Google Pixel Buds 2 getting this secret weapon to beat AirPods Pro

(Epitome credit: Regan Coule/Tom'due south Guide)

Google's new Pixel Buds 2 could soon tell you lot more than nigh your surround via "attention alerts," which would go well beyond the Transparency mode in the AirPods Pro.

The Pixel Buds 2 only launched this week, but that didn't stop 9to5Google from digging around in the code of the new Pixel Buds app to discover that there are command strings referring to attending alerts. An alert feature could notify the Pixel Buds wearer of when a burn down alarm is going off or when a babe is crying.

These are the all-time wireless earbuds to buy now
Google Pixel 4a: Everything yous demand to know
But in: Apple tree Watch 6 leak just revealed top 5 features

While the Pixel Buds 2 don't accept noise counterfoil, only they do a fairly good job of sealing out unwanted background noise. Plus, Google offers Adaptive Sound, which dynamically adjusts the book as yous move between repose and noisy environments, something the AirPods Pro doesn't offer.

So a smart alert feature would come in handy in letting in of import outside sounds that the wearer should exist aware of while also giving the Pixel Buds 2 another advantage over Apple.

Given the Pixel Buds ii already have some smart audio processing features, it wouldn't be a huge stride for Google to enable attention alerts. Information technology could work in tandem with the microphones on a partnered Android phone to aid in the audio detection and processing.

There's no data as to how such an alert organisation would work. But nosotros'd hazard a guess that when the Pixel Buds discover a sound worthy of attention they could trigger an audio notification telling the wearer what sound they have detected and that it's worthy of attention; an alert could as well be sent to the continued smartphone.

However, this does raise concerns about privacy. The Pixel Buds two already listen out for the 'OK Google' or 'Hey Google' trigger phrase, merely if they cease up constantly listening out for different noises, they could end up listening into pretty much everything, including the conversation of the wearer and those of passers-past. So it would exist likely Google would add in some filtering feature and opt-in options.

There'south no word on if or when Google will enable the attention alerts characteristic; it could simply be a bit of leftover lawmaking that the search giant hasn't purged from the Pixel Buds app. But given the code for attention alerts seems to exist present, information technology might but be a case of Google finalizing some testing and so enabling the feature through a elementary app and Buds firmware update.

Roland Moore-Colyer is U.K. Editor at Tom'due south Guide with a focus on news, features and opinion articles. He often writes most gaming, phones, laptops and other bits of hardware; he's besides got an interest in cars. When not at his desk-bound Roland can exist found wandering around London, oft with a look of curiosity on his face up.