Google has officially unveiled its latest iteration of wireless earbuds, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, which promise enhancements in several key areas, including design, sound quality, and noise cancellation. These earbuds, available in various colors like off-white, dark gray, mint, and pink, are set to go on sale in September for $229, marking a slight price increase from their predecessor.

The most notable change in the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the reduction in size and weight. Google claims a 27% reduction in size and a 24% decrease in weight compared to the first-generation Pixel Buds Pro. 

This redesign also includes a new stabilizer to ensure a more secure fit, drawing from a vast dataset of ear scans to optimize comfort. Additionally, the earbuds now come with four sizes of eartips, offering more flexibility for users to find the best fit.

The build quality of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 has also been improved, particularly in terms of durability. The earbuds now have an IP54 rating, providing enhanced dust and water resistance, while the charging case has been upgraded to IPX4, offering better protection against water splashes. This makes the Pixel Buds Pro 2 more suitable for various environments, whether you’re caught in the rain or working out.

At the heart of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is Google’s new Tensor A1 chip, which plays a crucial role in the earbuds’ performance. This chip is responsible for the enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC), which Google claims is twice as effective as in the previous model. The ANC technology now performs calculations at a rate of three million times per second, allowing for more precise noise reduction, especially in environments with higher-frequency sounds.

Despite these advancements, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 do not support high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC or aptX Adaptive. However, with the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.4 and LE Audio support, there is potential for future updates that could introduce more advanced audio features.

Battery life is another area where the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have improved. Google states that users can expect up to eight hours of listening time with ANC turned on, which is an hour more than the first-generation model. When combined with the charging case, the total battery life extends to 30 hours. Additionally, the earbuds now feature fast charging capabilities, providing 1.5 hours of playtime with just a five-minute charge when ANC is off.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 come equipped with several smart features, many of which are powered by Google’s AI technology. These include hands-free access to Google’s Gemini assistant, which allows users to control the earbuds and interact with their devices without needing to use their hands. Another notable feature is conversation detection, which automatically switches the earbuds to transparency mode and pauses the music when the user begins speaking.

Google has also upgraded the call quality on the Pixel Buds Pro 2. The Tensor A1 chip works in tandem with updated algorithms to improve the clarity of voice calls, even in noisy environments. Also, the earbuds support Bluetooth Super Wideband, which offers more bandwidth for voice communication when paired with a compatible phone.

Key Features:

• Sweat and water resistance: IP54 (buds), IPX4 (case)
• Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio
• Tensor A1 processor
• Custom-designed 11mm dynamic speaker driver
• Active noise cancellation with Silent Seal 2.0
• Transparency mode
• Active in-ear pressure relief
• Conversation detection
• Ringtone speaker in case for Find My Device
• Voice accelerometer
• Three microphones (wind-blocking mesh covers)
• Capacitive touch (tap and swipe) sensors for music, calls and voice assistant controls
• IR proximity sensor for in-ear detection to play and pause automatically
• Motion-detecting accelerometer and gyroscope
• Hall Effect sensor for case open and close detection
• USB-C and Qi-certified wireless charging
• Battery life up to 12 hours with ANC off (additional 36 hours in charging case), 8 hours with ANC on (additional 22 hours in charging case)
• 5-minute charge of earbuds gets 1.5 hours of listening time (with ANC off)
• Colors: porcelain, hazel, wintergreen and peony
• Weight of each earbud: 4.7 grams (with medium ear tip)
• Charging case: 65 grams (with earbuds)

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be available for $229, with pre-orders starting now and shipping scheduled for September 26th. While the price is slightly higher than the first-generation model, the improvements in design, sound quality, and noise cancellation may justify the increase for those looking for a premium wireless earbud experience.