New Pixel Buds: The complete lowdown on Google's 'floating' wireless earbuds – CNET

At its Pixel 4 event today, Google unveiled its second-generation Pixel Buds. Google’s retooled earbuds will include hands-free access to Google Assistant as well as the ability to make calls, answer texts, use Google Translate and more — all in a sleek cordless design.

Along with the updated Pixel Buds, Google announced Pixel 4 and 4 XL phones, a new Pixelbook Go Chromebook and Google Nest Home Mini.

Google’s upcoming Pixel Buds will enter a crowded earbud market when they ship in the spring, joining Apple’s AirPods 2 and Powerbeats Pro, Microsoft Surface Earbuds, Amazon’s Echo Buds and other wireless earbuds next year. Here’s everything we know about Google’s new Pixel Buds, from how much they’ll cost to when you can get them.

What are Google’s new Pixel Buds?

The new Pixel Buds are Google’s second shot at wireless earbuds — coming two years after the company’s first-generation Pixel Buds — and promise to address some of the concerns around the initial Pixel Buds, including Bluetooth pairing.

Like the first generation, these buds come with Google Assistant built-in, which you now can use by saying “Hey Google.” Unlike the first generation, these buds are truly cordless, and the two earpieces aren’t tethered together.

What can they do?

Besides serving as wireless earbuds, Google said these second-generation Pixel Buds will give you hands-free access to Google Assistant when paired with a device running Android 6.0 or later (Google is now on Android 10). Through the assistant, you can send a text message, ask for directions or even get translation help. With a touch, you can play, pause and volume. When paired with an iOS device, Google’s Pixel Buds will act as regular Bluetooth earbuds, without Google Assistant.

What are the speakers like?

Google said its new buds will come with ear tips to create a seal to block outside noises and adaptable sound that adjusts the volume dynamically as you move through quiet and noisy locations. 

And when you’re making a phone call, Google said, two mics in each earbud will focus on your voice and shut out background noises and can even compensate for wind and other environmental sounds.

How do I connect my phone to the Pixel Buds?

Google said the Pixel Buds will pair with Pixel phones and other devices running Android 6.0 and later with a single tap. You will also be able to pair with other Bluetooth 4.0+ phones, laptops and tablets. Google said the buds will stay connected to your phone three rooms away indoors or 100 yards away outdoors.

What are the color options?

In keeping with Google’s recent color descriptions, the Pixel Buds will come in Clearly White, Oh So Orange, Quite Mint and Almost Black.

Battery life

The new Pixel Buds offer five hours of continuous listening time on a full charge, or 24 hours when using a wireless charging case, about the same as Google’s first-generation buds and Apple’s AirPods.

Are they water-resistant?

They are “sweat and water-resistant,” Google said.

When you can buy them

Spring 2020, according to Google, although we don’t have an exact date. Check back here as we’ll keep this updated as we learn new information. For now, you can join the waitlist to be notified when they’re available.

How much will they cost?

They’ll go for $179 — a bit more than $159 for the first-generation Pixel Buds and the latest Apple AirPods with a charging case — but less than Microsoft’s upcoming Surface Earbuds at $249.

Want to know what else was released at the Google Pixel Event? Check out Google Pixel 4 event 2019: Pixel Buds, Pixelbook Go and everything Google announced.