Skip to main content

Watch out AirPods — Google could be developing its own smart headphones

best Google Assistant commands Google Assistant example
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Look out, Apple. Google is here to steal your thunder once again. And this time, it’s in the audio game. According to a recent teardown from 9to5Google, it would appear that the tech giant is planning on unveiling a pair of headphones with smart capabilities, and of course, compatibility with Google Assistant. According to 9to5Google, it would appear that a string of mystery code known as “Bisto” refers to a set of headphones that run Google’s artificially intelligent helper, which could spell trouble for Apple’s AirPods.

As IBTimes points out, Google has long alluded to the existence of an “audio wearable” project, but now, it seems that these previously secretive plans are becoming a bit more complete. In the recent teardown, a string refers directly to Google Assistant, stating, “Your headphones have the Google Assistant. Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It’s your own personal Google, always ready to help.”

This line is found next to the “bistro_magic_pairing” phrase, which makes it seem as though the wearer of these headphones could control volume, skip tracks, and more, all using naught but his or her voice. Much in the same way that Google customers can talk to Google Assistant to speak with the Google Home speaker, this functionality could soon be applied to a headset.

However, unlike the Apple AirPods, which are activated by way of a double tap, it would appear that Google’s headphones will feature physical buttons. This could echo Samsung’s Bixby button, which you can find on the Samsung Galaxy S8 — when pushed, this button calls forth the AI helper. Another reference to buttons comes in conjunction with “the left earcup,” which leads us to believe that these headphones will probably be of the over the ear variety (not earbuds).

Of course, we still don’t know very much about the rumored headphones. However, with the new Pixel smartphones slated to make their debut in the next few months, it could be the right time for Google to unveil a few other pieces of hardware. So look out, audiophiles. You could very soon have a new pair of headphones to try out.

Editors' Recommendations

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Google’s AirTag copycat could be incredible — and that scares me
AirTag.

Coming on the heels of Apple's AirTag, Google is now expected to be preparing its own personal tracker just in time for Google I/O 2023. These new trackers, code-named Grogu after the popular Baby Yoda character from The Mandalorian, are aimed at leveraging the power of Android's Google Play Services-equipped devices (numbering 3 billion) to create a personal tracking network so powerful it rivals Apple's.

The bad part? Google is creating a personal tracking network so large it rivals Apple's.

Read more
The Google Pixel Watch isn’t great, but it could still save Wear OS
Google Pixel Watch on a wrist.

Last week, the Pixel Watch launched. As Google's first premium smartwatch, it fills up the void that has existed for eight long-drawn years. During this time, Android users have felt the absence of a powerful smartwatch that offers an unadulterated Android experience, competing against the Apple Watch. Google arrives late to the party, at a time when brands already imagine successors to smartphones, and Apple and Samsung have strongholds in the market.

The Pixel Watch stands against the odds, and the first impressions lend no mercy. Things could have been much different had Google set a timely foot in the segment. So, a few basic questions crop up: Is it too late for the Pixel Watch to get the success that Google claims it to be worthy of? Can Google salvage that? Is this the end of Wear OS?

Read more
Does the Google Pixel 7 have a headphone jack?
Google Pixel 7.

With this month’s debut of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, it’s apparent Google has hit its stride. The company’s latest smartphones host a refined design language that builds on the recognizability and success of the Pixel 6 family while still expanding the features and capabilities of the platform.

While its new Tensor G2 processor has allowed Google to pack in a few surprises under the hood, the hardware design is almost entirely iterative, comprised of aesthetic changes to improve the look and feel of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro without changing how you use your Pixel phone.

Read more