Google’s Pixel Buds Pro immediately became the company’s best earbuds to date when they arrived in 2022. However, they were also the most expensive thus far and key features like spatial audio weren’t available at launch. Just over two years later, Google is back with a second-generation version of its noise-canceling Pro model that was rebuilt from the inside out. Plus, the Pixel Buds 2 Pro are the first Google earbuds to feature a Tensor chip inside.Â
When they’re in your ears, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 look similar to their predecessor. The outside where the touch panel resides is still a circular shape, emblazoned with Google’s trademark “G.” The rest of the earbud housing has been revised though, using “45 million data points from ear scans” to devise the best shape for both comfort and a secure fit. They’re 27 percent smaller than the Pixel Buds Pro and Google shaved 1.5 grams off the weight. There’s also a “twist-to-adjust stabilizer” that the company says will keep the earbuds in place when you need it.Â
Inside, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 pack in a Tensor A1 chip for audio processing and a dash of Google AI. The company says the component processes audio at “90 times faster than the speed of sound” (whatever that means), allowing the earbuds to adapt changes to both how they fit in your ears and to your environment. What’s more, the chip gives the buds the ability to block twice as much noise as the previous version and helps keep you sounding clear on calls. The active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Pixels Buds Pro 2 is equipped with so-called Silent Seal 2.0. Google says the system, with the aid of that Tensor chip, adapts to changes three million times per second. The ANC here is also capable of blocking more sounds, according to the company, including those at higher frequencies.Â
There’s also a bit of Google’s Gemini AI available on the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Gemini Live allows you to have a conversation with the company’s artificial intelligence technology while you’re using the new earbuds. While it sounds like what we’re used to doing with Google Assistant, which Gemini has officially replaced on the Pixel 9, this should be more natural and free flowing. Google says you’ll be able to do things like practice for a job interview or kick around ideas while you’re on the go. Simply say “Hey Google, let’s talk live” to summon Gemini on the Pixel Buds 2 Pro without reaching for your phone.Â
In terms of sound quality, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have 11mm drivers for “powerful bass” and “smooth treble.” Google says it has employed multi-path signals on the earbuds so that the audio processing and music don’t have to compete for the same real estate. Spatial audio with head tracking will be available too, so long as you’re paired with a Pixel Tablet or a Pixel 6 and newer phone.
The company is making big claims about call quality as well, once again employing Clear Calling to reduce environmental noise of the person on the other end no matter what phone or earbuds they may be using. Conversation Detection returns to automatically pause music and switch to transparency mode when the earbuds detect that you’re speaking. Other conveniences include compatibility with the Find My Devices network, automatic device switching with other Pixel gadgets, Bluetooth LE audio, automatic pausing and a wireless charging case. Speaking of battery life, Google says you can expect up to eight hours with ANC on (12 hours with it off), which is one hour longer than the Pixel Buds Pro.Â
The Pixel Buds 2 Pro will be available in Porcelain (tan), Hazel (grey), Wintergreen (green) and Peony (pink) for $229. That’s $29 more than the Pixel Buds Pro were at launch, making this new model Google’s most expensive earbuds yet again. You can pre-order the new earbuds today and they’ll be available on September 26.
Catch up on all the news from Google’s Pixel 9 launch event right here!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/googles-pixel-buds-pro-2-are-its-first-earbuds-that-work-with-gemini-ai-170048042.html?src=rss Google’s Pixel Buds Pro immediately became the company’s best earbuds to date when they arrived in 2022. However, they were also the most expensive thus far and key features like spatial audio weren’t available at launch. Just over two years later, Google is back with a second-generation version of its noise-canceling Pro model that was rebuilt from the inside out. Plus, the Pixel Buds 2 Pro are the first Google earbuds to feature a Tensor chip inside.Â
When they’re in your ears, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 look similar to their predecessor. The outside where the touch panel resides is still a circular shape, emblazoned with Google’s trademark “G.” The rest of the earbud housing has been revised though, using “45 million data points from ear scans” to devise the best shape for both comfort and a secure fit. They’re 27 percent smaller than the Pixel Buds Pro and Google shaved 1.5 grams off the weight. There’s also a “twist-to-adjust stabilizer” that the company says will keep the earbuds in place when you need it.Â
Inside, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 pack in a Tensor A1 chip for audio processing and a dash of Google AI. The company says the component processes audio at “90 times faster than the speed of sound” (whatever that means), allowing the earbuds to adapt changes to both how they fit in your ears and to your environment. What’s more, the chip gives the buds the ability to block twice as much noise as the previous version and helps keep you sounding clear on calls. The active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Pixels Buds Pro 2 is equipped with so-called Silent Seal 2.0. Google says the system, with the aid of that Tensor chip, adapts to changes three million times per second. The ANC here is also capable of blocking more sounds, according to the company, including those at higher frequencies.Â
There’s also a bit of Google’s Gemini AI available on the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Gemini Live allows you to have a conversation with the company’s artificial intelligence technology while you’re using the new earbuds. While it sounds like what we’re used to doing with Google Assistant, which Gemini has officially replaced on the Pixel 9, this should be more natural and free flowing. Google says you’ll be able to do things like practice for a job interview or kick around ideas while you’re on the go. Simply say “Hey Google, let’s talk live” to summon Gemini on the Pixel Buds 2 Pro without reaching for your phone.Â
In terms of sound quality, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have 11mm drivers for “powerful bass” and “smooth treble.” Google says it has employed multi-path signals on the earbuds so that the audio processing and music don’t have to compete for the same real estate. Spatial audio with head tracking will be available too, so long as you’re paired with a Pixel Tablet or a Pixel 6 and newer phone.
The company is making big claims about call quality as well, once again employing Clear Calling to reduce environmental noise of the person on the other end no matter what phone or earbuds they may be using. Conversation Detection returns to automatically pause music and switch to transparency mode when the earbuds detect that you’re speaking. Other conveniences include compatibility with the Find My Devices network, automatic device switching with other Pixel gadgets, Bluetooth LE audio, automatic pausing and a wireless charging case. Speaking of battery life, Google says you can expect up to eight hours with ANC on (12 hours with it off), which is one hour longer than the Pixel Buds Pro.Â
The Pixel Buds 2 Pro will be available in Porcelain (tan), Hazel (grey), Wintergreen (green) and Peony (pink) for $229. That’s $29 more than the Pixel Buds Pro were at launch, making this new model Google’s most expensive earbuds yet again. You can pre-order the new earbuds today and they’ll be available on September 26.
Catch up on all the news from Google’s Pixel 9 launch event right here!
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/googles-pixel-buds-pro-2-are-its-first-earbuds-that-work-with-gemini-ai-170048042.html?src=rssÂ
The Amazon Marketplace: Empowering Sellers and Shaping Consumer Behavior
The Amazon Marketplace has emerged as a powerful force in the global economy, redefining how businesses operate and how consumers shop. Since its launch in 2000, Amazon Marketplace has grown into one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, with millions of sellers and an even larger base of customers. This platform has not only democratized e-commerce, providing opportunities for businesses of all sizes, but it has also significantly influenced consumer behavior. This article explores how the Amazon Marketplace empowers sellers and shapes consumer behavior.
Empowering Sellers: Opportunities and Challenges
The Amazon Marketplace has opened up unprecedented opportunities for sellers, from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations. One of the most significant benefits for sellers is the access to Amazon’s vast customer base. With over 300 million active users globally, Amazon provides a ready-made audience for sellers, eliminating the need for extensive marketing efforts to drive traffic to their products.
Lower Barriers to Entry
One of the most profound ways Amazon empowers sellers is by lowering the barriers to entry into the e-commerce space. Traditionally, setting up an online store required significant investment in website development, payment processing systems, and logistics. Amazon Marketplace simplifies this process by providing a platform where sellers can list their products, handle transactions, and even manage shipping through Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service.
FBA, in particular, has been a game-changer for many small and medium-sized businesses. It allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s warehouses, where Amazon takes care of packing, shipping, and even customer service. This service not only reduces the logistical burden on sellers but also ensures that their products are eligible for Amazon Prime, which can significantly boost sales.
Global Reach
The global reach of Amazon Marketplace is another significant advantage for sellers. With Amazon’s presence in numerous countries, sellers can tap into international markets with relative ease. Amazon’s Global Selling program enables sellers to list their products in multiple countries, allowing them to expand their customer base far beyond their home market. This global reach is particularly beneficial for small businesses that may not have the resources to enter international markets independently.
Data and Analytics
Amazon provides sellers with valuable data and analytics tools that can help them optimize their listings and marketing strategies. Through the Seller Central dashboard, sellers have access to detailed reports on sales, customer behavior, and advertising performance. This data-driven approach allows sellers to make informed decisions about pricing, inventory management, and advertising, ultimately leading to better business outcomes.
Challenges for Sellers
However, selling on Amazon is not without its challenges. The competition on the platform is fierce, with millions of sellers vying for the attention of customers. To stand out, sellers must invest in optimizing their product listings, managing reviews, and running targeted advertising campaigns. Additionally, Amazon’s fee structure, which includes referral fees, FBA fees, and other charges, can eat into sellers’ profit margins, especially for those selling low-margin products.
Moreover, Amazon’s control over the marketplace means that sellers are subject to its policies and regulations. This can be a double-edged sword; while Amazon’s strict guidelines help maintain a level of quality and trust on the platform, they can also be restrictive for sellers. Policy changes, such as adjustments to fee structures or new regulations regarding product listings, can have a significant impact on sellers’ businesses.
Shaping Consumer Behavior: Convenience and Choice
The Amazon Marketplace has not only empowered sellers but also transformed consumer behavior in profound ways. The platform has become synonymous with convenience, choice, and competitive pricing, which are key drivers of consumer decisions.
Convenience and Speed
One of the most significant impacts of Amazon on consumer behavior is the expectation of convenience and speed. Amazon’s streamlined shopping experience, coupled with services like Amazon Prime, has set a new standard for online shopping. Consumers now expect fast, often same-day, delivery, easy returns, and a seamless shopping experience across devices. This has raised the bar for other e-commerce platforms and even brick-and-mortar stores, which have had to adapt to meet these heightened expectations.
The convenience offered by Amazon extends beyond just delivery speed. Features like one-click purchasing, personalized recommendations, and a user-friendly mobile app have made shopping on Amazon almost effortless. This ease of use has contributed to the platform becoming the go-to destination for many consumers, particularly for everyday purchases.
Broad Product Selection
Amazon’s vast selection of products is another factor that has shaped consumer behavior. The marketplace offers a seemingly endless array of products across virtually every category, from electronics to groceries. This extensive selection is possible because of the millions of third-party sellers who list their products on the platform, alongside Amazon’s own offerings.
This breadth of choice has shifted consumer expectations, leading to a preference for platforms that offer a wide variety of options. Consumers are now less willing to visit multiple websites or stores to find what they need, preferring the convenience of one-stop shopping. This trend has also put pressure on traditional retailers to expand their product offerings and improve their online shopping experiences.
Price Sensitivity and Competitive Pricing
Amazon’s pricing strategies have also influenced consumer behavior, making customers more price-sensitive. The platform’s dynamic pricing model, where prices can change frequently based on factors like demand and competition, encourages consumers to compare prices and seek out the best deals. Additionally, features like Amazon’s price tracking tools and the ability to view historical prices have made consumers more aware of price fluctuations and more likely to wait for discounts before making a purchase.
This increased price sensitivity has impacted the broader retail landscape, forcing competitors to adopt more aggressive pricing strategies to stay competitive. It has also led to the rise of price comparison tools and apps, further empowering consumers to find the best deals.
The Role of Reviews and Ratings
Amazon’s review system is another key factor influencing consumer behavior. Customer reviews and ratings have become a critical component of the decision-making process for many shoppers. Positive reviews can significantly boost a product’s visibility and sales, while negative reviews can deter potential buyers. This has led to a culture where consumers rely heavily on the experiences of others to guide their purchasing decisions.
The importance of reviews has also created a new challenge for sellers, who must actively manage their reputation on the platform. This has given rise to practices like review solicitation and even, unfortunately, fake reviews. However, Amazon has taken steps to combat these practices, implementing stricter policies and algorithms to detect and remove fraudulent reviews.
Conclusion
The Amazon Marketplace has had a profound impact on both sellers and consumers, reshaping the e-commerce landscape in the process. By empowering sellers with access to a global customer base, powerful data tools, and logistical support, Amazon has lowered the barriers to entry for businesses of all sizes. At the same time, the platform has transformed consumer behavior, setting new standards for convenience, choice, and pricing.
As Amazon continues to evolve, its influence on the global economy and consumer culture will likely only grow. For sellers, the challenge will be to navigate the complexities of the platform and find ways to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. For consumers, the Amazon Marketplace will continue to be a driving force behind the expectations and behaviors that define the future of shopping.
