Review: Google Pixel Buds

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Few gadgets have been as anticipated as Google's Pixel Buds. These are neck buds which feature Google features and services and are Google's answer to Apple's popular and iconic AirPods.

Just like the AirPods, the Google Pixel Buds are designed to work best with the latest and greatest flagship Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, although they make pretty good Bluetooth headphones for almost any Android and iOS smartphone.

The Pixel Buds work best with Android smartphones, specifically the Pixel 2 devices, which don't just work in tandem with the headphones but also unlock all the features like the real-time language translation.

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Google Pixel Buds start shipping in the US from the Google Store

While the Google Pixel Buds were announced at the same time as the Pixel 2 devices, it’s taken a bit more time for Google to start shipping these out. Android Authority reports that Google has started sending out shipping notifications for early orders. The Pixel Buds is a Bluetooth headset that has a wire that runs between the two buds so you don’t have to worry about losing one of them. You can just have the hanging off your neck when you’re not using them.

One of the Pixel Buds’s biggest selling points is its ability to do real-time translations via Google Translate. You just have to have the app open and it can translate as it happens 40 supported languages. You’ll hear these translations over Pixel Buds. Of course, it also comes with Google Assistant support, too. The Pixel Buds come in Just Black, Clearly White, and Kinda Blue and retail for $219. Hopefully it makes its way here soon, too. Let us know if you get notifications from Google. Best Buy Canada will also be carrying the headset.

Android’s Fast Pair feature makes it easier to pair Bluetooth accessories to your phone

Google wants to eliminate the tedious process of having to search through the settings app to pair a Bluetooth device to the phone. Google Play Series version 11.7 brings the feature called Fast Pair to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. What it does is it searches for nearby Bluetooth Low Energy broadcasts in your area. You’ll get a high-priority notification once it spots the device you want to pair it to and it’ll ask you to “tap to pair” your device with, let’s say, Bluetooth headphones. The notification will show the product name and an image of the device to make sure you pair it with the correct device. Once you’ve successfully paired, you’ll get a second notification giving you a link to companion app, if the Bluetooth device has it. The feature currently just supports Google’s Pixel Buds and Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear. The upcoming Plantronics Voyager 8200 series will support the feature, too.

Source: Android Authority