The Pixel Buds Pro has been one of Google’s most closely followed accessories since its original release. Coverage of the product spans months of leaks, launches, firmware updates, and retail discounts. This roundup collects the most notable headlines and the key facts behind each story, from the first-generation model through the arrival of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and the software support that followed.
Google rolling out update for original Pixel Buds Pro
In December 2025, Google said it was releasing a new firmware update for the original Pixel Buds Pro. The announcement arrived on a Monday evening and confirmed that the first-gen earbuds remained part of Google’s support pipeline, even after newer hardware had joined the lineup. The update was expected to reach users gradually through the Pixel Buds companion app.
Original Pixel Buds Pro almost 50% off in clearance sale
After the Pixel Buds Pro 2 launched, the Google Store stopped selling the original Pixel Buds Pro. In early January 2025, a third-party retailer was offering the first-gen earbuds brand new for $109.99, a price that represented nearly 50% off the original $199.99 MSRP. The clearance sale gave buyers a chance to pick up the older flagship model at a budget-friendly price.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 ‘Noise Control’ now live in Android 15 Volume menu
Shortly after the Pixel Buds Pro 2 became available, Google began rolling out Noise Control functionality to the Android 15 Volume menu. The feature appeared in the system volume panel, giving users quicker access to active noise cancellation and transparency controls. It arrived as part of an app-level or system-level update tied to the new earbuds’ software ecosystem.
How to change EQ settings on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 to make them sound better
The Pixel Buds Pro series received an equalizer function several months after the original model debuted. With the arrival of Pixel Buds Pro 2, the same EQ feature was available from the start. Guides covered how users could adjust the sound profile through the Pixel Buds app, enabling them to boost bass, mids, or treble to better match their listening preferences. The availability of a built-in equalizer became an important tool for anyone looking to customize their audio experience.
Pixel Buds Pro vs. Pixel Buds Pro 2: Are there enough upgrades?
Google’s Pixel Buds Pro hit the market in 2022 and were replaced by the Pixel Buds Pro 2 roughly two years later. In a video comparison, the two models were placed side by side to evaluate the upgrades, including design, sound quality, active noise cancellation, and new software features. The central question was whether owners of the original earbuds had enough reasons to upgrade. The comparison aimed to answer whether the second-generation model represented a meaningful step forward.
Google Gemini is coming to all Pixel Buds
Google confirmed that the entire Pixel Buds family, including the Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Buds, and Pixel Buds A-Series, would receive access to the Gemini language model. This was part of a broader shift in how AI assistants function on Bluetooth earbuds. The change meant users could eventually tap into Gemini’s conversational capabilities without needing to take out their phone. It also pointed to a future where the earbuds experience is more deeply integrated with Google’s AI ecosystem.
Pixel Buds Pro ‘touch and hold’ no longer reads notifications
Some Pixel Buds Pro owners were informed that the touch-and-hold gesture no longer supported reading incoming notifications out loud. The notification appeared alongside another change involving the “Hey Google” hotword. Google’s updates to assistant behavior appeared to be behind the removal or limitation of certain touch controls. Users reported the prompt when interacting with their earbuds after a firmware or app change.
Even if this Pixel Buds Pro 2 battery info is real, it doesn’t say anything useful
In April 2024, a regulatory listing surfaced that appeared to show battery capacity information for the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s charging case. The report noted that Google had a sequel to Pixel Buds Pro in development. However, the battery figure revealed little about real-world performance, since capacity alone does not determine playback time, charging speed, or efficiency. The story highlighted how early regulatory filings can generate speculation without offering meaningful product insight.
Find My Device can locate Pixel 8 even when turned off, coming to Pixel Buds Pro
Google expanded its Find My Device network so that Android phones and tablets could be located even when offline or not connected to the internet. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro offered an extra layer of protection by supporting location even when powered off. The feature was also announced for Pixel Buds Pro, giving users a way to track their earbuds more easily. This made the new network valuable beyond phones, extending to common accessories like earbuds.
Sources: Pixel Watch
Source: 9to5Google News