Google announced the Pixel Buds Pro 2 at the Made by Google event held on August 13 with some neat features including Gemini integration. While the company didn’t mention anything as such for the older Pixel Buds, later in September it started sending out emails stating Gemini will expand to older Pixel Buds as well. Now it seems, Google has started rolling out Gemini support for the older Pixel Buds including the original Pixel Buds Pro from 2022.
Google is rolling out Gemini support for older Pixel Buds including the first-gen “Pro” model
Today, popular Android reporter, Mishaal Rahman, took to his X account to post about the rollout. According to his post on X, the rollout is underway for some users already. So, if you are among those lucky ones, you can immediately access Gemini directly from your original Pixel Buds Pro. However, there’s one thing that you’ll need to do.
You’ll have to make Gemini the default assistant on your Android phone. Yes, that’s all. That said, the rollout is currently happening on the server side. So, if you can’t access Gemini via your original Pixel Buds Pro, we recommend waiting for a few more days.
The “Hey Google” setting is now merged
Besides, there’s a new “Only require one unlock” toggle that Google is rolling out for Gemini. After enabling the toggle, you’ll have to pair the original Pixel Buds Pro and unlock your device once before you can start engaging with Gemini. If not, you’ll have to unlock your phone every time you’ll need to talk to Gemini. More importantly, this whole thing will work only when earbuds and devices are connected.
Additionally, Google has made some changes to how the “Hey Google” works. Interestingly, Google is merging the “Hey Google” setting to your connected device’s settings. It means that if you haven’t enabled “Hey Google” for your device, you can’t engage with Gemini via the trigger word from your earbuds. Moreover, the Pixel Buds Pro users will welcome this integration since Google is likely removing touch-and-hold gestures from the earbuds.
