Pixel Buds Pro: Australian specs, pricing and release date
Google is finally adding active noise cancellation to its Pixel Buds earphone range. Here's everything you need to know.
Earlier today, Google unleashed an arsenal of new consumer tech during its I/O developer conference. (If you were still asleep you can check out all the Google I/O announcements here.)
One of the unveiled products was a new model of Pixel Buds headphones, unimaginatively titled Pixel Buds Pro. Boasting active noise cancellation, the Pixel Buds Pros are set to compete directly against high-end earbuds such as the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4s.
Let's take a look at what's different.
Australian availability
Google has yet to announce a firm release date for The Pixel Buds Pro, but they should be launching "this winter". That means we should be getting them in August at the absolute latest. [Update: Google Australia has since confirmed that we will be getting the Buds Pros on 21 July 2022.]
Australian pricing
The Pixel Buds Pro will retail in Australia for $299. That puts it roughly in the same price bracket as Apple's entry level Airpods ($279). Meanwhile, a pair of AirPods Pros will set you back $399.
Design and features
The Buds Pro's main claim to fame is definitely the inclusion of active noise cancellation. This is achieved via a custom 6-core audio chip developed in-house by Google. The eartips purportedly use a patented seal that adapts to the user's ear to help maximise the amount of noise that's cancelled. There's also a transparency mode that lets ambient noise in if you need to keep tabs on your surroundings.
Other noteworthy features include Volume EQ (which automatically balances audio when you adjust the volume), multi-point pairing (which allows you to connect to a phone and a laptop/tablet simultaneously) and spatial audio (which enhances immersion when watching spatial audio-supported movies and TV shows).
Naturally, the Buds come with Google Assistant built, allowing you to control most functions via voice commands.
In terms of appearance, the Pixel Buds Pro look a lot like Google's existing Pixel Buds line of true wireless headphones. They will be available in 3 colours: Charcoal, Fog and Lemongrass.
Battery life
Google is promising 7 hours of listening with active noise cancelling enabled. You can stretch that out to "up to 11 hours" with noise cancellation disabled. The charging case can bump those figures up to 20 hours and 31 hours respectively. That's better than what the competition is currently offering, although we advise waiting for the Finder review to see if Google's claims stack up.
Specifications
| Pixel Buds Pro Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Audio | Custom six-core audio processor |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C |
| Battery | 7–11 hours (20–31 hours with charging case) |
| Sensors | Capacitive touch, IR proximity, Motion detecting accelerometer and gyroscope |
| Ingress Protection (IP) rating | IPX4 |
| Colours | Charcoal, Fog, Lemongrass |
| Price | $299 |
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