Pixel Buds Pro 2 and 2a Just Got a Big Update. Original Pixel Buds Pro Owners Are Left Out

Google is pushing what it calls a “massive” firmware update to its earbuds, and for once the label fits. Pixel Buds firmware 6.144 adds smarter noise cancellation, a call-mute gesture, sleep detection through the Pixel Watch and faster Live Translate. It’s rolling out now to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a.

Original Pixel Buds Pro owners, sorry. Google first listed those buds in the announcement, then pulled them. On October 7, Google clarified to 9to5Google that the new features are for the Pro 2 and 2a only.

What’s new in firmware 6.144

Dynamic ANC (Pixel Buds Pro 2 only)

First announced alongside the Pixel 11, Dynamic ANC adjusts audio and noise cancellation in real time based on how well the buds are sealed in your ears. Earbuds shift when you talk, chew or walk, and a looser seal lets noise in. Google says the feature compensates for those “subtle shifts.”

Tap to Mute

Tap the buds during a call to mute or unmute your mic. It requires a paired Pixel phone, so Galaxy and other Android owners won’t see it.

Auto-pause while sleeping

Doze off to a podcast and your Pixel Watch’s sleep sensing tells the buds, which pause playback, turn off touch gestures and silence notifications. Google’s line: “Now your Pixel Buds can rest when you do.” You’ll need a Pixel Watch for this one.

Tap-to-start Live Translate

You can now start translating with a tap on the earbuds, without pulling out your phone, in conversation or listening mode through the Google Translate app. Google says listening mode handles more than 70 languages.

All of this lands on top of last month’s Gemini voice controls, which let you turn on ANC, adjust the EQ or change touch controls just by asking.

Which buds get what

How to get the update

1. Update the Pixel Buds app from the Google Play Store.
2. Connect your buds to your phone.
3. Open the Pixel Buds app, scroll to More settings and tap Firmware update.
4. Look for software release 6.144. If it isn’t there yet, check back; the rollout is gradual.

Our take

This is Google doing right by hardware it has already sold, making it better a year or two after purchase. The Pixel Buds 2a in particular picks up a lot for a budget pair.

But the ecosystem lock keeps tightening. Two of the four headline features need a Pixel phone or a Pixel Watch, so a Galaxy owner with Pro 2s gets a noticeably thinner update. And dropping the original Pro after briefly listing it stings for owners of buds that still work fine. If you’re on first-gen Pros and want these features, the Pro 2 is the only way in, and that’s a decision Google made, not a hardware limit it has explained.

Sources: 9to5Google, Android Authority, Google. Photo by Daniel Romero on Unsplash.