4 ways I customized my new Pixel Buds 2a
The new Pixel Buds 2a are on shelves now. Powered by the Tensor AI, they’re the first A-series Pixel Buds with Active Noise Cancellation and they give you easy, hands-free access to Gemini. There are plenty of other new features in the latest A-series buds, and fun ways to customize them. Here are five ways I use the Pixel Buds app settings to make my new Pixel Buds 2a my own:
1. Gave my Buds a new name
I have a few pairs of Pixel Buds, including older ones I don’t use anymore, so I always like to give my earbuds a fun, easy-to-recognize new name when I first set them up. This way, they stand out immediately when I’m connecting to a new device. Setting it up is simple: The prompt to name your device pops up right away when you first connect your new earbuds to your Pixel.
2. Assigned controls to each earbud
Because the new Pixel Buds 2a have Active Noise Cancellation — a first for the A-series — I can use the touch controls option to manage it. After turning on the controls, I can choose what “press and hold” on each earbud does. For me, a press on my right earbud turns on Active Noise Cancellation, and a press on the left triggers asking Gemini for help.
3. Customized the sound
Under the sound settings, the equalizer option lets you fine-tune how your earbuds will sound. You can manually move the sliders to increase treble or the low bass ranges. You can also choose from handy presets like “vocal boost,” “clarity” or “balanced” — which is my preference. If you’d rather create your own custom settings, you can save them for later.
4. Connected all my devices
Multipoint allows you to connect your earbuds to two devices at a time via Bluetooth. For example, if one of the connections is my phone and an incoming call comes in, my earbuds will automatically switch over. So I’m free to listen to music on my laptop and if I get a call on my Pixel phone, my earbuds will instantly switch to my phone so I can take the call. Or, if you recall tip #2, I can just tap my left earbud and ask Gemini to text that I’ll call them back later.
