Google Pixel Buds A-Series coming soon to the market

The Pixel Buds are for Google what the AirPods are for Apple. The Pixel Buds A-Series is the latest generation for Android. After the noble in-ears were introduced two months ago, they will soon be available at a very fair price. Those who are interested can pre-order the true-wireless headphones in mini format now.

Pre-order available now

When the Pixel Buds A-Series were presented a good two months ago, it was still written in the stars when they would come to market. Now, the Android counterpart to Apple’s AirPods is officially available for pre-order in the Google Store. The price is anything but exorbitant. Surprisingly, the small smart in-ears are launched at a price of just under 100 Euros. You can choose between the colors olive and white. When the pre-ordered headphones will be delivered is still a secret. Google itself does not mention any delivery dates on its website. However, you get an answer to this question when you reach the last page of the order. Here, there is talk of a delivery at the end of August.

Variant of the Pixel Buds 2

But what is the A-Series of Pixel Buds all about? Strictly speaking, the compact in-ears are a slightly modified version of the Pixel Buds 2. The most obvious difference is the price. The price of the A-Series is significantly lower than that of the conventional second-generation Pixel headphones.

Since the Pixel Buds 2 are no longer available through Google’s official online store, they will be replaced by the A-Series, so to speak. So possibly Google wants to launch its remaining Pixel Buds 2 at a lower price and give sales a boost with a new name?

Optics and sound almost identical

This impression thickens not only when looking at the headphones themselves, but also when taking a closer look at the charging case. Here, too, there are clear optical parallels to the Pixel Buds 2. We even find similarities apart from the looks. The sound of the A-Series is said to be in a similar league to the Pixel Buds 2.

This is hardly surprising given the same 12 mm drivers. Since the sound of the Pixel Buds 2 did not come off too well with many reviewers, one can only hope that Google has at least done some fine-tuning when it comes to the sound. The company has at least promised this. A ventilation system, which we know so similarly from Apple’s AirPods Pro, is also used here once again. Very pleasing!

Operation via sensor surface

Google also installs the sensor surfaces on its A-Series. This is, as with all other in-ears, of course a matter of taste. What is certain is that the touch-sensitive surfaces are supposed to react lightning-fast and immediately convert every touch into an input. Those who are annoyed by accidental wrong inputs might have a bit of trouble with the A-Series, at least at the beginning. This is especially the case when you just insert the headphones and get onto the surface. Fortunately, Google has banned the volume control from the sensor surface. At least here, there are no erroneous inputs to fear – Unlike it was still the case with the Pixel Buds 2.

Classic in-ear features

It quickly becomes clear that Google does not want to chase the competition here, but at least brings the current standard to the market. Thus, the earpieces offer classic features that we also know from the competition. On the one hand, there is the ear detection, which registers when you take the earbud out of your ear and pauses the music playback. When you plug the headphones back in, playback resumes.

Current Bluetooth 5.0 and an IPX4 certification are also not to be missed, of course. It is also possible to use the Google Assistant per call. The small in-ears are supposed to last up to five hours of playback. The compact headphones can be recharged up to four times with the included case. Charging the case is possible either via USB-C cable or wireless charging.

Apple users are looking down the tube

Google, meanwhile, has announced that there will be no matching iOS app for the A-Series. This means that the company is going down a similar path as Apple does with its AirPods. This means that configuring the small headphones and updating the internal firmware is completely out of the question.