Google has just pushed out one of its most ambitious updates yet for the Pixel Buds Pro 2, and it’s the kind of refresh that finally makes these earbuds feel as smart as Google originally promised. 
After building anticipation at the Made by Google 2025 showcase, the company is now gradually rolling out software version 4.467 – a release that focuses on sound, smarts, and seamless interaction with Gemini, Google’s AI-powered assistant.
The rollout isn’t instant; it’s happening in waves. So, if your device hasn’t picked it up yet, there’s no reason to stress – as long as your Pixel Buds Pro 2 are charged, paired to your Android 6.0+ or Pixel device, and running the latest Google app, the update will land on your earbuds soon enough. Installation takes place automatically when you place the buds in the charging case with sufficient battery. For those who prefer to take control, the Pixel Buds app also lets you trigger a manual install in just a few steps.
Adaptive Audio and Noise Protection
Among the headline features is Adaptive Audio. This tech dynamically changes your listening volume depending on the environment – turning up when you’re outside on a busy street, dialing back when you move indoors, all without you needing to adjust anything manually. Alongside it comes Loud Noise Protection, a safeguard that instantly reduces sudden blasts of sound, like the screech of subway brakes or a passing ambulance. It’s a subtle feature that could make long-term listening far safer and less fatiguing.
Hands-Free Head Gestures
Another standout addition is support for head gestures. Nodding now serves as a universal ‘yes’ for answering calls or replying to texts, while shaking your head politely declines. This hands-free control feels like a natural evolution of wearables, letting you respond to life’s interruptions without ever lifting your phone from your pocket. It’s simple, intuitive, and exactly the kind of convenience earbuds should deliver in 2025.
Smarter Gemini Live
Gemini Live, Google’s real-time assistant feature, is also getting smarter. The new update refines voice detection with advanced noise filtering, so your speech cuts through even in bustling cafés or crowded trains. Instead of your AI assistant getting confused by chatter or background clatter, it now prioritizes your voice. That means clearer conversations, more accurate transcriptions, and fewer frustrating ‘Sorry, I didn’t catch that’ moments.
How to Get the Update
For most users, the firmware downloads automatically in the background. The update typically takes about 10 minutes, and you can keep listening to music while it works. Once you dock the earbuds back in their case, the installation finalizes in another 10 minutes. Manual updating through the Pixel Buds app is also straightforward: pop the buds into the case, open the app, head to More Settings → Firmware Update, and tap Manual update available. The process lasts around 15 minutes in total.
Challenging Apple and Samsung
With this rollout, Google is clearly positioning the Pixel Buds Pro 2 as a more formidable rival to AirPods Pro 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Adaptive Audio and noise protection bring Google’s earbuds to feature parity with Apple’s best, while head gestures add a futuristic edge. But it’s Gemini Live that could tip the balance: by making the assistant sharper and more reliable, Google is reframing its earbuds as not just listening devices but as intelligent companions that can help manage your day, even in chaos.
A Smarter Companion for Everyday Life
When the Pixel Buds Pro 2 first launched, the audio quality and noise cancellation were strong, but the so-called smart features felt half-baked. This update finally unlocks their potential. Now, they don’t just sound great – they also behave intelligently, making calls, texts, and assistant interactions smoother and more natural. For many, that combination of polish and practicality will be the difference between ‘just another pair of earbuds’ and something you actually rely on daily. Google may have just given the Pixel Buds Pro 2 their true personality.
3 comments
took them long enough to add adaptive audio
ok but can it beat airpods in battery life??
ngl head gestures sound kinda weird but also cool 🤔