Pixel Buds Pro 2 3.144 Update Adds ‘return’ Sound, ‘Surroundings’ Slider Appearing 

Yesterday, Google started rolling out firmware version 3.144 to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and the update comes with some new features.

Once the Left/Right earbuds and Case are updated to release_3.144 (from 2.117), we’re seeing a new “Bud return” sound “When buds are properly placed in the case.” 

It’s quick, subtle ding when the earbuds are properly placed into the case (and aligned with the contact/charging pins). Google is presumably responding to how you can place the buds on the wrong side. Previously, your only indicator that something went wrong is when you try to close them and cannot.

Bud return — like “Other alerts” for “charging starts, low battery, successful pairing, and errors” — can be toggled off, but it’s pretty quiet and unassuming.

Meanwhile, we’ve received one report today of a new “Surroundings” slider in the Device details page/Pixel Buds Pro 2 companion app. It appears near the bottom after Audio switch.

This might let you control how much ambient sound is let in. Note how the accompanying icon changes depending on the set level. According to the report we have today, this is not yet active, while we’re not yet setting Surroundings on our updated headphones.

Thanks Aadarsha

Google has yet to release an official changelog for this Pixel Buds Pro 2 update, but there are presumably bug fixes with firmware 3.144. As of today, this new release is more widely rolling out. Go to More settings > Firmware update to check, while the web app is also available.

• Updates will be downloaded to your earbuds the next time you use them with your Pixel or Android 6.0+ devices. This takes about 10 minutes, and during this time you can continue using your Pixel Buds.
• If your earbuds and charging case have sufficient charge, the update will begin installing the next time you place your earbuds to the charging case. This also takes about 10 minutes

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