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

(Image credit: Regan Coule/Tom's Guide)

Google’s new Pixel Buds 2 could soon tell you more about your surroundings 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 attention alerts. An alert feature could notify the Pixel Buds wearer of when a fire alarm is going off or when a baby is crying. 

While the Pixel Buds 2 don’t have noise cancellation, but they do a fairly good job of sealing out unwanted background noise. Plus, Google offers Adaptive Sound, which dynamically adjusts the volume as you move between quiet and noisy environments, something the AirPods Pro doesn't offer.

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

Given the Pixel Buds 2 already have some smart sound processing features, it wouldn’t be a huge step for Google to enable attention alerts. It could work in tandem with the microphones on a partnered Android phone to aid in the sound detection and processing. 

There’s no information as to how such an alert system would work. But we’d hazard a guess that when the Pixel Buds detect 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 also be sent to the connected smartphone. 

However, this does raise concerns about privacy. The Pixel Buds 2 already listen out for the ‘OK Google’ or ‘Hey Google’ trigger phrase, but if they end 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-by. So it would be likely Google would add in some filtering feature and opt-in options. 

There’s no word on if or when Google will enable the attention alerts feature; it could just be a bit of leftover code that the search giant hasn’t purged from the Pixel Buds app. But given the code for attention alerts seems to be present, it might simply be a case of Google finalizing some testing and then enabling the feature through a simple app and Buds firmware update. 

Roland Moore-Colyer

Roland Moore-Colyer a Managing Editor at Tom’s Guide with a focus on news, features and opinion articles. He often writes about gaming, phones, laptops and other bits of hardware; he’s also got an interest in cars. When not at his desk Roland can be found wandering around London, often with a look of curiosity on his face. 

Latest in Earbuds
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
Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. AirPods Pro 2
Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Apple AirPods Pro 2 — which Apple earbuds win?
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 vs. Beats Fit Pro: Which are the best Beats earbuds?
LG Tone Free T90S earbuds in charging case held up in front of a garden.
LG Tone Free T90S buds have three amazing features every audio company should copy
A side-by-side of the AirPods 4 vs Bose QC Earbuds
AirPods 4 vs. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: Which wireless earbuds win?
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 in cream
Powerbeats Pro 2 tipped to launch next week — here's the rumored date and price
Latest in News
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Saturday, March 15 (#643)
iPhone 17 Pro render
iPhone 17 Ultra just tipped to replace Pro Max in new leak — with these key upgrades
RCS messaging on an iPhone
Forget green bubbles — iPhones will soon get encrypted RCS messaging to Androids
CAD renderings of the Google Pixel 10 Pro
Latest Google Pixel 10 leak could make you want to skip it altogether
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 — analysts say it will be massive hit even with price hike
Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso in Ted Lasso season 3
‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 is official — here’s what Jason Sudeikis revealed