Experience Gemini Sound with Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2: Elevate Your Listening!

The age of generative AI gadgets has often left much to be desired. Devices like Humane’s AI Pin and the Rabbit R1 debuted with considerable hype but ultimately fell short of expectations. While generative AI holds promise for consumer hardware, it’s easy to be skeptical. However, the technology is gaining traction in smartphones, and headphones represent a natural evolution of this trend. At the recent Made By Google Event, Google unveiled the Pixel Buds Pro 2, signaling an exciting advancement in this space.

These new earbuds come just over two years after the launch of their first-generation counterparts. As highlighted during the event, Google is placing its generative AI capabilities—specifically, Gemini Live’s conversational features—at the forefront of this release.

“With the new Gemini Live in your earbuds, you can engage in real conversations with an AI assistant,” Google explained. “It’s like conversing with a trusted friend, and it even works when your phone is stashed away. You can pose various questions, tackle more open-ended inquiries, enjoy walk-and-talk sessions, and delve into thoughtful discussions. Imagine having a colleague who's always ready to brainstorm or explore ideas with you.”

While the idea of an AI as a "close confidante" may raise eyebrows, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 could represent the culmination of efforts by Google and other tech companies striving for more intuitive user interactions. The lack of natural language processing capabilities has hindered smarter assistant adoption for years, with many companies over-promising and under-delivering in this area.

Large language models (LLMs) excel at mimicking conversation, making Gemini Live a logical progression. However, whether users will embrace the idea of informal “walk-and-talks” and in-depth discussions remains an open question for sociologists.

Gemini Live on the Buds aligns with Google's decision to make Gemini the default assistant for its new Pixel 9 line. This transition is partly powered by the earbuds' Tensor A1 chip, marking the first time Google has integrated its mobile chip technology into the Pixel Buds.

The new chip has enabled Google to reduce the Buds' size by 27%, enhance processing speeds, and extend battery life to an impressive 12 hours on the Buds, with 48 hours when combined with the charging case. The Buds Pro 2 also include Google’s Find My Device feature, allowing users to track down lost earbuds or have them ring if misplaced under clothes.

Additionally, the new Silent Seal passive noise cancellation, along with advancements in active noise-canceling technology, ensures that these earbuds can “cancel up to twice as much noise as before,” according to Google. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 retail for $229 and will begin shipping on September 26.