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Google has finally released a set of earbuds that many of us are happy to use. Pixel Buds Pro brings many of the features that users have been asking for, along with some that we were hoping for, but not expecting.
Two of those features are Multipoint and Active audio switch, which are frequently found with the best wireless earbuds, such as the Jabra Elite 85t and the Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro. With the ability to use Multipoint and voice switching with Pixel Buds Pro, you no longer have to deal with unpairing and then re-pairing your earbuds every time you want to switch to a new device.
Pair Pixel Buds Pro with multiple devices
In order to use Multipoint and Voice Switching with Pixel Buds Pro, you will first need to pair them with multiple devices. The steps are no different from pairing any other earphones. But here’s how to pair the Pixel Buds Pro with my first two devices.
1. Make sure the Pixel Buds Pro is sufficiently charged.
2. If pairing with a phone first, unlock the phone.
3. Enable Bluetooth, if necessary.
4. Open the cover of the Pixel Buds Pro charging case.
5. Press and hold the pairing button on the back of the charging case until the front LED light starts flashing white.
6. When the pop-up notification appears, tap Connection button.
7. Press Accommodation button.
8. Wait a few moments while Pixel Buds Pro connects to your phone and Google account. Leave the charging case cover open.
Once you pair the Pixel Buds Pro with your Android phone, you’ll be instantly taken to the device details panel within the Settings app. From here, you can customize various aspects of Buds Pro, such as enabling multi-point switching and audio.
In order to take full advantage of these new features available with the Pixel Buds Pro, you will need to pair the earbuds with a second device. For these instructions, we will be using the Acer Chromebook Spin 513.
1. Before getting started, open the charging case cover on the Pixel Buds Pro.
2. Press and hold the pairing button on the back of the Pixel Buds Pro charging case until the LED light starts blinking white.
3. Open a file Settings Application.
4. In the sidebar, click Bluetooth.
5. Click Pair a new device.
6. Under Available devicesselect your Pixel Buds Pro when they appear.
7. Wait a few moments for the pairing process to complete. A notification will appear and the “Pair new device” dialog box will disappear.
As we noted earlier, the above steps apply to those pairing Pixel Buds Pro with a Chromebook. However, you can also pair the new earbuds with another phone (iPhone or Android), tablet, or other computer.
How to enable Multipoint with Pixel Buds Pro
Now that the Pixel Buds Pro are connected to two separate devices, I’m very close to being able to use Multipoint. The next step in the process is to enable the multi-point capabilities within the Pixel Buds Pro settings.
1. Open a file Settings Application.
2. Press Connected devices.
3. Next to Pixel Buds Pro, tap gear sign.
4. Scroll down and tap Multipoint.
5. Press the switch button To enable Multipoint.
How to use Multipoint with Pixel Buds Pro
With Multipoint enabled, you can now start using the Pixel Buds Pro while pairing the earbuds with two devices simultaneously. From now on, if you are listening to music or watching a video on your computer and want to summon Google Assistant, it will go to your other device to listen to the request.
When the assistant is called, the media playback on your computer will be paused, after which you will simply need to unpause the playback when you are ready to continue. There are no additional features that need to be modified, and you do not need to unpair and then re-pair the Buds Pro with your phone.
How to use Voice Swap with Pixel Buds Pro
Voice and multipoint switching are very similar in functionality, but they differ enough in practice. This technology allows Pixel Buds Pro to switch between devices when a phone call arrives on your phone and you’re watching a movie on your Chromebook. You will need to make sure that the feature is enabled in Pixel Buds Pro.
1. Open a file Settings Application.
2. Press Connected devices.
3. Next to Pixel Buds Pro, tap gear sign.
4. Scroll down and tap sound switch.
5. Press the switch button To enable audio switching.
Now that you have Multipoint and Audio switching enabled with Pixel Buds Pro, you can forget about worrying about the tedious Bluetooth pairing process of the old days. If you are listening to music on your phone and need to join a video call on your PC, Buds Pro will automatically switch to the necessary device.
Google asserts in its support documents that there is a “priority order” when it comes to both multipoint and audio conversion. For example, “Phone calls or video calls take precedence and Assistant will take precedence over media such as music, notifications, and system sounds.” And no matter what you do, in addition to making a phone call, the Google Assistant can always be accessed by touching and holding the “configured” earpiece.
Use Pixel Buds Pro with your two flagship devices
Being able to use Multipoint and voice switching on Pixel Buds Pro is no small feat. There are a lot of different factors that are taken into consideration, based on the type of media being consumed and the device being used. Anyway, this is it the new Features, but new to the Google ecosystem with Pixel Buds Pro.
There are more features planned in future software updates, like bringing things like an adjustable equalizer to the Pixel Buds app. Google is also working on implementing Fast Pair in Chromebooks, which will easily bridge the gap between your phone and Chromebook.
Not just for one device
Pixel Buds Pro offer long-lasting battery life, making them the perfect earbuds for use with multiple devices. Thanks to Multipoint and Voice Switching, you can do just that!