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Pixel Buds Pro firmware update adds 5-band EQ

By Phil Nickinson October 12, 2022

If you have the new Google Pixel Buds Pro, be on the lookout for a firmware update that’s going to make some of the best buds of 2022 that much better. The update adds a full 5-band EQ, with individual sliders to adjust the sound precisely how you like it. Here’s how to adjust the Pixel Buds Pro EQ.

There also are a number of new presets, Google says, “tuned by our audio engineers.” You’ll also see updates for controls to the left/right balance (so you can push things to one side more than the other, if you prefer), as well as some other unnamed bug fixes.

Google Pixel Buds Pro update. — Phil Nickinson/Digital Trends

The update requires you to have Version 1.0.474476083 (or newer) of the Pixel Buds app, and your buds themselves will be on Version 3.14.

Missing from this update, however, is spatial audio, which Google said from the jump would be coming to the Pixel Buds Pro at some point. So stay tuned.

Now is a good time to consider the Pixel Buds Pro if you haven’t already. They’re part of the second round of Amazon’s giant don’t-call-it-Prime Day sale, which lops off nearly 25% of the cost to take things down to $152.

Google also mentioned that it’s got a new color of the lower-end (but still very good) Pixel Buds A-Series. If charcoal gray is your thing, you can get your preorder on now for $99. (The other two colors are currently on sale for $69.)

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Mobile

Android is stealing one of the best iPhone features for wireless headphones

Googlel Pixel Buds Pro Lifestyle Image.

Android devices are finally getting Bluetooth audio switching. After years of watching iOS users have fun from afar, Android owners can finally join the party and live a life of convenience. Now, you won't have to constantly search through Bluetooth settings when using Fast Pair earbuds and can go between your Android phone, tablet, or vice versa.

Fast Pair has long allowed Android users to quickly pair wireless earbuds without fiddling through device settings. Now, Google's expanding Fast Pair to allow for seamless device switching across multiple devices. Listening to music on your Android phone but want to switch to watching a movie on your Android tablet? With a supported pair of headphones, they'll now automatically switch between devices on their own. This has been a highly requested feature ever since it was introduced for iOS with Apple's AirPods, so it's nice to see Google putting the effort into creating its own version.

Audio / Video

The $199 Pixel Buds Pro land in July

Woman wearing the Google Pixel Buds Pro.

Google announced a new entry in the Pixel Buds line — the $199 Pixel Buds Pro -- at its annual Google I/O developer conference today. They join the lower-cost Pixel Buds A-Series and the defunct original Pixel Buds. They'll be available for pre-order on July 21, and in stores on July 28, same as the Pixel 6A.

The Pixel Buds Pro sport a new design, are water- and sweat-resistant, have the usual touch controls — and, of course, have hands-free access to Google Assistant. And Google says they'll sound great, too, with beam-forming microphones, a voice accelerometer, and mesh covers to block wind. They also measure bone conduction to analyze vibrations near your jaw to pick out your voice above the din. They've got "premium coatings" with a soft, matte texture and two-toned design, and they'll be available in four colors — charcoal, fog, coral and lemongrass.

Audio / Video

The new JBL Live Pro 2 and JBL Live Free 2 are now available

A woman using the JBL Live Pro 2 true wireless earbuds.

This content was produced in partnership with JBL.

The CES 2022 international trade show took place in January, with brands from all over the world showcasing their new technology. Everything from new computer processor advances to straightforward consumer gadgets were on display, and JBL, one of our favorite headphone brands, unveiled a few new devices of its own. If you could use a new pair of buds, then the new JBL Live Pro 2 and Live Free 2 are now available, and they're two excellent AirPods alternatives that are worth considering. Here's what you need to know about them, including how much each pair will set you back.