Pixel Buds Pro Update Adds Spatial Audio With Support For Head-Tracking: How to Download

The update also adds additional toggles to the Pixel Buds Pro settings on supported Pixel devices

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Written by Sheldon Pinto, Edited by David Delima | Updated: 8 March 2023 14:14 IST
Highlights
  • The January security patch brought static spatial audio to Pixel 7 models
  • Version 3.14 update introduced a 5-band equaliser for the Pixel Buds Pro
  • Head-tracking is only available on the latest Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 models
Pixel Buds Pro Update Adds Spatial Audio With Support For Head-Tracking: How to Download

The Pixel Buds Pro are best suited for use with Google’s Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro smartphones.

Google Pixel Buds and Buds Pro have been the go-to choice for Pixel smartphones buyers, thanks to the integration offered with the company's services. The latest Pixel Buds Pro also packs active noise cancelling (ANC) support like the previous model, but are more widely available than their predecessor. Google has also been rolling out timely updates for the Pixel Buds Pro adding new features over time. While support for static spatial audio arrived on supported Pixel smartphones in January, the latest Pixel Buds Pro model was yet to receive an update to enable head-tracking support, which has now arrived with the latest firmware update.

The company has detailed the new features added as part of the latest 4.30 firmware that is rolling out to Pixel Buds Pro earphones over the next week. Our Pixel Buds Pro review unit, has yet to receive this update and is currently on the version 3.14 firmware, which added five-band equaliser support along with other features.

Spatial audio, unlike regular stereo audio streamed through a pair of earphones, is designed to sound more immersive while giving an added sense of space. Google claims that it makes audio “sound richer” and has “added depth” when compared to regular stereo audio. Spatial audio with head tracking basically moves the sound around the listener and changes it according to the orientation of the wearer's head, basically giving one the impression of being seated in a theatre with the performance and audio emanating in front of the listener. This is why it makes perfect sense to place the source of the audio in front you while experiencing spatial audio.

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In a support page Google explains that spatial audio with head tracking is only available on the latest Pixel Buds Pro TWS earphones model. The feature only works on the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro models. Google does not offer the audio feature with Pixel Buds A series earphones or with any Pixel A series smartphone either.

Another detail to keep in mind is that Google lets users experience static spatial audio using wired earphones as well. However, the head tracking or 360-degree spatial audio experience requires the Pixel Buds Pro TWS earphones.

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Experiencing spatial audio will first need your smartphone to be updated to the latest software version. Next, the Pixel Buds Pro, will need to be updated to the latest version 4.30 firmware. Pixel Buds Pro owners can head into ​​​Connected devices> Pixel Buds Pro> Settings> More settings> Firmware update​​​ on their supported Pixel smartphones to check for the latest updates.

Lastly, users will also need to be subscribed to services or apps that provide content with 5.1-channel surround sound. Google recommends services like YouTube, Google TV, Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney Plus, that have support for immersive audio. Activating the feature simply involves opening the Settings menu of the Pixel Buds Pro under Connected devices and toggling Spatial Audio and Head Tracking, according to the company.


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REVIEW
  • Design
  • Display
  • Software
  • Performance
  • Battery Life
  • Camera
  • Value for Money
  • Good
  • Sharp, 90Hz display
  • Good quality cameras
  • Good gaming performance
  • Bloatware-free software, timely updates
  • Good battery life
  • IP68 rating
  • Bad
  • Video recording could be better
  • Gets warm under load
  • No bundled charger
  • Relatively slow charging
 
KEY SPECS
Display 6.30-inch
Processor Google Tensor G2
Front Camera 10.8-megapixel
Rear Camera 50-megapixel + 12-megapixel
RAM 8GB
Storage 128GB
OS Android 13
Resolution 1080x2400 pixels
NEWS
REVIEW
  • Design
  • Display
  • Software
  • Performance
  • Battery Life
  • Camera
  • Value for Money
  • Good
  • Sharp, 120Hz display
  • Good quality cameras
  • Good gaming performance
  • Bloatware-free software, timely updates
  • Premium design, IP68 rating
  • Bad
  • Gets warm under load
  • No bundled charger
  • Underwhelming battery life
  • Relatively slow charging
 
KEY SPECS
Display 6.70-inch
Processor Google Tensor G2
Front Camera 10.8-megapixel
Rear Camera 50-megapixel + 48-megapixel + 12-megapixel
RAM 12GB
Storage 128GB
OS Android 13
Resolution 1440x3120 pixels
NEWS
REVIEW
  • Design / Comfort
  • Audio Quality
  • Battery Life
  • Value For Money
  • Good
  • Comfortable fit, very good noise isolation
  • Reliable hands-free access to Google Assistant
  • Decent battery life on the earpieces
  • Fun, warm sound with punchy bass
  • Bad
  • App only works on Android
  • No detailed equaliser settings or ANC customisation
  • No advanced Bluetooth codec support
 
KEY SPECS
Headphone Type In-Ear
Microphone Yes
Connectivity True Wireless Stereo (TWS)
Type Earphones
NEWS

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