds?” to check your battery more easily.2
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Last known location with Find My Device
More easily locate the earbuds by seeing where they were last connected with an Android device.3
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Turning touch controls on or off
If you’d rather not use touch controls for your earbuds, now you can turn them off in the Pixel Buds settings.1 You can even say “Hey Google, turn off touch controls” using the Assistant.2
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Attention Alerts
This experimental feature detects a few important sounds — a baby crying, dog barking, or emergency vehicle siren — and makes you aware when you’re wearing your earbuds.4
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Listen to another language using transcribe mode
If English isn’t your primary language, get it translated into your ear and transcribed on your phone so you can understand what’s going on around you. Transcribe mode on Pixel Buds currently supports translating from English to French, German, Italian, or Spanish. For example, just say “Hey Google, ayúdame a entender inglés.”5
1 Requires a device running Android 6.0 or newer to activate.
2Requires a Google Assistant-enabled Android 6.0+ device, Google Account, and an internet connection. Data rates may apply. Translation is not instantaneous. For available languages go to g.co/pixelbuds/help
3Requires Google Pixel Buds connected with Fast Pair to a phone running Android 6.0 or newer, with Location History enabled.
4Requires a device running Android 6.0 or newer. Attention Alerts may not detect all instances of supported alerts, and similar sounds may be mistaken for alerts. Attention Alerts should not be relied upon in circumstances that have potentially serious consequences, such as when personal injury or property damage may result. Sound features improve your audio experience but shorten the battery life of your earbuds.
5Requires an Assistant-enabled Android 6.0+ device, Google Account, and an internet connection. Data rates may apply. Transcribe mode translates from English to Spanish, German, French, and Italian. Translation is not instantaneous. The audio you record will be transmitted to Google for processing. Google may retain the transcription of your conversation for a limited period of time to help improve the Translate service. Please obtain consent from people around you before using this feature. For available languages and minimum requirements go to g.co/pixelbuds/help.