4 new features added to your Google Pixel Buds in the October 2026 update

Google has finally started rolling out the new software update for the Pixel Buds that it announced earlier this year. Firmware version 6.144 is for Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a and will add major new features for Pixel Buds users. Although the update is also planned for the original Pixel Buds Pro, it appears that Google is bringing the new features only to the Buds Pro 2 and Buds 2a, as the original Pixel Buds Pro are not listed in the update details.

The biggest additions to version 6.144 are four new features that should make the headphones even more appealing, including an improved ANC mode, improved live translation functionality, and even new tap-to-mute features. The Pixel Buds 2a were already a strong contender for budget earbuds, and these new features make them an even more powerful option. However, the gap between the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a widens with this upgrade, as Buds Pro 2 users will benefit from a new Dynamic ANC mode that the 2a doesn’t get. You can check if the update has already reached your earbuds by opening the Pixel Buds app and going to More Settings > Firmware Update.

As noted above, Pixel Buds Pro 2 owners get an improved version of active noise cancellation with this update. Dynamic ANC will allow the ANC to work even when the earbuds are not perfectly sealed in your ears. Activities like running, chewing, or even talking on a call can move your earbuds enough to disrupt the seal, and the Pro 2 will now adjust when these subtle changes occur.

The Pixel Buds already work with the Google Translate app to translate conversations on the fly, but this update makes accessing it much quicker. Once set up, all you have to do is press and hold your headphones to launch Google Translate in listening mode, or ask Gemini to “translate for me.” You can then keep your phone in your pocket all the time while Google Translate listens and translates over 70 languages ​​in real time.

You can also switch to conversation mode for real exchanges. The translated speech plays through your phone’s speaker, while the other person’s translated speech plays directly to your headphones. It’s useful for talking face-to-face, and you can even use Google Live Translate offline.

We’ve probably all experienced that moment during a call where we suddenly need to mute ourselves and rush to press the button on our phone. With Tap to Mute, you can tap either earbud to mute or unmute your microphone during a call. You’ll need to enable it first by opening the Pixel Buds app and going to Controls & Gestures > Tap to mute and unmute. It also requires a Pixel phone, like the Pixel 11, and currently only works in Google’s Phone app and Google Meet.

If you like to fall asleep to music or a podcast, the new Auto Sleep Pause feature might just be one of the best additions. When paired with a Pixel Watch, your earbuds will automatically pause audio playback, disable touch controls, and turn off the “Hey Google” feature whenever they detect that your Pixel Watch is in Bedtime mode.