Google is making it easier for users to manage their Pixel Buds Pro and Pixel Buds Pro 2 by introducing new noise control options integrated directly into the volume control menu on Android 15. This update simplifies how users can adjust features like noise cancellation and spatial audio, offering a more seamless experience for Android users. Additionally, the company has extended its Pixel Buds web app support to Windows and Mac, expanding accessibility beyond Chromebooks.
Enhanced Volume Control in Android 15
As part of Android 15’s latest features, users of Pixel Buds Pro and the newly launched Pixel Buds Pro 2 will now see enhanced noise control settings integrated directly into the volume control menu. According to a report from 9To5Google, when users access the volume control slider on their Android 15-powered smartphones, they will now see options for managing noise cancellation modes, spatial audio, and live caption functionalities right below the volume sliders.
The new “Noise Control” option provides quick access to essential sound settings for Pixel Buds Pro. By tapping the option, users are greeted with a pop-up menu offering three distinct modes:
- Noise Cancellation: This mode blocks out ambient noise for a more immersive listening experience.
- Transparency: Transparency mode allows users to hear ambient sounds, making it easier to stay aware of their surroundings while still enjoying audio content.
- ANC Off: This mode disables active noise cancellation entirely, letting users hear the environment naturally without interference.
In addition to the noise control feature, the redesigned volume control menu introduces “Spatial Audio” settings. Users can toggle between:
- Off: Standard audio output without any 3D enhancements.
- Fixed: Provides a spatial audio experience where sound remains fixed relative to the listener’s head position.
- Head Tracking: Offers a more dynamic spatial audio experience where sound adjusts based on the user’s head movements.
Meanwhile, the Live Caption control is included for users who prefer captions during audio playback. This feature can be easily toggled on or off within the same menu.
Android 14 Integration and Feature Availability
While these advanced menu features are debuting on Android 15, Google has also rolled out some updates for Android 14 users. Specifically, the noise control options will be available in Android 14, but without the additional settings for spatial audio and live captions. For users on Android 14, the noise cancellation controls will still appear below the media volume slider, offering Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and ANC Off modes.
This cross-version compatibility ensures that even users who have not yet upgraded to Android 15 can still benefit from improved noise control management for their Pixel Buds Pro.
Expanded Pixel Buds Web App Support
Alongside the enhancements in Android, Google has extended its Pixel Buds web app to more platforms, allowing users of Pixel Buds Pro and Pixel Buds Pro 2 to manage their earbuds on Windows and Mac devices. The web app, previously limited to Chromebooks, can now be accessed via mypixelbuds.google.com on Windows and Mac computers, providing a seamless way to control the settings of Pixel Buds Pro across multiple devices.
Through the web app, users can switch between noise cancellation modes, toggle Multipoint Connectivity, which allows users to connect their earbuds to multiple devices simultaneously, and manage Touch Controls for their earbuds. The web app also includes an Equaliser feature, enabling users to fine-tune their audio experience by adjusting sound profiles.
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This expansion of the Pixel Buds web app to Windows and Mac devices further integrates the Pixel Buds Pro ecosystem across different operating systems, making it easier for users to manage their earbuds regardless of whether they are using an Android phone, a Windows PC, or a Mac.
A Seamless Experience Across Devices
These updates reflect Google’s ongoing efforts to create a more integrated and user-friendly experience for Pixel Buds Pro users. By embedding noise control settings directly into Android’s volume menu, users no longer need to navigate separate apps or settings menus to adjust sound modes. The ability to control noise cancellation, transparency, spatial audio, and live captions all from a single interface adds convenience and reduces friction in managing earbuds.
For those who frequently switch between devices, the expanded support for Windows and Mac through the Pixel Buds web app is a welcome development. This broadens the reach of Pixel Buds Pro beyond just Android and Chromebook users, making them more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
With these updates, Google continues to enhance the functionality of its Pixel Buds Pro line, positioning the earbuds as a versatile and user-friendly option for those looking for high-quality audio across various platforms. Whether it’s through the simplified volume control menu in Android or the expanded web app on Windows and Mac, managing Pixel Buds Pro is now more intuitive and seamless than ever.
