You’ll soon be able to answer calls on your Pixel Buds Pro 2 simply by nodding your head

Google’s 2024-released Pixel Buds Pro 2 are proving that you don’t necessarily need new hardware to unlock big new features.

For reference, the tech giant began rolling out its long-awaited Android 16 QPR1 update in stable today, bringing Material 3 Expressive’s clean design language to the masses. However, nestled within the major announcement, Google also announced upgrades slated to arrive on the Buds Pro 2 “later this month.”

For starters, the flagship buds are finally gaining Adaptive Audio, a feature that’s been a staple on recent Samsung and Apple buds. For reference, up until now, Pixel Buds Pro 2 owners have had to switch between noise cancellation and transparency modes depending on their environment. With Adaptive Audio, manually switching modes becomes less of a concern.

Once enabled, your Buds Pro 2 will intelligently switch between the two modes, automatically adjusting the sound that passes through the buds into your ear. This essentially allows you to stay aware of your surroundings without having to pause your music or compromise on its quality.

In addition to Adaptive Audio, the flagship buds will also gain what Google is calling ‘Loud noise protection.’ As its name suggests, the feature aims to keep your ears protected from loud noises when you’re out and about, and it does so by automatically dampening the volume of sudden loud noises like sirens and honks.

Answer calls with a nod or a shake

Elsewhere, within the same update, the Buds Pro 2 are also poised to give you a solid accessibility upgrade: the ability to answer or reject calls or dismiss texts without having to touch the earbud.

Similar to Apple’s implementation, Pixel Buds Pro 2 users will soon be able to nod their head vertically and horizontally to accept or reject calls, respectively. This should prove to be a big usability upgrade, especially if you often wear your buds while working out, cooking, or carrying groceries.

Upgrades for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are expected to be widely available by the end of September.