Google has launched the Pixel Buds Pro 2, almost two years after they entered the wireless earbuds market with the Pixel Buds Pro.
This week’s Made by Google event was mostly centered around the launch of the Google Pixel 9 smartphones but, the introduction of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 seemingly ensures Google remains one of the major players in the wireless earbuds market.
Several notable upgrades back that up, as well as a variety of very bold claims made by Google that may pique the interest of users currently in the market for new wireless earbuds.
So, here’s everything you need to know about the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 before you part with your hard-earned money.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: How good are they?
Design
While Samsung recently followed Apple’s lead by switching to stemmed wireless earbuds with the Galaxy Buds 3, Google has kept its original look and feel by remaining stemless.
In comparison to the first-generation model, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are 24% lighter and 27% smaller, adding to a more secure and comfortable fit. Google claims they are “the smallest premium earbuds on the market.”
According to Google, they were designed using 45 million data points from different ears, leading to the type of comfort that will allow users to “wear them all day.” The Pixel Buds Pro 2 comes equipped with a helpful twist-to-adjust stabilizer that gives users the ability to adjust the type of fit inside their ear. A slight twist of the earbuds can make them tighter for when working out, or more loose for all-day comfort.
There are also four colors available: Hazel, Peony, Wintergreen and Porcelain.
Hardware
Google’s new Tensor A1 chipset debuts in the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which is the first time a Tensor chip has been used in earbuds.
According to Google, the Tensor A1 chip runs “90 times faster than the speed of sound” and was built for Google AI. Therefore, it is the very thing behind all the impressive upgrades made to ANC and overall audio quality.
Google says the chip introduces multi-path processing to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which means all audio passes from the source directly to your ears on a dedicated path, completely separate and unaffected by ANC processing, leading to a more pure listening experience.
Image: Google
Battery
There is also a noticeable improvement to battery life on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, with up to eight hours of playback with ANC turned on. Alongside the charging case, users can get up to 30 hours of listening time.
The charging case supports Qi-certified wireless charging.
Sound Quality and ANC
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 comes with 11mm in-house acoustic drivers that provide more balanced audio, powerful bass, smooth treble and spatial audio for head tracking.
Arguably the biggest upgrade is the improvements made to Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which has been enabled by the new Tensor chipset.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have ‘Silent Seal 2.0’ which adapts to your environment 3 million times per second and cancels twice as much noise, with ANC now capable of working on higher frequencies than the first-generation Pixel Buds Pro.
Image: Google
Features
The standout feature on the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is how it’s built to work seamlessly with Google Gemini, thanks to the Tensor chip.
This doesn’t come as much of a surprise given Gemini is the default assistant on Pixel 9 smartphones, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have been designed to work and communicate seamlessly with the AI assistant.
What makes this more impressive is the introduction of Gemini Live, which allows users to engage in free-flowing conversations with Gemini. It’s so accurate that you can even interrupt it and ask it to elaborate or clarify certain things further. Users will be able to choose from a variety of natural voices for their own personal Gemini experience.
On top of that, Conversation Detection uses AI to know when users start speaking, which leads to audio being stopped and ANC being switched off. Audio then restarts and ANC is switched back on as soon as it no longer detects a conversation is being had by the user.
Also on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is seamless audio switching between two devices and Find My Device capabilities.
What is the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 release date?
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are available to pre-order now after launching at Google’s Made by Google event on August 13.
The official release date is September 26, so we’re a little over a month away from them officially hitting the shelves.
How much will Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 cost?
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 is priced at $229, which is a slight increase compared to the Pixel Buds Pro, which launched at $199.
That price increase is likely down to a combination of increased costs and the introduction of a more powerful chipset.
Featured Image: Google
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Google has launched the Pixel Buds Pro 2, almost two years after they entered the wireless earbuds market with the… Continue reading Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: Design, features, price and everything we know
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Amazon’s Leadership and Corporate Culture: Lessons from Jeff Bezos
Amazon, one of the most influential and innovative companies in the world, has a corporate culture and leadership philosophy shaped largely by its founder, Jeff Bezos. Bezos’s approach to leadership and his vision for Amazon have set the company apart in the highly competitive tech and retail sectors. This article explores the key elements of Amazon’s leadership and corporate culture, and the lessons that can be drawn from Bezos’s unconventional methods.
The Bezos Leadership Philosophy
Jeff Bezos founded Amazon in 1994, and his leadership philosophy has been instrumental in driving the company’s success. Central to Bezos’s approach is a relentless focus on the customer. He famously emphasized, “We’re not competitor obsessed, we’re customer obsessed. We start with the customer and we work backwards.” This mantra has guided Amazon’s product development, customer service, and innovation strategies.
Bezos’s customer-centric philosophy manifests in various ways. For instance, Amazon’s customer service policies are designed to maximize customer satisfaction, often going above and beyond industry standards. This includes offering easy returns, fast shipping, and a broad range of products. The commitment to customer experience is not merely a slogan but a guiding principle that influences every aspect of Amazon’s operations.
Innovation and Risk-Taking
Another hallmark of Bezos’s leadership is a strong emphasis on innovation and risk-taking. Bezos has been known for his willingness to experiment and embrace failure as part of the innovation process. His approach is encapsulated in the principle that “failure and invention are inseparable twins.” This mindset has led to the creation of groundbreaking products and services such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Kindle, and Alexa.
Bezos encourages employees to think big and explore unconventional ideas. Amazon’s “Day 1” mentality, as described by Bezos, means treating every day as if it were the first day of the company’s existence. This approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and creativity, where employees are motivated to push boundaries and explore new possibilities.
The Two-Pizza Rule
Bezos’s leadership style also emphasizes the importance of small, agile teams. The “Two-Pizza Rule” is a notable example of this principle. According to this rule, teams should be small enough to be fed with two pizzas. The rationale behind this is that smaller teams are more effective at communicating and collaborating, which leads to faster decision-making and more innovative solutions.
The Two-Pizza Rule has influenced Amazon’s organizational structure, promoting a decentralized and flexible approach to management. It encourages teams to be autonomous and take ownership of their projects, leading to a more dynamic and responsive organization.
Long-Term Thinking
One of the defining features of Bezos’s leadership is his long-term thinking. Bezos has consistently prioritized long-term goals over short-term gains, a strategy that has often led to criticism from investors focused on quarterly results. However, Bezos believes that focusing on the long term is essential for building a sustainable and successful business.
This long-term perspective is reflected in Amazon’s investments in infrastructure, technology, and talent. For example, Amazon’s substantial investments in its fulfillment network and cloud computing services were made with the expectation of significant long-term returns. Bezos’s willingness to forgo immediate profits in favor of future growth has been a key driver of Amazon’s success.
Leadership Principles
Amazon’s leadership principles are a cornerstone of its corporate culture and reflect Bezos’s values and vision. These principles guide decision-making, employee behavior, and company policies. Some of the most notable principles include:
Customer Obsession: Always start with the customer and work backwards. Work to earn and keep customer trust.
Invent and Simplify: Seek out new solutions and simplify processes to make things easier for customers.
Hire and Develop the Best: Raise the performance bar with every hire and promotion. Recognize exceptional talent and help them grow.
Deliver Results: Focus on the key inputs for your business and deliver them with the right quality and in a timely fashion.
These principles help create a unified company culture where employees are aligned with Amazon’s mission and values. They also serve as a framework for evaluating performance and making strategic decisions.
A Culture of High Standards
Bezos is known for his insistence on high standards, which is reflected in Amazon’s corporate culture. He believes that maintaining high standards is crucial for driving excellence and innovation. This approach has led to a demanding work environment where employees are expected to deliver exceptional results and continuously improve.
While this culture of high standards has contributed to Amazon’s success, it has also been a point of contention. Critics have pointed to the intense pressure and high expectations placed on employees, leading to concerns about work-life balance and employee well-being. Bezos and Amazon have addressed these concerns in various ways, including investing in employee benefits and programs aimed at improving workplace conditions.
Lessons for Other Organizations
Amazon’s leadership and corporate culture offer several valuable lessons for other organizations:
Customer Focus: Prioritizing the customer can drive innovation and create a competitive edge. Companies should continually seek to understand and meet customer needs.
Embrace Failure: Viewing failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback can foster innovation and resilience. Encouraging experimentation and risk-taking can lead to breakthroughs.
Small Teams, Big Impact: Smaller, autonomous teams can be more agile and effective. Empowering teams to make decisions and take ownership can drive productivity and creativity.
Long-Term Vision: Balancing short-term pressures with a focus on long-term goals can lead to sustainable growth and success. Investing in future-oriented projects can pay off over time.
High Standards: Setting high standards and striving for excellence can drive performance and improvement. However, it is important to balance this with consideration for employee well-being.
Conclusion
Jeff Bezos’s leadership and Amazon’s corporate culture have been instrumental in shaping the company’s success and influence. Bezos’s focus on the customer, innovation, long-term thinking, and high standards has created a unique and powerful organizational environment. While there are challenges associated with this approach, the lessons from Amazon’s leadership can provide valuable insights for other organizations striving for excellence and growth.
