Google’s Pixel 9 series was backed by its flagship earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which reached store shelves in late September. Pixel 9 phones have been updated multiple times, but Pixel Buds Pro 2 has been behind. It has been four months since their release, but the Pixel Buds Pro 2 finally gets the first firmware update.
What is New in the Update?
First spotted by a Redditor, the update bumps the firmware version to 3.144. Google has no official announcement or changelog outlining the improvements.
According to a comment from a Product Expert on Google’s support forums, the update is rolling out gradually and is expected to address some key issues, including:
- Volume control fix: Some users discovered a bug that prevented them from controlling the earbuds’ volume via the phone’s buttons.
- General improvements: The update, if confirmed, may address user-reported issues which include:
- Random disconnections.
- Problems syncing the earbuds on the left side with the ones on the right.
- Poor microphone quality during voice calls.
How to Check for the Update
If you own a pair of Pixel Buds Pro 2, you can check for the update:
- On your phone, go to the Pixel Buds Companion app.
- If the new firmware is available, go to More Settings → Firmware update.
The rollout does not seem to be phased, which means it could be a few days (or maybe even weeks) before this update reaches all users.
Pixel Buds Pro 2: A Promising Yet Flawed Flagship
The Pixel Buds Pro 2’s slim design, decent audio quality, and best battery life make it a great choice for Android or Pixel phone users. However, like its predecessor, these bugs mar its performance.
Over the years, Google has been good about adding feature-laden updates to its earbuds. If the Pixel Buds Pro 2 continues down this path, they might be more competitive in the cluttered premium earbuds market.
What is Next?
The first update for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is a good start. Google still has some work to show that it is not paying lip service to these problems. If this firmware fixes major issues like connectivity and microphone quality, it could help build confidence in Google’s hardware.
Until more future updates make the earbuds fully functional, Pixel Buds Pro 2 owners should be content to wait. Hopefully, Google won’t make us wait too long.
Ethan Cole is a tech aficionado dedicated to exploring the latest innovations and gadgets, providing reviews and insights to keep you updated in the tech world.
