What you need to know
- Google’s Pixel Buds web app now supports Windows and macOS.
- The app allows you to control various settings of Pixel Buds devices, including EQ, active noise cancellation, and conversation detection.
- Google initially released the Pixel Buds web app in October 2023, but it only supported Chromebooks until now.
The recent expansion of the Pixel Buds web app to include Windows and macOS users marks a significant enhancement for those who wish to manage their earbuds from a desktop environment. Initially launched in October 2023, the app was limited to Chromebook users, but Google has now broadened its compatibility to encompass both Windows and macOS platforms. This update has been reflected in Google’s support documentation, which now lists these operating systems alongside the previously supported Chrome OS.
This web app empowers users with greater control over their Pixel Buds, enabling them to toggle features such as active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and conversation detection. Additionally, users can adjust touch controls and fine-tune the equalizer settings to personalize their listening experience.
While the app’s transition to a Progressive Web App (PWA) format has been welcomed, Linux users find themselves at a disadvantage, as the operating system remains unsupported. Interestingly, given that Chrome OS is based on Linux, this exclusion raises eyebrows. However, savvy users can still access the Pixel Buds web app on Linux by modifying their user agent settings, effectively tricking the app into thinking it’s being accessed from a Windows device. This workaround suggests that Linux compatibility is feasible, making the absence of official support all the more perplexing.
Pixel Buds Pro 2
(Image credit: Future | Android Central)
The Pixel Buds web app not only enhances the user experience for all Pixel Buds models but also serves as a springboard to discuss the latest offering: the Pixel Buds Pro 2. These earbuds have garnered a commendable 4 out of 5 rating from Android Central, thanks to their seamless integration with Google Gemini and their impressive sound quality. Reviewers have noted their exceptional comfort, making them a popular choice among users.
For many consumers who own an Android phone paired with a Windows PC, the updated web app provides an invaluable tool to maximize the functionality of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and other Pixel Buds models. While the full suite of features, particularly those leveraging AI, is best experienced with a modern Pixel phone—specifically, a Pixel 6 or later—the web app’s introduction is a welcome enhancement for those using a PC.
As noted by Android Central’s Tshaka Armstrong, “Google has done it with its Pixel Buds Pro 2 TWS earbuds. They are light, comfortable, and feature-packed, and Google Gemini is the digital assistant many of us have been waiting for since the first time we watched an episode of Star Trek. Most importantly, though, the sound quality is top-tier for this space.” In a crowded market, Google’s latest earbuds manage to carve out a niche, standing out with their unique features and performance.
