DECEMBER 2019 PCWorld 39Google takes a second stab at Pixel
Buds with a true wireless design
Google’s first Pixel earbuds were underwhelming. Coming in early 2020, the updated model
will feature a true wireless design, and promise a better experience overall. BY JON PHILLIPSG
oogle’s Pixel Buds, first released
in 2017, couldn’t compete with
better offerings from dedicated
bud manufacturers, and stacked
up even more poorly against Apple AirPods.
But Google has announced a Pixel Buds
update slated for Spring 2020 (go.pcworld.
com/pxbd), and if its Made By Google
presentation is any indication, the company is
intent on making the new version a major
technological make-good.The original Pixel Buds delivered access to
Google Assistant, but the implementation
was clumsy, requiring tap prompts. The new
Buds, though, promise hands-free access to
Assistant, letting you ask for walking
directions, control your music playback, and
translate languages in real-time (among other
tasks) with just a verbal “Hey Google”
prompt. Google says the new Buds will
include “on-device machine learning chips,”
suggesting Assistant tricks should improveIMAGE: GOOGLE