The Pixel Buds Pro 2 upgrades are nice — but not game-changing

It’s been over a year since Google launched the Pixel Buds Pro 2, and as is the life of an audio reviewer, I’ve moved on to newer and different earbud pastures.

But like a siren’s call, Google has pulled me back to the Buds Pro 2 with the promise of a few handy upgrades.

Not only do they come in a mystifying new Moonstone colorway, but they have a few quality-of-life updates that might make it worth spending the extra cash on over the budget-friendly Pixel Buds 2a coming out soon.

The Buds Pro 2 already had a lot going for them, like the Tensor A1 chip and Gemini built in, but these new features promise to make it easier to handle louder environments, in conversations, and when using Gemini Live.

In theory, the addition of audio upgrades like Loud Noise Protection, Adaptive Audio, and making it easier to use Gemini Live no matter where you are, seem like wins.

In practice, though they are nice to have, they don’t really add much to make it noteworthy.

So, besides a new color, what new features do these earbuds have?

Adding more gesture commands

Just smile and nod

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 already have good gesture controls, but they’ve decided to take a page out of Apple’s book by going gesture-less.

This new hands-free feature helps you answer calls and texts just by nodding, provided you’ve paired them with your Pixel phone.

The whole idea is simple enough: nod your head to pick up calls, or shake your head to dismiss them — easy peasy.

Set up was seamless, too, and it only took a few minutes to get everything through the Pixel Buds app. The earbuds will also chime to indicate that they are picking up your motions.

The bad part is that answering calls didn’t exactly work.

After the initial setup, I had my partner call me. After nodding, I heard the chime several times, but it wouldn’t pick up the call. I also tried shaking my head with similar results.

I tried a few more times to get it to work, and it does eventually, but I’m sure I looked ridiculous since I wasn’t at a Metallica concert. After a few successive nods, it would unlock and answer the phone.

Google still has some work to do on this feature. However, as far as hands-free use goes, saying “Hey Google” brings up Gemini Live. So, we can put that in the win category if you care about it.

Gemini Live at anytime

Why talk to people?

As far as other hands-free use, saying “Hey Google” brings up Gemini Live. So, we can put that in the win category if you care about it. The new update makes it easier to converse with Gemini in noisy environments.

I tested this out in a noisy café, my living room with the TV turned all the way up, and while walking down a busy sidewalk. Gemini picked up and had a conversation with me every single time.

My one big issue with this feature is less about how it works — it works pretty well — but more about when I would ever use it.

I can’t imagine being in a noisy environment anywhere where I would need to ask Gemini a question.

In testing this feature, a few people actually thought I was talking to them, making for a very awkward interaction on my morning walk.

One way this new feature is useful is that Gemini Live connects with your favorite apps, so if I’m cooking or my hands are otherwise occupied, it’s great.

However, I did have to unlock my phone to use any of these features each time. It kinda defeats the purpose.

A few audio upgrades

Interacting with the world around you

Adaptive Audio and Loud Noise Protection are welcome additions to my Pixel Buds Pro 2.

I tend to listen to everything a little bit too loud for comfort because it’s not enough to just listen to music; I need to physically feel it, much to the dismay of my hearing and eardrums.

However, when I’m out on a relaxing walk, it helps to not be paranoid about what’s going on around me. The Adaptive Audio effectively adjusted the noise level, so I didn’t have to rely solely on transparency or noise cancellation.

Loud Noise Protection is especially helpful if you’re a fan of listening to everything at an unreasonably high volume.

While I try to keep my wits about me, it’s great to be alerted when a siren goes off or if something else loud needs my immediate attention.

A few new tricks for the old model

If you don’t have the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and you’re looking for a new pair, I still highly recommend them. I still enjoy using them, and these updates are nice little upgrades to something I already enjoyed.

However, not all of these features are as practical or useful as of the time of writing this. At $229 and in a shiny new color, I still think they are worth it for the price.