Pixel Buds Are Google’s Answer To AirPods

Pixel Buds from Google

Dieter Bohn at The Verge:

Google is making wireless headphones that are specifically designed to be the first and best option for people who buy Google phones — just like AirPods are designed for iPhones.

A couple quick thoughts from me:

  • Obviously these are corded wireless earbuds, but are not truly wireless like AirPods.
  • One of the things I really like about AirPods is being able to wear just one. This kind of corded design makes it really difficult to do that without hurting your ear.
  • Aesthetically, these remind me a lot of the i.am+ Buttons, but less blingy. Not a bad thing. If you don’t like the stem on the AirPods, perhaps you prefer this.
  • The touch controls are only on the right earbud. That’s kind of weird.
  • They don’t turn off automatically when they’re not in your ear. AirPods do.
  • These are the first earbuds I’ve seen that use a corded loop to secure it inside your ear. I hope that works!
  • The carrying case looks nowhere near as small as AirPods. I doubt they are pocketable in jeans. Wrapping the cord inside the case looks fiddly.
  • I think it’s a good idea that Google is doing simplified pairing to your device. That’s table stakes now.
  • Their headline feature ‘real time translation experience’ is mighty impressive. You can see a demo of it here in The Verge’s event supercut. Very cool, futuristic application of Google’s AI chops. How often would I use it? Not often, but it would be really cool if you need it.
  • These are priced at AU$249 vs. AirPods at AU$229.

If I was an Android user and needed a new pair of earbuds, I’d be taking a long hard look at these. However, as a current iPhone user, I’m still very happy with AirPods. They’re not perfect either, but they get a lot right.

Source: Up close with Pixel Buds, Google’s answer to AirPods – The Verge