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Google has finally started rolling out the new software update for the Pixel Buds that it teased earlier this year. Firmware version 6.144 is headed to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a and will add major new features for Pixel Buds users. While the update is also slated to hit the original Pixel Buds Pro, it looks like Google is bringing the new features only to the Buds Pro 2 and Buds 2a, since the original Pixel Buds Pro isn’t listed in the update details.
The biggest additions to version 6.144 are four new features that should make the earbuds even more enticing, including an upgraded ANC mode, enhanced live translate functionality, and even new tap-to-mute features. The Pixel Buds 2a were already a solid contender for budget-friendly headphones, and these new features make them an even stronger option. However, the gap between the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and the Pixel Buds 2a is widening with this upgrade, as Buds Pro 2 users will get a new Dynamic ANC mode that the 2a isn’t getting. You can check whether the update has reached your earbuds yet by opening the Pixel Buds app and heading to More settings > Firmware update.
As noted above, Pixel Buds Pro 2 owners are getting an upgraded version of Active Noise Cancellation with this update. Dynamic ANC will keep ANC working even when the earbuds aren’t sealed perfectly in your ears. Activities such as running, chewing, or even talking on a call can shift your earbuds enough to mess with the seal, and the Pro 2 will now adjust when those subtle shifts happen.
Pixel Buds already work with the Google Translate app to translate conversations on the fly, but this update makes it much faster to jump in. Once set up, all you need to do is press and hold your earbuds to launch Google Translate in listening mode, or ask Gemini to “translate for me.” You can then keep your phone in your pocket the whole time as Google Translate listens and translates more than 70 languages in real time.
You can also jump into conversation mode for actual back-and-forth chats. This plays translated speech through your phone’s speaker, while the other person’s translated speech plays directly in your earbuds. It’s useful for talking face-to-face, and you can even use Google’s Live Translate offline.
We’ve all probably had that moment on a call when we suddenly need to mute ourselves and scramble for the button on our phone. With Tap to Mute, you can tap either earbud to mute or unmute your microphone during a call. You’ll need to turn it on first by opening the Pixel Buds app and going to Controls and gestures > Tap to mute & unmute. It also requires a Pixel phone, like the Pixel 11, and it only works in Google’s Phone app and Google Meet right now.
If you like falling asleep to music or a podcast, the new Auto-pause for sleep feature might just be one of the best additions. When paired with a Pixel Watch, your earbuds will automatically pause audio playback, turn off touch controls, and disable “Hey Google” functionality whenever it detects that your Pixel Watch is in Bedtime mode.
