Google has finally announced its next generation of Pixel Buds – Google Pixel Buds A-Series. The true wireless stereo (TWS) will cost $99 / £99.99, making them far cheaper than the previous Pixel Buds, which cost $179 / £179. The Pixel Buds will be releasing on 17th June in the U.S. and Canada.
Google, initially released its first Pixel Buds back in 2017 which, in the beginning, was a complete win for Google but soon there were audio cut-outs and complaints about battery life.
Sadly, the battery life hasn’t been upgraded, as yet coming in at five hours, with a further 19 hours given by the charging case – though, it is still worthy, particularly when you think about the cost.
In terms of design, the Pixel Buds are identical to the previous models, though adding a ‘stabilizer arc’ on the side of each earbud which Google says “ensures a gentle, but secure fit while spatial vents prevent that plugged ear feeling”.
With respect to the sound? Disregarding the lower price of the earbuds, it seems as if you’ll get a similar sound presentation as the past Pixel Buds – in any case, there’s another Bass Boost include that should make the lower frequencies in your music sound all the more impressive.
Though you still get hands-free access to Google Assistant, real-time translation, and an IPX4 water-resistance rating, you won’t be getting wireless charging and swipe controls, which, kind of explains the cost-cutting.
There’s no noise cancellation, however, there is an Adaptive Sound component, which “increases or decreases the volume based on your surroundings”, which could prove to be useful on the off chance that you’re wearing the Pixel Buds A while out and about.
At $99, Pixel Buds A-Series are not the most budget-friendly truly wireless earbuds out there but they are not the most costly ones either. They are somewhat the middle ground of features vs price. You may lose some normal features at this value point, like wireless charging, but at the same time you’re getting highlights that low-end earbuds can’t contend with, for example, “Hello Google” and Adaptive Sound.
