Pixel Buds Pro: this amazing feature makes it my new favorite headphones

If you are wondering which are the best headphones to pair with your Google Pixel smartphone, let me introduce you to the Pixel Buds Pro.

I’m not going to lie to you by saying that they offer unparalleled sound. Yes, the Pixel Buds Pro are good. But that doesn’t mean they can beat headphones like the Denon Perls.

The Pixel Buds Pro compensate for this by working seamlessly with Google’s Pixel smartphones — and offering a feature that makes using these headphones an absolute delight.

Automatically switch from Noise Cancellation mode to Transparency mode

The function in question is called Conversation Detection and it works to automatically switch from Noise Cancellation mode to Transparency mode at the very moment when the headphones detect that you are having a conversation with another person.

It works as follows:

You listen to your favorite music.

Someone approaches you and speaks up.

The Pixel Buds Pro detect the voice and, with the help of the Pixel smartphone, automatically pause the music and switch from noise cancellation mode to transparency mode.

The voice of the person communicating with you is picked up by the microphones of the earbuds and sent directly to your ears, so that you can hear it without having to remove your earbuds.

I have tested this function in many situations and it works perfectly. As soon as the headphones detect a conversation, the phone automatically makes the change. The conversation can be initiated by you or by another person. And here’s a little extra: As soon as the headphones detect that the conversation has ended, the phone automatically switches back to noise cancellation mode and your music resumes.

It’s really great.

This feature is the result of a recent update of the artificial intelligence (release_5.9_signed) of the Pixel Buds. The Pixel Buds Pro automatically update their firmware through the Pixel phone, so your headphones should automatically receive the latest firmware (as long as they are connected to your phone and you are using them).

But how to activate this cool new feature? Let me show you.

How do I enable conversation detection?

What you will need : For this to work, you will need a pair of updated Pixel Buds Pro (the feature is not available on standard Pixel Buds) and a Pixel phone.

1. Connect your headphones

The first thing to do is to take your Pixel Buds Pro out of their case and make sure that they are connected to your phone. (Just start the music to realize it).

2. Open the headset settings

Open the Settings and go to Connected Devices. Your Google Pixel Buds Pro should appear in the list. Tap the gear icon associated with the headphones.

The list will also inform you of the battery status of each headset. Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

3. Enable conversation detection

In the page that appears, make sure that noise cancellation is enabled, then touch the conversation detection On/Off slider until it is in the On position.

Conversation detection does not work when ANC is disabled. Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

When conversation detection is activated, turn on the music and find a topic with which to start the conversation. Start talking and you will see your Pixel phone automatically switch to Transparency mode and your music will pause. Hold your conversation, then walk away. Once the earbuds detect that the conversation has ended, the Pixel phone will return to Noise Cancellation mode and your music will restart.

Congratulations! You have just made using your Pixel Buds Pro an even more seamless experience. Thanks to this feature, I no longer have to worry that I won’t hear my wife talking to me when I’m listening to music with my headphones. Everyone who lives with their spouse knows how important this is.

Source: “ZDNet.com “