OK, this is pretty bonkers. I like headphones, and I spend quite a bit of money on them, but what Google just announced pretty much left my jaw on the ground.
The Google Pixel Buds are a new pair of headphones that launched alongside Google’s Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. But it is not what they look like or what they sound like that is so impressive – no, it’s what they can do.
Google’s Pixel Buds can translate language in REAL TIME. That’s right, you can speak to someone that doesn’t speak your native tongue and Google’s Pixel Buds will translate their language, in real-time, into English in your ears.
This is basically the stuff of the future, only it’s available right now. No one has ever done anything like this before, especially inside a pair of headphones.
The Pixel Buds are designed to work with the Pixel 2 phones, and, if both users are rocking the headphones and a Pixel 2, they can converse in different languages, simply by using the headphones as a prompt.
I remember back when Google Glass was a thing, I used to think it'd be really cool to have an application that essentially overlaid subtitles at the bottom of the heads-up display that translated language in real-time. The Pixel Buds have basically just done this and in an arguably better manner.
The only real downside to this cool feature is that you have to use a Pixel 2 phone with the Pixel Buds for it to work. So how much are these bad boys? Not that much at all, given what they can do – you will be able to grab a pair later this month for £149, so basically the same price as Apple’s AirPods.
The Pixel Buds are pretty different to Apple’s AirPods, though, in that they do have a wire which connects them. They are wirelessly connected to your phone, and the neck cable ensures you can casually wear them around your neck when you’re not using them.
The composition of the headphones is slightly novel as well; the Pixel Buds use a slightly occluded design, in that, they don’t completely jam ups ear canal. Instead, they sit just on the surface, meaning you can hear what’s going on around you.
Interacting with the headphones is done via touch; tap the right Bud to pause, gesture forwards and backward to increase or decrease the volume, and double tap it to have notifications read aloud to you. As of right now, these controls cannot be adjusted.
To access Google Assistant, simply hold your finger down on the right earbud and issue your command.
The Pixel Buds will work with iOS too, even Siri and Google says all updates will be done, silently, in the background whenever the Pixel Buds are connected to a Pixel 2 phone.
Google’s Pixel Buds will be available later this month and retail for £149.
by rgoodwin via Featured Articles
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