Pixel Buds Pro 2 Deal For 22% Off Arrives Right As Google Rolls Out Great New Features
Google has begun rolling out a firmware update to its Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds that add several new features to the mix, such as adaptive audio and head gestures for calls and texts, among a few other perks. Even better, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is currently on sale for $50 below MSRP. Combined with the added features, the value proposition just got a lot stronger.
You can check out our Pixel Buds Pro 2 review for our full thoughts and analysis of these earbuds before the latest update arrived. In short, we praised Google's flagship earbuds for delivering clear and crisp audio, their excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) performance, comfortable fit, and solid battery life.
Our main gripes were the lack of high-res audio support, tying some features exclusively to Pixel phones, and the relatively high price. The current deal addresses the pricing critique, and it applies to several colorways.
- Pixel Buds Pro 2 (Hazel): $179 (22% off)
- Pixel Buds Pro 2 (Moonstone): $179.99 (22% off)
- Pixel Buds Pro 2 (Peony): $179.99 (22% off)
- Pixel Buds Pro 2 (Porcelain): $179.99 (22% off)
The only color option that is not on sale is the Wintergreen model. It's possible that Wintergreen didn't end up being a popular choice, as Best Buy has the same earbuds on sale for $189 in every color option except that one, which isn't available at any price.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 Firmware Update Adds New Features
One of the highlights of Google's latest firmware release (version 4.467) is adaptive audio. As the name implies, it adapts the audio to your surroundings by "dynamically reducing the volume of unwanted noises and sounds" so you can be more aware of what's going on around you. It's another option that joins full ANC, transparency mode, and disabling ANC altogether.
The update also introduces loud noise protection. We haven't tested this because it wasn't available when we reviewed these earbuds, but it's supposed to suppress sudden loud noises, like a nearby truck truck with its siren blaring.
Head gestures for calls and texts is yet another new feature. This allows you to manage calls and texts using head movements, such as nodding to answer a call or replying to a text, or shaking your head to decline.
The last new feature outlined in Google's blog post is clearer Gemini Live interactions in noisy environments.
"Advanced audio processing prioritizes your voice and eliminates background noise so your conversations with Gemini Live are uninterrupted, even when others are talking around you," Google explains.
Google also says its newest firmware is rolling out gradually, so it might be a minute before you get access to the latest upgrades. This will happen automatically when your Pixel Buds Pro 2 is connected to a Pixel phone or Android 6.0+ device, and takes about 10 minutes once the process starts. At least for the download portion—the actual installation begins once the earbuds are plopped into the included charging case "with a sufficient charge."
To manually check for a firmware update, set your earbuds into the charging case then open up the Google Pixel Buds app on your smartphone. From there, go to More Settings > Firmware update and tap Manual update available, then follow the prompts. Google says this should take about 15 minutes.
One other option is to fetch the latest firmware update from Google's web companion app.
