Google is ensuring that its most advanced artificial intelligence isn’t locked away in its most expensive products. The new Pixel Buds 2a, priced at an aggressive $129, serve as an affordable gateway to the powerful Gemini AI assistant, packing premium features into a budget-friendly package.
Despite their low price, the Buds 2a include active noise cancellation, allowing for immersive listening in noisy environments. They are powered by the Tensor A1 chip, the same processor found in Google’s top-tier earbuds, ensuring that the hands-free Gemini assistant is fast and responsive.
This means users can get directions, send texts, get language translation, and control their smart home all through voice commands, without needing to purchase a flagship phone or premium earbuds. It’s a strategic move to get more users engaged with the Gemini ecosystem.
Announced alongside the high-end Pixel 10 phones and the feature-rich Pixel Watch 4, the Pixel Buds 2a play a crucial role. They complete the ecosystem by providing an accessible entry point, demonstrating Google’s commitment to making helpful AI a standard feature, not a luxury.