Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 now include Gemini features, offering an upgraded audio experience with the latest advancements in earbuds
The age of the generative AI device has been, at best, disappointing. Humane’s AI Pin and the Rabbit R1 were disappointments at launch, succumbing to their marketing cycles. Generative AI has a future in consumer hardware; however, it would be understandable to suspect otherwise.
Headphones are a natural progression of the technology currently being implemented on handsets. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 was introduced at Tuesday’s Made By Google Event to advance to the next level.
The company released the first-generation product two years ago, and the earbuds just arrived. As with all of the hardware unveiled at Tuesday’s event, Google emphasizes the conversational capabilities of Gemini Live, which are part of its generative AI experience.
The company informed TechCrunch that the new Gemini Live earbuds enable users to engage in genuine back-and-forth conversations with an AI assistant. “It is as if you are conversing with a trusted confidant, and it functions even when your phone is in your pocket.” You can pose various questions, including more open-ended inquiries, lengthier sessions that are more contemplative, and more walk-and-talks. It is akin to having a consistently available colleague to brainstorm or discuss an idea.
The new Pixel Buds may culminate a long-standing endeavor by Google and other organizations despite the discomfort associated with the term “close confidante.” The absence of natural language conversational capabilities has served as an impediment to the widespread adoption of smart assistants. Organizations have been making exaggerated claims for the past decade and failing to deliver on them.
LLM-based neural networks are particularly adept at simulating conversation, which is why Gemini Live is a logical progression in this vein. However, the question of whether most users will be at ease with “walk-and-talks and longer sessions that are more contemplative” is likely one that a sociologist should address.
Google’s decision to designate Gemini as the default assistant on the new Pixel 9 line is concurrent with the release of Gemini Live on the Buds. It is partially powered by the Tensor A1 processor of the earbuds, which marks the first time that Google has applied its expertise in mobile chip manufacturing to the Pixel Buds line.
The new chip also enabled Google to reduce the size of the Buds by 27%, while the battery life was increased to 12 hours on the Buds and 48 hours when combined with the charging case. Additionally, the processing rates were improved. The Buds Pro 2 are also compatible with Google’s Find My Device, allowing you to locate lost devices on a map or have the charging case and the buds ring out if concealed beneath a pile of clothing in your apartment.
According to Google, the latest Silent Seal passive noise-canceling technology, in conjunction with enhancements to the active noise-canceling capabilities, “cancels up to twice as much noise as before.” September 26 marks the commencement of the shipment of the $229 Buds.