Pixel Buds Pro can now automatically detect conversations

Picture: June Wan/ZDNET.

Google announced it last week, during its Made by Google event: the firmware update planned for the Pixel Buds Pro is now available on all compatible devices.

Version 5.9 is available today for most Pixel Buds Pro. It includes a number of novelties, among which the automatic detection of conversations.

Conversation detection

This feature uses artificial intelligence to detect if the user is chatting. If this is the case, the playback pauses and the Transparency mode (which allows it to hear what is happening around) is activated until the end of the conversation. Thus, the wearer of Pixel Buds Pro can more easily hear his interlocutor. When the headphones detect that the conversation has ended, the music (or other) resumes, and active noise cancellation is reactivated to eliminate annoying noises in the background.

The automatic conversation detection feature was announced last month for the AirPods Pro 2, and Sony’s headphones have already had it for some time. So it was time for Google to align itself with its competitors.

To enable or disable this feature, go to the section Audio settings on your Pixel Buds application.

A more stable Bluetooth connection

Another novelty contained in this update: an improved Bluetooth connection. At the moment, the Pixel Buds Pro work with a rather dated standard. Version 5.9 allows the headphones to use the new Super Wideband Bluetooth and the Low Complexity Communication Codec.

In short, it takes advantage of a wider frequency range. This should not only improve the audio streaming experience, but also the quality of phone calls.

The battery life should also be improved, as should the general stability of the connection.

Low latency mode

Latest novelty, specifically aimed at gamers: a low latency mode should allow the sound to better match what is displayed on the screen.

There is always a lag between audio and video, especially when using a Bluetooth connection. This lag is usually not annoying, since the brain processes these two elements at different speeds. Nevertheless, it can become so if it is too high. And the new mode reduces latency by half.

If you want to benefit from these new features, you will have to update your Pixel Buds Pro with the most recent version. To do this, open the Pixel application on your smartphone, then go to Preferences > More settings > firmware. If your headphones are compatible, you will see version 5.9 appear, and you will just have to click to install it.

Source: ZDNet.com