Your Pixel Buds might get a massive update — Gemini AI coming to older models

The Google Pixel Buds Pro wireless earbuds resting on an Etch-a-Sketch
(Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future)

The latest wireless noise-canceling earbuds from Google, the Pixel Buds Pro 2, feature built-in Gemini AI features, activated the moment they're pulled from their environmentally friendly cardboard prison. Press and hold an earbud to conjure the AI assistant, and use it like a smarter version of Siri, Google Assistant, or Bixby. Alternatively, ask it for Gemini Live, and prompt it to help you be more creative, or find you the best way to go on holiday to the Maldives in 2025.

It's a very slick feature for the buds, and now it looks like it will be coming to older models of the Pixel Buds, according to 9to5Google. Google elaborates in a message to Pixel Buds owners, who will soon find Google Assistant replaced with Gemini AI features instead.

How does it work?

Apparently, we're looking at the features coming to the Pixel Buds, Pixel Buds A-Series, and the Pixel Buds Pro. It looks to bring the older models more in line with the latest Pixel Buds Pro 2, with more integrated AI features.

Google does warn that some features will work differently when you use Gemini instead of the Google Assistant. Also, once you've taken the buds out of your ears, you'll need to re-initialize the unlocking process on your handset before Gemini is re-initialized. 

It's a massive boon for users of older Buds, however, and something that's not often seen on lower-cost smart, wireless devices. This brings them close to par with the brand new Buds Pro 2, and makes it harder to justify an upgrade to the newer model — apart from that slightly laborious unlocking issue.

As for when the update is coming, no-one is quite sure. At the moment, Google only says it's "coming soon", but we'll be sure to let you know when you can access the features with your buds.

More from Tom's Guide

Category
Arrow
Arrow
Back to Mobile Cell Phones
Brand
Arrow
Storage Size
Arrow
Colour
Arrow
Condition
Arrow
Price
Arrow
Any Price
Showing 10 of 71 deals
Filters
Arrow
6-month plan free
Our Review
4
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Mint Mobile
(128GB)
Our Review
5
OnePlus - 12R 128GB...
Best Buy
Our Review
6
Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen...
AT&T Mobility
(Blue)
Our Review
8
OnePlus 12R CPH2611 North...
OnePlus US & Canada
(128GB 6GB RAM)
10
Straight Talk Google Pixel...
Walmart
Show more
Tammy Rogers
Audio Editor

Tammy and her generous collection of headphones have found a new home — Tom's Guide! After a two-and-a-half-year stint as iMore's resident audiophile, Tammy's reviews and buying guide expertise have more focus than ever on Tom's Guide, helping buyers find the audio gear that works best for them. Tammy has worked with some of the most desirable audio brands on the planet in her time writing about headphones, speakers, and more, bringing a consumer focussed approach to critique and buying advice. Away from her desk, you'll probably find her in the countryside writing (extremely bad) poetry, or putting her screenwriting Masters to good use creating screenplays that'll never see the light of day.

Read more
Google Assistant
Gemini to kill off Google Assistant on most Android phones — here's what you need to know
google pixel 9 review shots of phone
Google Pixel 9 just got one of the Samsung Galaxy S25's best AI features
Gemini logo
Google's Gemini 2.0 update will supercharge your phone — 3 changes to try first
Gemini Live
Gemini Live major upgrade just revealed by Google
The new Gemini app home page vs the old
Forget ChatGPT — Google Gemini can now see the world with live video and screen-sharing
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
There are some great updates coming to the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro — but you probably won't be able to get them
Latest in Headphones
Soundcore AeroClip open-ear earbuds in champagne mist against a blue backdrop
Soundcore AeroClip review: sleek looks and stunning sound, these new open-ears just blew me away
JBL Endurance Race 2 headphones
JBL Endurance Race 2 review: good value sports buds
Ikea Vappeby speaker
I just tested this $15 Bluetooth speaker — and it's shockingly good for the price
Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses next to AirPods Pro 2
New report says Apple is working on Meta-style smart glasses and AirPods with cameras
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 —5 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
Black JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition over-ear headphones
I just tested these $199 “luxury” headphones — and they easily beat JBL and Beats
Latest in News
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Monday, March 17 (#645)
iPhone 17 Air render
New leaked iPhone 17 dummy units show off super-thin iPhone 17 Air with this surprising design tweak
Simone Ashley and Hero Fiennes Tiffin in "Picture This" now streaming on Prime Video
Prime Video top 10 has 3 must-watch movies — including a bubbly romcom starring 'Bridgerton's' Simone Ashley
(L-R) Josh Hartnett as Cooper and Ariel Donoghue as Riley in "Trap"
Netflix top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now
NYT Strands on a cellphone
NYT Strands today — hints, spangram and answers for game #379 (Monday, March 17 2025)
iOS 19 logo on an iPhone
Apple WWDC 2025: iOS 19 and everything we know so far